Q: What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique designed to release deep tensions in the body, helping to alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance overall health. It was developed by Dr. John E. Upledger during his years of research and clinical work at Michigan State University, where he was a professor of biomechanics.With a light touch, typically no more than 5 grams—about the weight of a nickel—CST focuses on relieving restrictions in the soft tissues surrounding the central nervous system. Many people turn to CST not only to address pain and dysfunction but also as a proactive approach to support their body’s natural defenses and maintain better health.

Question 1

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

Accepted Answer

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique I use to help your body naturally heal and find balance. It was developed by Dr. John E. Upledger during his research at Michigan State University in the 1970s and 80s and focuses on the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that protect your brain and spinal cord.

Using a light touch, no more than the weight of a nickel, I work to release restrictions in this system. This helps improve the function of your nervous system and supports other areas like digestion, circulation, and breathing. It can also be incredibly helpful for managing stress, PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

CST is a great way to tap into your body’s natural ability to heal, whether you’re addressing specific concerns or looking to boost your overall health and resilience.

Question 2

How does Craniosacral Therapy Work?

Accepted Answer

The brain and spinal cord, which make up the central nervous system, are vital to the body’s function and are protected by the craniosacral system—membranes and fluid that surround and nourish them. Daily stresses can tighten tissues and distort this system, creating tension around the brain and spinal cord and impacting overall health.​CranioSacral Therapy (CST) uses a gentle touch to detect and release these restrictions. By evaluating the motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid, practitioners can help restore balance to the craniosacral system. This process supports the body’s natural healing and relieves issues like chronic pain, sports injuries, and neurological conditions.

Question 3

Is there any condition for which CST shouldn't be used?

Accepted Answer

This is not a complete list of contraindications, and we encourage practitioners to deepen their understanding of CranioSacral Therapy by studying its indications and contraindications further.CST may not be suitable in certain situations, particularly when even slight changes in intracranial pressure could cause instability. Examples include acute aneurysms, cerebral hemorrhages, or severe bleeding disorders, where small shifts in pressure could pose risks.

Question 4

How Does Cavi-Lipo Work?

Accepted Answer

Utilizing ultrasound waves Cavi-Lipo penetrates down through the skin into the fat cells creating activity that bursts the fat cells (cavitation) while at the same time tightening the skins surface through the stimulation caused by the ultrasound wave. No other body sculpting unit combines both skin tightening with measurable change after just one treatment.

Question 5

Is the Cavi-Lipo treatment safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because Cavi-Lipo is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment, it is safe and you will experience no downtime as a result.

Question 6

Is Cavi-Lipo FDA Approved?

Accepted Answer

Yes​

Question 7

How long does it take?

Accepted Answer

The treatment lasts about 40 minutes, it is totally painless and with no known side effects. In some cases the result can be seen immediately and depending on individual clients, most will need between 4 – 12 treatments.  For best results it is important that clients come back every 3-7 days for treatments. To assist the fat removal, the client must drink plenty of water before, during and for several days following the treatment.​

Question 8

Does it hurt?

Accepted Answer

No. unlike Smart Lipo or Laser Lipo, Cavi-Lipo is entirely pain-free and non-invasive and can be used to treat the entire body including the face!

Question 9

Are there any side effects?

Accepted Answer

The majority of clients have reported no adverse side effects. Most common are headaches immediately following the treatment.

Question 10

What areas of my body can be treated?

Accepted Answer

Common areas are: stomach, thighs, hips, back, chin, and arms. There is no limit to where you can use the Cavi-lipo, but areas with larger amounts of localized fat are likely to see faster results.​

Question 11

Do I need to do anything before or after the treatments?

Accepted Answer

In order to make your treatments more effective, you will want to be sure to drink plenty of water (at least 1.5 liters) before and after your treatment. We also recommend eating a low calorie diet and minimizing your intake or carbohydrates and fat for at least 24 hours before hand. This will help to burn any fatty acid and glucose stored in your body. After your treatment, we will have you step on a vibration plate for 10 minutes, and recommend you drink plenty of water to aid in the expulsion of the fat through your lymphatic system.​

Question 12

Can anyone have the treatment done?

Accepted Answer

For the most part, anyone looking to reduce fat and cellulite are a good candidate for the Cavi-lipo. However, anyone with a pacemaker, cardiac or vascular disease, and women who are pregnant should not have the Cavi-Lipo treatment done. If you have a medical condition, your Cavi-Lipo technician will advise you to consult your physician before your treatment. Great results can be obtained for those who have up to 25 – 30 pounds or less to lose. Cavi-Lipo is ideal for those who have tried to shift the stubborn fatty bulges with diet or exercise and are aiming for a smoother and more balanced shape. Ultrasonic lipo is not a treatment for morbid obesity nor is it a weight loss cure. If a significant amount of surplus fat exists, we recommend successfully dieting before beginning the treatment program. A consultation will determine whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedures.

Question 13

When will I see results?

Accepted Answer

Most clients see the greatest results after the fourth session and thereafter. The results vary from person to person due to different tissue structure, size of treatment area, age, metabolism, medications, and eating habits. To achieve optimal results drinking water is essential to assist in the elimination of the fat, as well as staying away from alcohol and caffeine for 48 hours before and 48 hours after your treatment.

Question 14

What are the benefits of getting a massage?

