Gergana Lambreva is a therapist, specialist in craniosacral therapy. From an early age he experimented with holistic practices such as yoga, dietetics and healing breathing. She chooses craniosacral therapy as her primary practice because the results she observes in her patients (and herself has achieved over the years) are comprehensive and often extremely rapid. According to her, this is as much science-based as it is mystical treatment - sometimes it is difficult to explain the transformation that the people she works with go through
Her main qualifications are from the College of Cranio-Sacral Therapy in London and the Asian Cranio-Sacral Institute in Indonesia where she was trained by Dr. Leonid Sobolef. He is a member of the Association of Therapists (CSTA, UK) in England and currently, during his stay in Sofia, he practices at the Chiron Medical Center.
Ms. Lambreva, what is craniosacral therapy?
- Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is an extremely gentle, non-invasive yet powerful form of treatment that improves central nervous system function and supports the body's natural capacity for self-repair, regulation and self-healing. By working with the source of the pain or discomfort and, at the same time, with the entire mind-body system, CST helps restore and maintain physical, mental and emotional he alth. Creates the space needed for our own healing powers to activate.
The therapy has its roots in osteopathic medicine and was first developed in the early 20th century by the American osteopath, Dr. William Suderland. His work was later continued and expanded upon by another osteopath, Dr. John Upledger, who began teaching the discipline to non-osteopaths and over the past 30 years the therapy has developed as a modality in its own right.
Is the therapy safe?
- With its unique approach of light, unobtrusive, benevolent contact, it does not require invasive physical manipulation. Thus, the therapy has earned its reputation as a safe and effective treatment for pregnant women, infants and children, as well as people of all ages and he alth conditions.
How does the treatment work?
- Our body (physical, mental and emotional) envelops and stores all our past experiences both positive and negative. Many of these create layers of stress that inhibit his ability to self-regulate and heal. This can sever our connection to a sense of well-being, resulting in discomfort, imbalance, and later disease, starting to make their way into our bodies. This is the body's way of trying to get our attention.
The treatment works by first inducing the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system. As a result, the brain waves change - from the highly active beta to the calmer and meditative theta. This is characterized by a state in which
the body enters deep calmness,
the senses go inward, the mind moves into the realm of memories and associated feelings, and inspiration awakens. At this depth of perception, some of the repressed material rises to the surface where it can be realized and safely released.
How does the therapist manage this process?
- During the session, I "listen" to the communication of the body with my hands, by palpating the subtle cranio-sacral rhythm, through the liquor and tissues, feeling where its optimal movement is limited. Thus helping these areas to re-enter a state of balance and calm to facilitate resolution and return to optimal energy flow and vitality.
Which problem areas is the therapy aimed at?
- Craniosacral therapy traditionally specializes in the head, spine and sacrum, but is not limited to these areas, nor to the physical body. It can create a sense of "sacred emptiness" - often the only experience of something sacred in today's everyday life.
You mentioned the craniosacral rhythm. What's that beat?
- The craniosacral rhythm is the barely perceptible pulsation of the craniosacral system caused by the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid circulation in it. It expresses the degree of vitality in the body.
Who is therapy suitable for?
- Craniosacral therapy is extremely non-invasive and has no contraindications, so it is suitable for everyone.
What problems do they most often come to you for help with?
- Seniors come for many and varied reasons. Some seek help for specific he alth problems, such as headaches, back pain, digestive problems, allergies, exhaustion, insomnia and a host of other chronic problems.
Others come to delve into how they embodied birth and childhood trauma or unresolved emotional issues.
Many find craniosacral therapy helpful in dealing with stress and related chronic problems
What we often receive through this therapy are the added gifts of increased body awareness, a stronger connection with self, a shift in deep-seated behavior and thought patterns, a more optimally regulated nervous system, and an inner sense of peace and tranquility.
Children of all ages also benefit greatly from therapy, especially in the area of dealing with general behavioral, social and learning difficulties.
How is the therapy going?
- Each session is unique and individual, as I adapt it to the specific patient and his needs on the given day.
The treatment is performed while you lie on the massage table fully clothed, in most cases - on your back. The therapy involves the laying on of hands through light contact with different areas of the body, mostly along the spine and head, but can also be on the legs, arms and torso. Most people enter a deep state of relaxation, sometimes falling asleep or seeming to dream. Some people relate to subtle sensations of movement, tingling, heating in different areas of the body.
Sometimes it is possible for certain symptoms to worsen immediately after the session, but this is part of the treatment process. In general, the effect is often very exciting and is felt in the deep layers of our soul. The feeling of calmness and deep relaxation can spread into everyday life and be noticed by the people around you.
