Craniosacral Therapy is a type of Manual Therapy that Calms/Balances the Nervous System of both, mother and child, encouraging emotional bonding which can otherwise be short-circuited due to pre-natal and birth trauma/stress. When Mom’s system is soothed and balanced during pregnancy, baby gains huge benefits. The mother also benefits. Quality of prenatal care has a vast affect on birth outcomes. The best prenatal care includes one that addressed both the physical and emotional wellbeing of the mother. Craniosacral throughout pregnancy can help a mother be in process with her baby (and her life!) while creating an opportunity to let go of any physical condition she may be holding on to in her body.
Craniosacral Therapy is a whole body therapy that uses a light touch to listen to subtle rhythms and patterns within fascial system of the body. Unresolved tensions from physical and emotional stress can affect and restrict the natural healthy motion and function of the Muscular Skeletal System AND the Central Nervous System within the body, leading to stress symptoms, discomfort and pain. Craniosacral Therapy enables the body to realign to its natural health and healing place by restoring motion and vitality.
The Basic Principles of Craniosacral Therapy:
There are 2 basic forces at work in the living body: the Biodynamic Potencies generated by the Breath of Life and Biokinetic or Conditional Forces introduced into the system via trauma and life experiences (inertial fulcrums).
Nervous
system function is driving the conditional forces (and vice versa) which can
restrict the potent expression of the Inherent Health.
• The craniosacral system (CSS) consists of the brain, spinal cord and the three membranes that completely surround it, the cerebral spinal fluid, and the fascial connections to all systems of the body through fluid dynamics and
nervous system balance.
• The practitioner uses gentle soft tissue release by ‘listening’ to the craniosacral rhythms to release tension in the fascia and fluid system throughout the whole body. The craniosacral therapist assesses the body for restrictions and uses a very light touch to encourage expansion, mobility and healing.
• Unique from other systems of the body, the CSS actually slows down and enters into still points. These rests are a therapeutic time of revitalization for the CSS—similar to rebooting a computer. After facilitating a craniosacral stillpoint, the individual’s CSS functions more strongly and is better coordinated; the body is using its own innate ability to heal. This balances the nervous system and greatly benefits the health of the baby.
Regular
Craniosacral Therapy Sessions During Pregnancy Can Help:
• Maintain
Health, Well-Being and Immunity.
• Depression
• Musculoskeletal
Dysfunction
• Chronic
Stress and Anxiety
• Migraine
Headaches
• Neck
and Back Pain
• Hormonal
Balance
• Supports
Brain Health and Nervous System Regulation for both Moms and Babies.
Birth
Psychology
The unborn and infant child experiences what the mother experiences, what the family experiences, and builds their body to suit the environment surrounding the outside field of which it grows – this provides the template for physical
and mental health decades later. = Epigenetics – precursor to if and when certain genes will be turned on later on in life.
Cortisol – effects of high stress
Prenatal Care that is more than just diet and lifestyle is very important to birth outcomes and the future health of the child. This consideration is an essential ingredient that all too often lacking within the Medical Model of Care. The Midwifery Model of Care provides the kind of care that incorporates physical, psychological and spiritual support.
Bodywork will not be able to replace this kind of holistic care; however, it can greatly enhance a woman’s self care regimen in pregnancy which directly affects the overall Health of mother and child.