On My Healing Journey - Healing Brain Trauma: The Power of Craniosacral Therapy and UMAC

This post chronicles my personal journey of recovery from brain trauma through the integrated practices of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and Tao acupuncture (UMAC). It highlights the profound impact these holistic modalities have had on my physical, emotional, and energetic well-being, showcasing the transformative power of alternative medicine in healing and self-discovery.

The Healing Power of CST and UMAC Therapy: A Personal Journey

In the realm of alternative medicine, the fusion of ancient wisdom and modern techniques often yields profound results. One such combination gaining attention is the marriage of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) with Tao acupuncture practices, known as UMAC therapy. For individuals seeking to heal brain trauma, this holistic approach offers a unique path toward recovery and well-being—a path I have been navigating myself. When I was fist injured and struggling with western medicine recognizing my myriad of symptoms, I thought the try Craniosacral Therapy (CST) because I had trained in Level 1 during my first few years as a Licensed Massage Therapist, and I not only learned but witnessed the incredible power of the bodies own ability to self-heal with the proper encouragement and touch. Because I was somewhat trained in CST, I knew that I wanted the highest level of training in the therapist - a Diplomat - before I considered seeking therapy.

Meet Jon Gissel: A Healing Touch with a Passion for Adventure

At the heart of my healing journey is Jon Gissel, a father of two, devoted husband, dog lover, and adventure junkie. You can find him partnered with his wife, Karen, who is also a tremendously gifted healer offering somatic, relational, attachment, and trauma-informed counseling, at Radiant Health Center, as well as at his own practice, Gissel Health. Living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Jon spends his free time surfing and paddle surfing, all while crafting his own surfboards. He’s the kind of person who is even cooler in person than words can describe. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable about his craft and the intricacies of the human body, but he is also generous with that knowledge, sharing insights that empower his clients. I am not sure where I would be in my healing journey had I not met and worked with Jon. My only wish is that I was closer and could visit him more often.

Jon is a Diplomate-level practitioner, the highest level of training with the Upledger Institute, and his expertise extends beyond practice; he also teaches others in the field. His compassionate approach creates a safe space for healing, making him a sought-after therapist. I encourage anyone seeking a holistic path to wellness to check out Jon and experience the power of his touch for themselves. His warmth and skill can make a significant difference on your journey to recovery.

Understanding Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy operates on the principle that the body has its own innate capacity for healing. My journey began when I visited Jon Gissel at the Radiant Health Center in Seattle. Before my first session in late July (about a month after my TMS injury), Jon dedicated an entire hour to discussing my symptoms and offering holistic insights for healing. His compassion was palpable; he validated my experiences in a way that no other doctor had. As a former bike messenger who faced his own injuries, Jon understood the nuances of trauma, and that understanding provided me with a sense of hope.

The Journey Continues: Insights from Each Session While this post highlights the initial months of my journey with Jon, it’s important to note that I’ve continued to see him throughout my healing journey - even 14 months into healing. My therapy regimen has expanded to include vision therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and consultations with a sports medicine doctor. Despite this broadening scope of care, Jon’s healing presence remains the most centered and calming aspect of my ongoing recovery. His support continues to play a vital role in my journey toward wellness.

This chart is from the first session I had with Jon. As the patient, I reported experiencing lateral pain on the left side, which affects channels such as Gb (Shaoyang foot), bi-lateral; Lv (Jueyin foot); Ub (Taiyang foot); and Du. The pain has a constant, sharp, and radiating quality, often described as crushing, with a severity level of 8 out of 10. Since the onset of my symptoms, they have remained steady and continuous. I notice that the pain intensifies during physical and mental exertion, at home, and in response to emotional stress, particularly following recent medical treatments. Additionally, movement, emotional stress, and poor sleep significantly exacerbate my symptoms. Alongside the pain, I also experience associated symptoms, including headaches, changes in vision, altered sleep patterns, and dizziness. These observations are based on the detailed notes from my craniosacral therapist, who has been closely monitoring my condition.

Session 1: July 21, 2023

During my initial visit, I presented with left temporal headaches, generalized pain, fatigue, and significant brain fog post-TMS treatment. Jon carefully documented my symptoms, identifying a range of issues: headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, vision changes, and muscle pain. He utilized both acupuncture and CST techniques, including cranial unwinding and temporal bone decompression. This session set the foundation for my healing journey, and for the first time, I felt my symptoms were taken seriously.

Session 2: August 11, 2023

In our second session, my complaints continued to include temporal headaches and fatigue. The pain was described as a constant, crushing sensation. Jon noted that my symptoms were exacerbated by emotional stress and physical exertion. We targeted specific meridians with acupuncture and utilized CST techniques such as thoracic inlet release. This session reinforced the interconnectedness of my physical and emotional states.

