SOMATOEMOTIONAL RELEASE

John Upledger, who is well-known in the field of Craniosacral Therapy and trauma work, author of many books on the subject, has written in this book, an account of his own history and discovery of the path of the body's inner wisdom. The toll exacted on the body from an accident, disease, stressful situation or emotionally devastating experience can extend far beyond the obvious physical effects. The energy accompanying the trauma can be retained, suppressed and isolated in the body by the unconscious long after the problem seems to be healed, as an 'energy cyst', which may produce symptoms many years later. SomatoEmotional release allows the identification and removal of these energy cysts together with their associated emotions. This is done through the light touch of Craniosacral Therapy. John Upledger sees a world in which myriad physical, emotional, cognitive and transpersonal factors converge to create the human sphere. He listens to the cells and tissues and tries to respond appropriately. His listening is informed medically, psychospiritually and intuitively. The block to healing lies in an immobilised, often inscrutable bond between resistance and metabolism that requires fresh energy and transduction. The language of the cells communicating with one another is intrinsic to the healthy functioning of tissues and organisms. All cells can respond to the invocations of the Inner Physician. Whilst assisting at open surgery of the dura mater, the fibrous covering of the brain and spinal cord, in 1971, Upledger discovered that there is a rhythmic activity of 8 cycles per minute in the dural membrane. This suggested that the rise and fall in pressure constituted a hydraulic pump. This experience started him on the path to the development of Craniosacral therapy and SomatoEmotional Release. Upledger believes that we carry unresolved trauma from one life to the next. We may also take on the trauma of another. Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, minimally invasive method for enhancing the functioning of all systems in the body, as well as co-ordination of body, mind and spirit. The therapist must establish a relationship with the Inner Physician in order to help the client get to the problem. Somatoemotional Release(SER) is the expression of emotion that has been retained, suppressed and isolated from the soma. The SER process is initiated by hands-on communication between the therapeutic facilitator and the client. It is the result of meaningful and intentional touch. The practitioner is facilitating the inherent healing capacities and processes of the client. The body responds by producing heat which dissolves the 'energy cyst' and the emotion related to the injury is released. The place where the client is experiencing pain may not be the place of injury - referred pain is common. The practitioner may be able to locate the focus of the problem by following the energy waves or arcing coming from the cyst. Babies born by Caesarian Section are rapidly decompressed and so do not experience the 'total-body treatment' which accompanies a normal vaginal delivery. This can give rise to biological frustration which manifests in a variety of ways giving rise to changes in normal function or chronic pain. Through SomatoEmotional release, the obstetric process can be completed as nature intended, resulting in a significant improvement in the functioning of the client, physically, mentally and spiritually. The process of dying is also programmed and many clients experience regression to a previous lifetime. Their symptoms of frustration, anger, guilt or fear being carried from a previous life, disappear once the past life question is resolved. There is an interesting chapter on the Inner Physician and the use of imagination in helping clients to resolve conflicts. Therapeutic facilitators make use of therapeutic imagery or active imagination together with dialogue. The dialogue established between the client's Inner Physician, their conscious awareness and the therapeutic facilitator conducted in the present moment may allow the client to understand the reason behind their symptoms and allow themselves to let go and resolve the conflict. The role of channelling and spirit guides is explained in a later chapter. The Reticular Alarm System(RAS), which is the part of the nervous system which responds to danger, may be set on ready alert. For example those who served in the Vietnam war. The war is over but the body does not heal from the fear it experienced and continues to experience flash-backs. By using the clients resources and dialoguing, it is possible to release the fear and allow the vet to live a more integrated life. There is a visceral correlation with the various organs of the body; the liver - anger and depression, the heart - love and fear of being hurt emotionally, the lungs - grief, the kidneys - fear of death and spleen - disappointment. There are details of some very interesting case studies and many examples of healing crises. This is a well presented book for the more open-minded therapist.