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CRANIO-SACRAL THERAPY
What is it? Cranio-sacral therapy is a subtle hands-on touch technique, where the therapist tunes into the rhythm of the fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This tide-like rhythm can yield a wealth of information to the experienced touch - areas of congestion and restriction in the body can be felt and imbalances in the motion and functioning of any part of the body can be sensed and treated. Cranio-sacral therapists believe that our life histories – including our emotional and physical traumas are “held” in our bodies. So, a current disease or physical pain may have its roots in very early experience. Birth trauma is a common example of this, as early patterns of compression and strain from the birth process may give rise to many problems in the adult. These problems may include emotional stresses, such as anxiety or depression, and physical problems like back pain, migraines, or digestive and respiratory disorders. Cranio-sacral therapy is deeply relaxing and subtle but can provide profound healing. The musculo-skeletal system can be encouraged to balance and heal. The nervous system and its control mechanisms can be helped to function at a higher level and organ systems can be helped. Cranio-sacral therapy is also very good at releasing emotional stress. The Technique The client remains dressed throughout the treatment and usually lies down. The therapist places her hands on the client’s cranium (skull) and sacrum (tail-bone) and “listens” to the body's intrinsic movement patterns, rhythms, pulsation’s and patterns of congestion and resistance. Through this deep “listening” the therapist assists the release of resistances in tissues, bones and fluids, and a revitalises the system as a whole. Patients may feel deep relaxation and become aware of alterations in fluid pressures, tissue release, heat, tingling and energy releases. Cranio-Sacral Therapy During Pregnancy The cranio-sacral assessment carried out during pregnancy helps to ensure that the sacrum and pelvis have normal cranio-sacral rhythms. This ensures that the baby's head is able to descend and rotate within the pelvis and vagina for a smooth delivery. Also important in birth preparation, is tuning into the Cranial rhythms and the movements of the sphenoid bone (the chief structure at the base of your skull) and restoring it to its normal range; so that it is stress-free. The sphenoid houses the pituitary gland and lies below the hypothalamus. Both these organs are responsible for producing and releasing oxytocin and prolactin – the birth hormones. Through Cranio-sacral therapy the sphenoid bone is helped to move freely ensuring normal release of these hormones for birth. As Cranio-sacral therapy helps release emotional stress it is particularly good for anxious mothers. All mothers can benefit greatly from this fascinating form of therapy. It is recommended once a month for an hour throughout pregnancy. During Labour Cranio-sacral therapy can be conducted during labour and can help to enhance the contractions. As in birth preparation the therapist can tune into the cranial rhythms and movements of the sphenoid bone and free these structures ensuring good production and release of oxytocin – the birth hormone. Treatment for babies Cranio-sacral therapy is especially useful in treating colic and sleep disturbances in babies. However, this should only be done by an experienced practitioner, as the baby’s skull is very delicate. |
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