Craniosacral Therapy

This is a relatively new arrival to the list of alternative therapies and treatments dominating city life these days. Cynics suspect cranks and charlatans but you wouldn't if you spoke to Rosie Owen. She was converted to craniosacral therapy after experiencing the life-restoring effects at first hand. For years she had suffered chronic fatigue and sinusitis in her glamorous career working first for the ICA and subsequently in glossy magazines. She was astonished by the effect that even one session had on her symptoms and she decided to learn the skills herself. She qualified as a therapist this summer and set up her own company in central London. She still works for the magazine world but will gradually step aside when the therapy business takes off. Cranial osteopathy was developed in the early 1900s and craniosacral therapy developed from it, coming into its own as a discipline in the 1970s. It is an effective way to boost energy levels, combat fatigue and dispel that vague "under the weather" feeling that dogs modern life. The treatment is non-aggressive, treating the body holistically for inside-out healing. It focuses on the passage of spinal fluid in the spinal cord which connects the skull to the sacrum bone at the bottom of the spine. Therapy may start at the ankles, the back area or the head and shoulders but it is gentle and supportive, grounded in classical physiology and always preceded by a thorough discussion with the client. An introductory 50 minute session is £30, and thereafter £45 per session. Rosie Owens, Grosvenor Gardens House, 35-37 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1, 07870 598 835; email rosie@craniohealth.co.uk or visit www.craniohealth.co.uk

 

Come Dancing

The Royal Garden hotel is best known for its dramatic modern architecture and magnificent views over Kensington Gardens. Less well-known is the hotel spa, the Soma Centre, one of the best holistic centres in London with beauty and massage treatments, steam and sauna, modern cardiovascular machines, free weights and personal trainers. This winter they are introducing ballroom dancing lessons with instruction by Canadian National Champion David Outevski. Lessons take place each Monday evening from 6.30-7.30pm and offer a mix of Latin and ballroom dancing combined with dance fitness. Don't expect Arlene and Clive to come knocking on your door but it's a chance for beginners to learn popular dance moves and a great way to get into shape. Hour-long lessons cost £10. Advance bookings essential. Contact the Soma Centre, the Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High Street, London W8, 020 7361 1995; www.somacentre@royalgardenhotel.co.uk