Cranio-Sacral Therapy is an exceptionally gentle yet extremely powerful form of treatment, increasingly known for its comprehensive range of therapeutic effects and its ability to resolve issues that are not helped by other means.
The Cranio-Sacral system consists of the membranes which surround the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord); the bones of the cranium (skull) and sacrum (tailbone) which attach to these membranes; the connective tissue which radiates out from the membranes to all parts of the body (enveloping every nerve) and the cerebrospinal fluid within and surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In a healthy nervous system all these structures pulsate in a rhythmical, balanced and symmetrical motion we call the Cranio-sacral rhythm.
The skull of a newborn baby is not a solid bony structure but a delicate membranous balloon with the soft bony and cartilaginous cranial plates floating on it. Intense compression of these cranial plates during natural birth and labour contractions push the cranial plates against each other. The body’s own natural healing abilities usually release these compressed cranial plates after birth. However in cases of severe compression or asymmetrical pulls like in a forceps delivery, ventouse suction assisted birth or otherwise stressful labour the compression or asymmetry of the plates may not release entirely. These resulting distortions may impede optimal growth, symmetry of the skull and the development of the underlying brain.
It is also common to find a deep sense of shock in the nerve bundles of the abdominal solar plexus area of babies born by caesarean section. The sudden changes in pressure from the amniotic fluid to air can cause a generalized contraction of the whole membrane system. Our nervous systems respond to a stressful and dysfunctional environment (whether physical or emotional distress) by tightening the dural membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Common childhood conditions such as colic, poor sleep, regurgitation, poor feeding, inconsolable screaming and recurrent ear infections result from the cranial compressions and trauma to the central nervous system. During Cranio-Sacral treatments the practitioner, through gentle hand contacts, is able to feel compressions and asymmetrical pulls of the cranial plates and underlying membrane system as well as the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid. Areas of restriction or compression throughout the body may impede proper function of the organs, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and body tissues. Once these restrictive patterns ease and release during treatment, the nervous system becomes more balanced and the client will enjoy greater well-being on all levels.
Treatment of both mothers and babies is advised to release any residual birth shock. Babies can be treated from as early as a few hours old and pregnant mothers can prepare their bodies for birthing with therapy.
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