Cranio-sacral therapist, psychotherapist, trained opera singer and humanitarian, WTM talked to the multi-faceted Anna Thompson-Hall about her many roles.
Growing up in the Far East I saw mothers massaging their babies. They were so content, and I was aware of the connection between loving touch and human happiness,” says Anna. That early experience paved the way for a life-long ambition to relieve the suffering others through touch.
Initially intending to study psychiatry, Anna recognised she needed more life experience before going to university. Her parents agreed – but instead of letting her travel, sent her to finishing school for two years.
Working as a PA in London, a chance meeting with a colleague studying osteopathy part-time proved a turning point in her life.
“I had my daughter in my final year of osteopathy training, and suffered terrible back pain which didn’t respond to osteopathic treatment. A fellow-student gave me a cranio-sacral therapy (CST) treatment – and feeling the pain melting away, I realised this was what I wanted to do,” she says.
CST is a therapy focusing primarily on the subtle pulse of the cranio-sacral fluid bathing the brain and spinal cord. During birth, the bones of the skull compress in on one another (due to the ‘hole’ at the top of the head) then spring open immediately after birth, stimulating the initial basal sacral rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
CST deals with regulating this basal sacral rhythm, using therapeutic touch to gently manipulate the synarthrodial joints of the cranium. This is achieved through light touch mainly to the head, though other body points can also be used.
“CST restores balance by gently harmonising the CSF pulse, or by following its ‘tugging’ into the lesion and gently unwinding tension,” says Anna.
“People experience deeply relaxing warmth or pulsation in areas being treated. CST is safe, nonintrusive and suitable for all ages.
“I can explain the science but, honestly, nothing is quite like feeling the sensation and relief for yourself.”
During almost 30 years of practice Anna has dealt with many extreme cases. But, as physical pain was released, clients often opened up about emotional issues. With clients coming through personal recommendation, Anna recognised she needed further qualifications to work with the mind and honour the trust placed in her. She achieved advanced diplomas in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, pain management, hypno-birthing and other therapies including reiki.
With an honours degree in complementary therapies (stress management) she creatively combines treatments to relieve and manage pain. In 2005 Anna left a thriving practice in London to join her husband in Saudi Arabia, moving to Bahrain in 2010.
But there’s more to Anna than healing. When not treating clients, you’ll find her singing with the Manama Singers, or with local musicians for operatic and jazz performances. She recently performed at the British Embassy for the BSPCA and will be performing with band Reunion on June 11 at the Dilmun Club for Tony the Dogfather.
She says: “I love music. My mother is a wonderful singer – and singing always has happy associations with family. It’s my own personal therapy; something I love, a great way to socialise and give back to the community.”
To find out more about Anna’s work Tel: 39 503-495 or visit www.intouchclinic.com
