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.

How does CranioSacral Therapy work?

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.  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. By using a very light touch to monitor this rhythm from head to feet the therapist can pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. Then they can 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.

Who is CranioSacral Therapy for?

People may come for CranioSacral Therapy because they have acute physical problems like headaches or bad backs, or long-standing problems both physical and emotional. Others come for ongoing support in their busy lives and for help to meet life’s challenges.

Because it is so gentle and non-invasive, CranioSacral Therapy is suitable for everyone from newborns to the elderly. Mothers and babies often come for problems associated with difficult or traumatic births. Letting go of tension and fear held in the body enables both to settle into calmness.

CranioSacral Therapy supports your body’s innate ability to balance, restore and heal itself, as well as helping to reduce stress and build your underlying energy. The practitioner senses tensions in the body and helps them to release in a supported and comfortable way. During or after a session you may feel calm and energized, with increased clarity of mind and a feeling of well being.

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

Cerebral spinal fluid facts from Jeannette Raskin CST RMT

Cerebral spinal fluid facts

Jeannette Raskin RMT, CSTwww.family1stchiro.ca
practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness
403347-3261

Cerebrospinal fluid immerses the brain and spinal cord in essential nutrients, cleanses the brain and spinal cord of waste material, and flows throughout the body contributing to whole-body biochemical equilibrium. Imbalance of the autonomic nervous system can decrease the production of cerebrospinal fluid, which can lead to nutrient loss and toxicity of the brain or spinal cord, as well as biochemical and cellular stress throughout the body.
Cerebrospinal fluid is produced in four interconnected cavities within the brain, called ventricles. The autonomic nervous system controls the amount of cerebrospinal fluid that is created. Nerve fibers from two parts of the autonomic nervous system send signals to the ventricles.
The two autonomic nervous system parts are: the sympathetic, referred to as the “fight or flight” or “stress response” division; and the parasympathetic, called the “rest, digest and renew” or “healing” division.
The autonomic nervous system can become imbalanced due to things like infection, chronic pain, disease or stress. This can increase sympathetic division signals sent to the ventricles, which can lessen cerebrospinal fluid production by as much as 30%. On the other hand, parasympathetic signals sent to the ventricles increases cerebrospinal fluid production so the system can create the maximum amount for a healthy brain, spinal cord and body.
Reducing the body’s “stress response”, especially when a stressful state is chronic, helps to rebalance the autonomic nervous system. This can increase parasympathetic signals sent to the ventricles, which optimizes cerebrospinal fluid production. Then the brain, spinal cord and body as a whole can receive ideal levels of nutrition and cleansing.

Craniosacral Therapy is an effective method that can lessen stress, balance the autonomic nervous system, and optimize cerebrospinal fluid production and flow leading to optimal health, healing and well-being.

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, 

How does CranioSacral Therapy Complement other Medical Interventions

How Does CranioSacral Therapy Complement other Medical Interventions?

Because most Medical and Healthcare practitioners see CranioSacral Therapy as a gentle and non-invasive Complementary Therapy - it is considered as suitable for the co-treatment of a number of conditions.

Many medical professionals criteria for recommending therapies is that if it is doing no harm, makes you feel good and does not cost too much then go ahead.

To answer the question more directly, I often receive new clients in the following situations:

They have been through formal medical channels.

Often in the case of back pain, stress related illness etc. clients feel they have exhausted all that formal medicine has to offer. This is ideal from my point of view as a full medical history has been built up and the individual's condition has been pre-checked by a medical practitioner.

 The client wishes to complement formal medical treatment with another therapy.

Many of my pregnant clients and moms with infants and children are receiving formal medical care for their conditions and related complications. They typically continue with this care as they attend CranioSacral Therapy to further relieve symptoms or to reach the parts that they feel formal medical interventions cannot reach.

In summary, in my experience the answer is yes - CranioSacral Therapy can be used alongside formal medical interventions.

As always, first check with your Healthcare practitioner.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Jeannette, call Family First Chiropractic 403-347-3261. 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer.

www.family1stchiro.ca

Caesarean Section and CranioSacral Therapy

Caesarean Section. 

Ensure your health following a C-section or other birth intervention.

Caesarean Sections (or C-sections) are becoming more numerous every year among my clients.
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 such as these, when necessary, often save lives. In my experience with Craniosacral Therapy - it helps to eliminate, or minimise, 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 moms 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.

You may notice your baby has problems with:

·         Sleeping.

·         Feeding.

·         Breastfeeding.

·         Excess crying.

·         Constipation and straining while going to the toilet.

·         Flat spots or bulges on the head.

·         Ear infection.

·         Uneven ear or eye positions.

·         Infant colic.

·         Prefers feeding on one of their sides.

·         Prefers lying on one side rather than another.

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. Moms 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