CranioSacral Therapy and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that may be experienced by anyone who has undergone a traumatic event. PTSD occurs when the body/mind has not yet recognized that a traumatic event is over. As a result, the body's sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight) is activated and the body responds by continuously mobilizing muscles and other body systems for defense and/or numbing (a freeze response).

CranioSacral therapists have been treating people with PTSD for many years now.  The Upledger Institute has done studies with Vietnam veterans as well as Gulf War Veterans with very positive results. (http://www.upledger.org/programs/ptsd-relief.php).  But it is not only war that can cause PTSD any trauma can leave a lasting effect on the body.  

CranioSacral Therapy is an alternative approach to the treatment of PTSD involving gentle, non-invasive touch that supports the self-correcting ability of the body. Craniosacral Therapy works to support the part of the body that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Craniosacral Therapy acknowledges that emotions can become locked in the body's connective tissues as emotional memories and emotional pain. A CranioSacral therapy approach can help release the energy the body may have retained after a traumatic physical or emotional experience. A Craniosacral Therapy session is deeply relaxing to the body's central nervous system as the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) is activated and balanced. In a parasympathetic state the body decreases production of the stress hormones linked to sleep and digestive problems and a suppressed immune system. It becomes easier for people receiving Craniosacral Therapy to remain more calm and focused.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

CranioSacral and Pregnancy

Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy complications are part and parcel of your pregnancy.

Most women get through their pregnancies very healthily - they manage their nutrition, exercise and overall healthcare both by themselves and with the help of healthcare professionals.

CranioSacral Therapy offers women a very gentle and effective way of complementing the natural work that their body is doing as well as complementing the work of Obstetricians, local Doctors and Midwives.

When we look at pregnancy week by week, there are many natural conditions that come and go as you progress through your pregnancy. Conditions such as early nausea through to lower-back pain can all occur during a healthy pregnancy.

An area that is found especially later in the pregnancy is discomfort in the legs or sciatica. I have found that the majority of clients experience relief from these symptoms for weeks at a time following a CranioSacral Therapy treatment. Probably one of the areas of most discomfort in Pregnancy is back pain - both of the middle and upper back - during the early stages of pregnancy, and lower back during the later stages. The discomfort of back pain during pregnancy can be effectively relieved by CranioSacral Therapy sessions.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Why have CranioSacral Therapy?

1. Some people come because they feel as though they aren’t coping and that life is very difficult. CranioSacral Therapy can often be a last resort after many years of struggle.
2. Some people come because they have long standing health issues which make it very difficult to cope. CranioSacral Therapy can help relieve the emotional and physical side-effects of living with long term illness or pain and can support the body in its natural movement towards health.

3. Some people come because they have experienced traumatic events that they cannot move past. CranioSacral Therapy is a very safe, gentle and effective way of treating trauma and post-traumatic states.
4. Some people come because they are incredibly stressed and anxious and can’t seem to find any relief from a very busy mind. CranioSacral Therapy is especially good at encouraging a very deep sense of stillness allowing the mind slow down and rest. Many people say they sleep very well after a craniosacral treatment.
5. Some people come because they just need to be held and listened to. The most important thing a CranioSacral Therapist does is to simply be present for the client and hold the therapeutic space allowing the client’s process to unfold naturally.

Jeannette Raskin, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

How does CranioSacral Therapy work?

CranioSacral Therapy works by helping the body’s natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system. This is accomplished by utilizing a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which maintains the environment in which the central nervous system functions.  The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the cranium (head) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities. For example, if the bite (or jaw) is out of balance, the whole head is out of balance, and often the whole body.

How can something so gentle be so powerful?
The craniosacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body, just like the pulse. I use a very light touch to monitor this rhythm from head to feet to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. I can then encourage the natural movement of the fluid and soft tissues to help the body self-correct. This simple action is often all it takes to remove a restriction. Sometimes, like peeling layers of an onion, once some restrictions have released and balanced, others may show themselves and need attention.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  

403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

CranioSacral Therapy and Infant Feeding

As your infant learns to suck, swallow and breathe - their feeding pattern becomes established. Problems arise when there is a difficulty with any one of these steps. You may notice that your infant is not latching on correctly and is just using the lips to suck. This may cause sore nipples for mum and is not helping with milk flow.

