“The heart of man is very much like the sea, it has its storms, it has its tides and in its depths, it has its pearls too”
Vincent Van Gogh
WHAT IS BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY?
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is a non-invasive yet effective way of resolving a variety of conditions and restoring health. Stressful and traumatic experiences can become patterned or locked within our physiology, affecting the way our body functions and heals itself. By using gentle touch BCST frees the underlying forces of health that get bound up in these ‘patterns of conditioning’, making them available for healing, and thus allowing normal function to return.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy has its root in osteopathy which was largely influenced by Native American healing practices. To some the name ‘craniosacral’ suggests that practitioners work only with the cranium and sacrum, when in fact, BCST is a holistic, whole body, whole person approach that appreciates the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit.
“Get out of your head & into your body & let’s see what the system knows how to do”
John. E. Upledger
DURING YOUR SESSION
The first few minutes of a session usually involve touching base with your therapist. A judgement free space is made available for you to report on any symptoms, issues or treatment goals you wish to share. From here, you’ll move onto the treatment table where your therapist will make sure you have everything you need to begin your hands-on session comfortably. This can include neck pillows; knee supports and the option of a comforting blanket. You will remain fully clothed throughout the session.
You will be talked through a simple body orientation to help you ‘arrive’ in the room and with your consent hands-on work will commence.
As your nervous system settles, your body will start to reveal its story and prioritise an area/s for healing. Your therapist can then be guided by your body’s innate wisdom and move to hold its different parts. These can include your head, spine, pelvis, abdomen and ankles. Holding these areas with compassionate neutrality and an orientation to “underlying stillness” allows the effects of injury, decease, stress and trauma to process and move towards resolution. Simultaneously, the body's innate connection to vitality is rekindled.
Hands-on work will last 30-40 minutes after which you and your therapist will have a brief discussion about the session, and how you both felt about it.
PATIENT LED THERAPY
BSCT prioritises a patient led approach. That is, your therapist will make educated and intuitive choices around a therapeutic approach based solely on what your body offers up/invites ‘non-verbally’ though contact. Likewise, on a verbal level, your therapist will always ask for your permission before placing their hands on or taking them away from your body and you are invited to say “No” to any proposed contact no matter the reason. Working this way, creates a safe environment and allows the processing of unresolved forces to happen at a rate that you are ready for and comfortable with.
THE CRANIO-SACRAL SYSTEM
The CRANIOSACRAL SYSTEM is a physiological system comprised of the bones of the skull (cranium) and the sacrum, as well as the membranes and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The subtle rhythmic motion of CSF around the brain and spinal cord as it delivers nutrients and removes waste products is known as the CRANIOSACRAL RHYTHM. With refined palpation skills this motion can be perceived within the body and is usually felt most strongly at the cranium and sacrum which are at either end of the spinal cord. Restrictions or imbalances in the craniosacral system can affect various bodily functions and generate symptoms anywhere in the body. During a session of craniosacral therapy, a skilled practitioner will evaluate and enhance the function of the craniosacral system.
"Cerebro-spinal fluid is the highest known element that is contained in the human body, and unless the brain furnishes this fluid in abundance, a disabled condition of the body will remain. He who is able to reason will see that this great river of life must be tapped and the withering fields irrigated at once or the harvest of health be forever lost."
Andrew Taylor Still
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM BIODYNAMIC CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY?
Because of its gentle approach, BCST is a suitable choice for just about anyone, particularly those who require a careful, non-manipulative treatment, and those who haven't responded successfully to traditional healthcare methods.
Frequently it is sought as a remedy for pain and sickness (acute or chronic), injury, depression and anxiety, or for some form of grief or trauma.
Additionally, many use craniosacral therapy as an ongoing resource for grounding and achieving inner balance, helping them to navigate life and meet challenges in a healthy and fruitful way.
I CAN WORK WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
Headaches ● Neck/Back pain ● Painful or stiff joints ● Neuralgia ●
Sleeplessness/Insomnia ● Muscle tension ● Jaw/Face pain ●
Tinnitus ● Fatigue ● Long Covid ● Digestive issues ●
Conception issues ● Birth trauma ● PTSD ●
Anxiety and Depression ● Grief
ABOUT ME
Hello, my name is Aaron Gazi. Welcome to my website. I hope you find the information here useful, and I invite you to reach out with your personal queries using the contact form below.
I discovered Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy back in the noughties while suffering with the debilitating effects of a then undiagnosed chronic health condition, known as Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome. My daily existence was one of recurrent joint subluxations, extreme fatigue, nerve pain, voice and digestive disorders, depression and an underlying sense of being broken.
Like many struggling with a complex health condition, I was stuck in the referral system for years, bounced from one specialist to the next, whose isolated approach to treating symptoms had very little appreciation for me as a whole person. As a result, any benefits I experienced were very short lived and I was left feeling hopeless, abandoned and perhaps worst of all, disempowered.
The first time I experienced the compassionate, non-judgemental touch of a craniosacral therapist was a major turning point in my life. A profound sense of peace, ease and wholeness that I hadn’t felt in years pervaded my entire being and my heart seemed to swell with gratitude. This reignited my sense of hope about the future and now craniosacral therapy has quite literally become my future. Just like my own therapists, my role is that of a conduit through which my patients can discover the brilliance and power of their bodies. It gives me a great sense of fulfilment being able to help others develop their own embodied intuition so that they can be at the helm of their recovery as they heal on all levels of being – body, mind and spirit. Be it chronic or acute pain, stress or trauma, I help people who have hit a wall in their healthcare journey to realise that freedom from pain is possible. I restore hope and leave you empowered.
Complimenting my craniosacral work are the many wonderful somatic practices I learned during my days as a performance artist. These include: The Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais, voice and breath work, and guided meditation among others. My approach to meeting and working with patients is intuitive, compassionate and sometimes playful, and reintroducing them to their innate health gives me great satisfaction.
I received my BCST qualification from the Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust (CTET), which is recognised by the International Affiliation of Biodynamic Trainings (IABT). Additionally, I am a registered member of the International Cranial Association (ICrA) and the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
I work with people of all ages, races, beliefs, sexual and gender identities, and I hope to welcome you to this wonderful therapy soon.
"I was recommended to Aaron by a friend and as I trust her judgement made an appointment. On the first appointment Aaron took time to find out about my general health and explain what is involved in Craniosacral Therapy. Apprehensive having never met Aaron I found I relaxed quickly in his company. He is very easy to talk to and I felt very listened to. Having had a few sessions with Aaron I found my general wellbeing improved having recently had a bereavement. I also had neck issues which also improved. Aaron is very professional, easy to talk to and very caring."
May Thomas
CLINIC
Oakwood, London N14
My clinic is approximately a 3-minute walk from Oakwood tube station (Piccadilly Line) and is on the following bus routes: 121, 301 & 377. Details of the exact location will be provided once a session booking has been confirmed.
ACCESS
Regrettably my second-floor clinic is not wheelchair accessible and is only reachable by stairs. Free on-premises parking is available.
