Published: August 15, 2008 11:47 pm            

UCO professor researches light touch therapy

EDMOND — A University of Central Oklahoma adjunct professor recently opened the Oklahoma Craniosacral Research Center, 3233 E. Memorial Road, one of the only of its kind.

Kim Thomas, who has a master’s of arts degree in psychology, said Craniosacral is a light touch therapy that can increase fluid flow to all parts of the body. This has the ability to relieve chronic pain and allow the body to balance.

“Instead of treating the symptoms, this allows the body to fix itself on its own,” said Austin Green, who is filming a documentary over mind/body research. “This is a very personalized process for every client.”

When a client comes in, Thomas checks blood pressure, weight and temperature and measures cranium rhythm to see if there are restrictions. Thomas can identify restricted areas by feeling for less vibration. She then uses light touch therapy to apply pressure to the top of the body, causing an effect that turns pressure into a release of energy, which alleviates pain.

“There is not one thing I’ve worked with that hasn’t responded,” Thomas said.

She said she only knows of one other research center, which is in Florida, that specializes in Craniosacral research.

“It’s controversial because there is no medicine involved,” Thomas said.

Her goal is for Craniosacral research, which she has studied for five years, to be a legitimate science. Insurance companies currently don’t cover Craniosacral therapy.

Thomas currently is writing a book, “Demystifying Craniosacral Therapy,” which explains what Craniosacral therapy is and how it works.

“This is not new stuff,” said Randall Green, facility manager and photographer. “We’ve seen evidence that the body can heal just about anything on its own given the proper motivation. Ten, 20 years from now this will be commonplace.”

Thomas said the therapy has positively benefited people with headaches, dyslexia, chronic neck and back pain and other physical and mental disorders. The psychologist offers a seminar to teach people how to do Craniosacral therapy to alleviate physical and emotional pain.

“The goals of this center is not to create a client base, but to educate people,” Randall Green said.

The psychologist also plans to study other psychological research. The facility includes an activity center, which provides a place for seniors to share art, music and movement.

Only about 25 percent of seniors reported that they were not lonely, Thomas said. She plans to study how these activities affect people emotionally.

The center will offer monthly meetings for professionals to discuss scientific ideas and thoughts.

Hours are by appointment only. For more information, call 474-0339.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.