In a Craniosacral treatment I would check that the bones in the mouth are free moving and this then corrects the suck. This is done with a gloved finger in the mouth and works on the bones of the palate as the baby is sucking. Often, it is this final correction done by the Craniosacral therapist that completes the process and allows the baby to feed easier.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

CranioSacral Therapy and Pregnancy

Pregnancy complications are part and parcel of your pregnancy. Most women get through their pregnancies very healthily - they manage their nutrition, exercise and overall healthcare both by themselves and with the help of healthcare professionals. CranioSacral Therapy offers women a very gentle and effective way of complementing the natural work that their body is doing as well as complementing the work of Obstetricians, local Doctors and Midwives.

When we look at pregnancy week by week, there are many natural conditions that come and go as you progress through your pregnancy. Conditions such as early nausea through to lower-back pain can all occur during a healthy pregnancy.

An area that is found especially later in the pregnancy is discomfort in the legs or sciatica. I have found that the majority of clients experience relief from these symptoms for weeks at a time following a CranioSacral Therapy treatment. Probably one of the areas of most discomfort in Pregnancy is back pain - both of the middle and upper back - during the early stages of pregnancy, and lower back during the later stages. The discomfort of back pain during pregnancy can be effectively relieved by CranioSacral Therapy sessions.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is based on the theories of William Sutherland, D.O., and an osteopath from the early 1900s. It was further developed by another osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. He later founded the Upledger Institute, the national center for CranioSacral Therapy.

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. 

CranioSacral is named for the cerebrospinal fluid that flows up and down the spinal cord from the cranium (head) to the sacrum (tailbone). As it slowly flows, it creates a rhythm throughout your body. The therapist assists this rhythm to self-correct dysfunctions in your body. Where there is a dysfunction, the rhythm is “stuck” and you feel pain, immobility, tension, etc. This can occur anywhere in the body. The cause is usually the result of a recent or past physical or emotional trauma. The therapist uses a very gentle, non-invasive light touch, generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, to locate the “stuck” areas and to assist the return of the healthy rhythm to these areas. As this occurs, there is a deep feeling of relaxation, more freedom of movement, and less pain. It is very quiet and passive. You remain fully clothed for this therapy. This is a very relaxing technique because it works with the fluid that nourishes all the nerves in your spinal cord.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to increase resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

• Migraine Headaches 
• Chronic Neck and Back Pain 
• Motor-Coordination Impairments 
• Colic 
• Autism 
• Central Nervous System Disorders 
• Orthopedic Problems 
• Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries 
• Scoliosis 
• Infantile Disorders 
• Learning Disabilities 
• Chronic Fatigue 
• Emotional Difficulties 
• Stress and Tension-Related Problems 
• Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders 
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
• Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Post-Surgical Dysfunction

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

CranioSacral Therapy and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

CranioSacral Therapy and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that may be experienced by anyone who has undergone a traumatic event. PTSD occurs when the body/mind has not yet recognized that a traumatic event is over. As a result, the body's sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight) is activated and the body responds by continuously mobilizing muscles and other body systems for defense and/or numbing (a freeze response).

CranioSacral therapists have been treating people with PTSD for many years now.  The Upledger Institute has done studies with Vietnam veterans as well as Gulf War Veterans with very positive results. (http://www.upledger.org/programs/ptsd-relief.php).  But it is not only war that can cause PTSD any trauma such as abuse, rape or even the recent fires in Fort McMurray can leave a lasting effect on the body.  

CranioSacral Therapy is an alternative approach to the treatment of PTSD involving gentle, non-invasive touch that supports the self-correcting ability of the body. Craniosacral Therapy works to support the part of the body that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. Craniosacral Therapy acknowledges that emotions can become locked in the body's connective tissues as emotional memories and emotional pain. A CranioSacral therapy approach can help release the energy the body may have retained after a traumatic physical or emotional experience. A Craniosacral Therapy session is deeply relaxing to the body's central nervous system as the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) is activated and balanced. In a parasympathetic state the body decreases production of the stress hormones linked to sleep and digestive problems and a suppressed immune system. It becomes easier for people receiving Craniosacral Therapy to remain more calm and focused.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

