The NFL has been increasingly in the news lately – not just sports news, but medical news – because of growing awareness of the enormous problem of head injury in professional football. Repeatedly concussed retired NFL players suffer disproportionately from a frightening range of emotional and neurological illnesses, ranging from depression to dementia to Parkinson’s to ALS.
It turns out, though, that concussion consequences are by no means confined to the pros. High school football players have actually died as a result of head or spinal injuries suffered on the field. And college players, of course, are not exempt, as this article about the concussion/depression link shows:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/09/concussion-depression-college-athletes-study_n_7034918.html
This sort of thing is of special interest to me, because biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) can play a significant role in recovery from concussion, as well as non-concussion-related anxiety and depression. Check out this first-person account:
http://katherineriggs.co.uk/2013/06/05/a-week-of-craniosacral-results-day-3-concussion/
Though Ms. Riggs refers to her treatment simply as “craniosacral,” if you click on the link she includes regarding the friend who treated her, you will discover that he is a biodynamic craniosacral therapist. Ms. Riggs’ session with him was unusually dramatic, and was probably related to the fact that she saw her BCST very soon after her injury. Most people do not experience “huge jolts of electricity” coursing through their bodies during their BCST session; sessions are typically relaxing and peaceful, more reflective of the “dream-like state,” warmth, and connectedness she mentions. That said, the body will do what it needs to do to work through the things that happen to us.
Thanks so much sharing my post and my experience and also for recognising the efficacy of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy in treating concussion. It is true that most BCST sessions are peaceful, relaxed and dreamlike. I don't believe there is much to be gained, in terms of long term lasting change, from extreme cathartic releases which can further stress an already depleted system. (with exception) Sometimes though very powerful things do come up in a session. The best BCSTs know how to hold and contain these expressions with safety and skill – allowing the body to express what it has to say but to also remained resourced and connected. It's truly deep, beautiful work. Thank you for acknowledging it here. x
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Thank you so much for your reply. I feel so blessed to be able to do this lovely and meaningful work — and I'm so happy to know your concussion responded to it so beautifully!
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Thank you.
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