Accepted Answer

Massages can help reduce stress, alleviate muscle tension, promote relaxation, improve circulation, improve sleep, and boost mental health and wellness to name a few.​

Question 15

How often should I get a massage?

Accepted Answer

The frequency of massages really depends on your specific needs and lifestyle. Some clients benefit from weekly massages while others come in monthly or even every 6 weeks. Your massage therapist will help you decide what is best for you.

Question 16

What should I expect during a massage session?

Accepted Answer

For your first massage, your massage therapist will go over your health history and discuss what brought you to Body Alchemy for a massage and what your goals for the session are. This is your time to communicate any specific concerns or areas you would like your massage therapist to focus on during the session. Your massage therapist will step out of the room and you will undress to your comfort level and lay under a drape on the massage table. Your massage therapist will always ensure you are properly covered.

Question 17

What should I do to prepare for my massage?

Accepted Answer

Avoid eating a heavy meal 1-2 hours prior to treatment. Also please come to your appointment clean and free of any fragrance (including fragrant personal care products)

Question 18

What should I do after my massage?

Accepted Answer

Giving yourself some extra time after your massage to continue relaxing and allow your body to fully take in the benefits of your massage would be ideal, but not necessary. You also want to make sure you have plenty of water after your treatment to hydrate your muscles.

Question 19

How long is a typical massage session?

Accepted Answer

We offer 30, 60, 75, 90 and 120 minute massages. Your massage will be hands on for the full length of your session and we leave plenty of time post massage so you will not feel rushed.

Question 20

Are your massage therapists licensed or certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all of our massage therapists are licensed in the state of New Jersey. Massage therapists are required to take Continuing Education Courses every 2 years to maintain their license.​

Question 21

Do you offer couples massage?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately right now we can not accommodate 2 massages at once, however back to back appointments are always an option.

Question 22

What if I fall asleep, snore or drool during my massage?

Accepted Answer

This is your session and if your body wants to sleep (or snore or drool) then we take that as a sign you are fully relaxed! Please don’t ever feel embarrassed if this happens.

Question 23

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

We do require 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment. This time has been set aside specifically for you and cancelling within 24 hours of your appointment will result in being charged for the session.

Question 24

What is a colonic?

Accepted Answer

Colon hydrotherapy aka colonics is a treatment that cleans out impacted waste and gas from the large intestine. The Woods Gravity Method that is done at Body Alchemy uses the pressure from gravity as a means to clean the large intestine. This means no pressurized water being forced in the colon.

Question 25

Do colonics hurt?

Accepted Answer

Colon hydrotherapy should never hurt. There may be times when you feel some pressure as your body releases old waste and gas. The best way to describe it is as though the “pressure” feeling may come in waves and dissipates when the gas and or waste is released. Following our guide on how to best prep for your session will help to lessen any discomfort.

Question 26

What should I do to prepare for a colon hydrotherapy session?

Accepted Answer

The best way to prepare for a colonic is to ideally eat a diet rich of fruits, vegetables and vegetable juices for a few days prior to your session. You also want to avoid meat, dairy and processed foods also for a few days prior to session. This will help to unlock the old impacted waste and gas. Mike Perrine from @ Everydaydetox has created the Vitality Broom Cleanse (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S8KUaZiX4BVTHzGTd5_7cYW-J8-qlCv1/view) that is chock full of great smoothie, juice and salad recipes to help best prepare for your session. If you can’t fully commit to this diet for a few days before- don’t worry! We have plenty of clients who come in that haven’t fully prepared and still receive the benefits of a colonic. The colonic can also add as a jump start to healthier food choices.

Question 27

How will I feel after my colonic session?

Accepted Answer

Many clients leave feeling a sense of lightness, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. We have even had clients say their eyesight is better after a treatment. In saying that, when you first start your colonic sessions you may feel a bit sluggish or tired after your treatment- this is also a good sign! It is a sign that your body is detoxing and releasing the old waste and is working toward a state of homeostasis. Typically we recommend multiple colonic sessions to further remove the old waste.

Question 28

Can I workout and or resume normal activities after my colon hydrotherapy session?

Accepted Answer

If it is your first few sessions, we typically recommend carving out some time after your treatment to see how your body responds. It is not uncommon for clients to possibly still need to go to the bathroom post treatment.

Question 29

Can I still come for a colonic during my menstrual cycle?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Coming in during your menstrual cycle will actually help to relieve any cramping, pressure and bloating by removing waste and gas from the core.

Question 30

How often should I get colonics?

Accepted Answer

​This really depends on your goals and health history. It is typically recommended for people to start out with a series of 3 sessions within 2-3 weeks and then we will evaluate from there.

Question 31

Does colon hydrotherapy wash out good gut bacteria?

Accepted Answer

This is a common misconception. For healthy bacteria to thrive, it cannot do so in a waste-filled environment. We do recommend eating a diet of fermented foods as well as taking a probiotic daily if you aren’t able to get fermented foods in your diet.

Question 32

Do colonics throw off the balance of electrolytes?

Accepted Answer

The water that is washed out of the colon during the therapy is not pulled out from the body’s system and therefore does not dilute any of your body's electrolytes. The mineral loss during a colonic is that of a good bowel movement. We offer Quinton Hypertonic or Isotonic minerals to each client after their session to replenish.

Craniosacral Therapy
and SomatoEmotional Release