Family CranioSacral Care

Family CranioSacral Care 

We do whatever we can for our children. To make our children’s lives better we will research, investigate and seek out any and all tools that will help us in that endeavor. CranioSacral therapy is a treatment that can help children and adults in ways no other approaches can.
Even though it has proven to be highly effective, most people have never heard of CranioSacral therapy. The treatment is a gentle, hands-on approach that allows the therapist to assess the integrity and function of the muscles, membranes and fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds our muscles, groups of muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
Typically, the flow of the cerebrospinal fluid should move throughout the body with ease. If there is a restriction, the flow is detoured, stopped or reduced. Picture a log falling into a river. At first the water moves around it and if the log is removed the normal flow returns. If the log is not removed, the flow of the river changes and the structures it flows over change too. In time, the detoured water changes the surrounding landscape.
In the human body an initial insult, such as the use of vacuum extraction at birth, getting stuck in the birth canal, a head injury, or a fall, causes a restriction, sort of a “wrinkle” in the body’s fascia. For most of us, our bodies hurt for a while then heal. When an injury doesn’t heal on its own, the body begins to make allowances for it. The accommodations begin in the fascia: just minor tension and pulling as we move. If the restriction remains the muscles are affected, so maybe our posture turns a little to the right, or we shift our weight to the inside of the soles of our feet. As time goes on, the muscles start affecting the bone, causing heel spurs or hip pops. The “landscape” has changed.
Craniosacral therapy stops the changing of the landscape and restores function and balance to the body. It begins with an assessment of the craniosacral system, based on the symmetry, quality, amplitude and rate of the cerebrospinal fluid.
These four characteristics are assessed throughout the body at various locations such as the pelvis, ribs, collarbones, neck, and base of the head. Once the body is assessed then treatment can begin.

Treatment is surprisingly gentle. Only five grams of pressure (about the weight of a nickel) on the affected areas can cause the fascia to release the restrictions. Treatment restores normal function to the body.

Jeannette Raskin, CST, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer T4R 2C3 www.family1stchiro.ca

CranioSacral

CranioSacral Therapy and Birth

You may have planned and hoped for a natural vaginal delivery but what happens if complications arise during birth? These complications during labour may result in your baby being delivered by:

·         Caesarean-section (C-section).

·         With the help of vacuum pump or suction.

·         With the help of Forceps

Interventions, when necessary, often save lives. In my experience with CranioSacral Therapy - it helps to eliminate, or minimize, complications that arise as a result of these types of deliveries.
With CranioSacral Therapy, I work on the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect a person's brain and spinal cord, extending from the bones of the skull (which make up the cranium) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum).
The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities
A CranioSacral Therapist uses a touch generally no heavier than the weight of a nickel. Skilled practitioners can monitor this rhythm at key body points to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Once a source has been determined, they can assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct.
I have noticed that most babies (and mums too!) often need assistance following the effects of a difficult labour. One of the reasons for this is that in the ideal birth situation, nature has designed a baby's skull to be compressed as it travels through the birth canal during a vaginal birth.
Babies born by C-section miss out on this vital compression (which helps balance the cranial bones) through the birth canal. Babies born with the use of forceps or vacuum often experience undue stress on the head and face and strain patterns can often develop in their bodies. The euphoria of your baby's safe arrival can mask the stress that your baby has experienced. But soon problems can arise.
With Craniosacral Therapy I use specific, gentle touch techniques to assess, resolve and eliminate the restrictions that cause these problems. The light pressure creates deep change - releasing restrictions in the baby's tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This intervention encourages the infant's body toward a natural alignment.
With Craniosacral Therapy I use specific, gentle touch techniques to assess, resolve and eliminate the restrictions that cause these problems. The light pressure creates deep change - releasing restrictions in the baby's tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This intervention encourages the infant's body toward a natural alignment.
During the treatment the baby often naturally needs to cuddle, feed or cry as balance is restored and emotion is released in the body. Mums and Dads often feel a sense of relaxation as the baby's CranioSacral system returns to optimum function.

I have found that treatment with CranioSacral therapy benefits all babies following birth - but it is highly recommended for babies who have had birth complications - including Caesarean Sections.