Session 3: September 1, 2023

By my third visit, I was still experiencing persistent left temporal headaches and brain fog. Jon's meticulous notes highlighted the relationship between my symptoms and factors like movement and emotional stress. This session involved advanced CST techniques, focusing on regional unwinding and temporal bone decompression, which helped alleviate some of the tension I felt in my body.

Session 4: September 15, 2023

During this session, I reported ongoing issues with temporal headaches and fatigue. Jon described the pain as radiating and constant, with an intensity of 7 out of 10. We employed Master Tung’s acupuncture techniques alongside CST methods to address both my physical symptoms and the emotional challenges I faced, such as anger and impatience. The gentle touch of CST allowed me to release some of the pent-up emotions I had been holding onto.

Session 5: September 29, 2023

By my fifth visit, my symptoms had shifted, with pain now affecting my right ear and temple. The quality of the pain changed to an aching, dull sensation, but it remained steady. Jon’s techniques continued to evolve, incorporating additional elements like ear pulls and regional unwinding. These adjustments were crucial as we addressed new layers of tension and trauma in my body.

Session 6: October 6, 2023

In my sixth session, I noted a fixed headache that radiated into my neck, accompanied by dizziness and tingling sensations. Jon continued to adapt his approach, utilizing acupuncture and CST techniques tailored to my evolving symptoms. The dialogue we had during the session was pivotal; I felt heard and understood as we navigated the complexities of my recovery.

During this week’s session, I reported experiencing pain primarily located on the right lateral side, affecting channels Ub (Taiyang foot), Gb (Shaoyang foot), and Du. I described the quality of the pain as aching, cramping, and dull, with a radiating nature and a severity level of 5 out of 10. The symptoms have been steady and often wake me from sleep. The onset of these symptoms has been continuous, occurring during physical exertion, mental exertion, and in response to familial and emotional stress. I noted that movement, emotional stress, and poor sleep exacerbate the symptoms. Associated symptoms included headaches, dizziness, and changes in my sleep patterns. Additionally, after trying hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for the first time, I had an unpleasant reaction, which resulted in increased irritation and a stabbing headache that radiated from my right eye to the occiput. Moving forward, I’ve decided to avoid the red light therapy and extra oxygen during my next session.

The Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

The benefits of Craniosacral Therapy extend beyond physical healing to encompass mental and emotional well-being. After just a few sessions with Jon, I noticed a significant reduction in my anxiety levels and an increase in my ability to focus. His tailored techniques helped alleviate the pressure I felt in my head, allowing me to experience relief in areas that had felt locked and tense. The gentle, intentional touch provided me with a newfound sense of safety and connection to my body, which had felt foreign after my injury.

The Power of UMAC Therapy

UMAC therapy takes Craniosacral Therapy to the next level by integrating Tao acupuncture principles. Initially skeptical about acupuncture, my curiosity grew as I learned how it could restore harmony to the body's energetic pathways. During my UMAC sessions, I felt an incredible synergy between the gentle touch of CST and the subtle needling of acupuncture. This combination addressed not only my physical symptoms but also the deeper energetic imbalances I had sensed but couldn’t articulate.

The Healing Journey

Working with Jon at Radiant Health Center has been a transformative experience. I initially saw him every other week for the first three to four months of my healing. Each session guided me on a journey of self-discovery and healing, allowing me to tap into my body's innate wisdom and resilience. Through CST and UMAC, I learned to slow down, listen to my body, and reclaim my health and vitality. Jon's comprehensive approach provided me with a holistic framework for recovery, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of my journey.

In the realm of alternative medicine, Craniosacral Therapy and UMAC therapy stand out as powerful modalities for healing brain trauma. Through my journey at Radiant Health Center, I’ve seen how honoring the body’s innate capacity for healing and integrating ancient wisdom with modern techniques can create a profound impact. As I continue on this healing path, I find solace and support in the gentle touch of my therapists and the timeless wisdom of these healing traditions. If you’re considering this holistic approach, know that a transformative journey awaits you as well.

Finding someone in the healing world who not only believes in you and walks alongside you on your journey but also understands your struggles from personal experience can be incredibly powerful. Jon’s own journey through a bike accident has forged a deep connection between us, and this shared understanding often feels even more significant than the healing modalities themselves—though those are crucial as well.

After 14 months, I still experience brain fog, fatigue, left head pain, dizziness, and memory issues. However, I’ve seen improvements in my symptoms, allowing me the space to focus on vision therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy exercises. I hold onto hope that I will one day return to running, especially since I was training for a marathon just four days before my injury. This ongoing journey reminds me that healing is not just about physical recovery; it’s also about finding support, connection, and the belief that you can reclaim your life.

With gratitude, thank you Jon.

All my light. All my love.

Namaste,

Jordan

My Gear:

HealthyLine

Xero Shoes  

Nexus Fitness

Loops - Ear Plugs

Upledger Institute - Find a Therapist in Your Area