Jeannette Raskin is at Family First Chiropractic on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays. To book an appointment call 403-347-3261. 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer, AB, www.family1stchiro.ca

Treating Mom and Baby

Treating Mom and Baby with CranioSacral Therapy

All moms want the best for their children.  We will do anything for our children, often forgetting our own needs.  I often see mothers bring in their baby or child with problems hoping that I can help.  I love treating children because we often see results quickly, if not immediately.  I tell parents the sooner you bring your child in for a treatment the better.  The thing we often forget as adults is to treat ourselves.  The stress of taking care of a newborn or sick child reflects in our bodies as well.  Giving birth is a traumatic experience, not only for the baby, but for the mother as well.  I like to recommend to new moms to try and find at least an hour to give to yourself to help release some of the trauma of birth.  Your child will benefit from your treatment as well.  At the very least CranioSacral therapy will help you relax and get your body to heal faster.  You will be a better and more relaxed mom for it. 
Jeannette Raskin RMT CST practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness
For an appointment call 403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer, AB, 

CranioSacral Therapy

              CranioSacral Therapy

Now that a new school year has started and we are getting back into a regular schedule we need to start thinking about how we can help our children do their best this school year.

CranioSacral Therapy, like most other formal and complementary treatments is never successful in 100% of cases. However, the following gives some idea of the degree of success in certain situations:


· Dr. John Upledger's research has found that 50 – 60% of hyperactive child problems originate in the CranioSacral system and can be treated successfully with CST.

· Learning disabilities and dyslexia – again 50-60% of problems can be effectively treated with CST if the problem is caused by a malfunction of the CranioSacral system.

· Autism. Three years of intensive research with autistic children in the late 1970’s revealed significant reduction in self-destructive behaviour and improvement in displays of affection and social interaction. These improvements, however, usually deteriorated in 3-6 months after the CranioSacral Therapy treatment discontinued.

Jeannette Raskin C.S.T is at Family First Chiropractic on Wed and Sat. To book an appointment with  her call us at 403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca 142 Erickson Dr Red Deer

CranioSacral Therapy and Women

CranioSacral Therapy and Women

One of the greatest benefits of CranioSacral therapy is its effectiveness in dealing with the many natural cycles, conditions and related complications that we women go through as we journey through life.

Conditions such as:

·         Puberty.

·         Attempting to get pregnant.

·         Pregnancy.

·         Pregnancy and birth complications.

·         Infant and toddler care and nurturing.

·         Menopause.

·         Conditions attached to later in life.

It is also in the area of Women's Health that conventional medicine and complementary health approaches are often found working side-by-side.

It is interesting to note that I notice the following:

• The majority of people who make health decisions in the households tend to be the women (booking children, husbands for treatments).
• While women are very happy to put enormous time and energy into looking after others (their unborn children when pregnant, baby infants, toddlers, children, Husbands/partners) - they seem to put themselves last in line when it comes to good old preventative and early treatment of many ailments!

I feel it is important for women to learn to take better care of themselves.

Working with CranioSacral Therapy myself over the last number of years has helped me to get more in touch with my own natural health rhythm - and I have found that while many of my female clients may have come for a specific ailment - over time they start to listen more to their own body and learn just what it needs to get back to health and stay there for the long term.

Craniosacral Therapist, Jeannette Raskin C.S.T is in on Wed evenings and Sat. www.family1stchiro.ca. To schedule an appointment call 403-347-3261. 142 Erickson Dr Red Deer AB

Treating Mom and Baby with Craniosacral Therapy

Treating Mom and Baby

All moms want the best for their children.  We will do anything for our children, often forgetting our own needs.  I often see mothers bring in their baby or child with problems hoping that I can help.  I love treating children because we often see results quickly, if not immediately.  I tell parents the sooner you bring your child in for a treatment the better.  The thing we often forget as adults is to treat ourselves.  The stress of taking care of a newborn or sick child reflects in our bodies as well.  Giving birth is a traumatic experience, not only for the baby, but for the mother as well.  I like to recommend to new moms to try and find at least an hour to give to you to help release some of the trauma of birth.  Your child will benefit from your treatment as well.  At the very least CranioSacral therapy will help you relax and get your body to heal faster.  You will be a better and more relaxed mom for it.

Jeannette is in on Wed evenings and Sat. To book an appointment with her call 403-347-3261. Family First Chiropractic. www.family1stchiro.ca 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer AB

What happens during a CranioSacral Treatment

So, what happens during a CranioSacral therapy treatment?

Before the treatment - If this is your first appointment, we will first work through your medical history and your expectations from this CranioSacral Therapy treatment. You will then lie down comfortably - fully-clothed. If it is a child (under 16) or infant, you may be present during the entire treatment.

I will then use a light touch (about the weight of a nickel), beginning at the feet, to assess where restrictions and other related problems are in your body.  Once this is completed, I continue to work through other parts of your body.

During the treatment - Most people feel a general sense of relaxation (in fact many people fall asleep early in the treatment). Some people also feel heat, cold or a stretching of tissues in particular parts of the body.  The treatment generally lasts about an hour for adults and 30 minutes for infants and children.  This can vary depending on the person.

Following the treatment - Some people report that they feel as if somebody had moved things about in their body. You will normally feel tired after the treatment, but after a short rest and a glass of water, you will be well capable of driving home.

The amount of treatment needed depends on the condition, severity and age of the client.  Some people need as few as one treatment to notice changes.

Jeannette Raskin is located at Family First Chiropractic. To book an appointment with her give us a call at 403-347-3261. 142 Erickson Dr Red Deer. www.family1stchiro.ca

“If I understand correctly, CranioSacral Therapy basically aims to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. Is that right?”

“If I understand correctly, CranioSacral Therapy basically aims to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.  Is that right?”

Yes, that is correct. The central nervous system (CNS), which is comprised of the brain and spinal cord, is encased within three layers of connective tissue. These layers are part of the craniosacral system (CSS) that forms a somewhat flexible container that is filled with the brain and spinal cord. If the container is distorted then the contents will also be affected in some way.

When abnormal stress occurs within the CSS layers such as twists, pulls, bends, overstretch, or compression, then the tissue of the CNS may become distorted. If the delicate brain or spinal cord undergo structural deformation then the tissue becomes overly stressed. This stress can alter the way cells work or inhibit their ability to work at all leading to a multitude of dysfunction.

One primary objective of CranioSacral Therapy is to assist the body in decreasing harmful strain within the CSS layers, which in turn helps to alleviate injurious stress of the CNS cells. As this occurs then the CNS cells can function, adapt or compensate to their optimal ability.

This post is brought to you by Jeanneatte Raskin, RMT,CST. Jeannette practices at Family Fisrt Chiropractic and Wellness, Red Deer Alberta. 304-347-3261 to book an appointment or visit our website at www.family1stchiro.ca

 

CranioSacral Therapy and Caesarean Birth

CranioSacral Therapy and Caesarean Birth

Caesarean births are on the increase.  Whether it is elective or because of medical or obstetrical problems a caesarean birth can be hard on the baby’s craniosacral system.  CranioSacral Therapy can help correct problems that may be caused by a caesarean birth. 

The first concern is the rapid change of pressure.  There is a significant pressure differential between the inside and the outside of the uterus.  A quick, dramatic pressure change subjects the fetus to a very rapid decompression, which in turn induces abnormal expansion of the fetal head within the decompressing uterus.  This rapid increase in head volume can suddenly stretch the intracranial membranes.  The result may be tissue strains, tiny hemorrhages within the membranes, and/or actual membranous tears.  These problems can wreak havoc with the craniosacral system and its function.

Another concern is the deprivation of the newborn’s trip through the birth canal.  This passage through the birth canal is equivalent to its first spinal adjustment and mobilization treatment, its first CranioSacral treatment, and its first skin-stimulation treatment.  It also facilitates draining the lungs from the amniotic fluid that has filled them during the pregnancy. 

CranioSacral Therapy can gently and effectively resolve the occurrence of symptomatic problems that may arise due to caesarean birth.  This is just one of the many natural ways you can ensure your baby is happy and healthy.

Jeannette Raskin Is located at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer

Call 430-347-3261 to book and appointment today

www.family1stchiro.ca