What is Craniosacral Therapy?

I like to describe CranioSacral Therapy as a very gentle, light touch therapy that releases tension deep within the central nervous system, so that every other system in the body can self-correct.

The Central Nervous System is the “command control center” of your entire body. It tells everything else in your body what to do; therefore, when restrictions are released in this system, full body healing can take place more easily.

CranioSacral Therapy is based on the idea that each person’s body contains the necessary information to uncover the underlying cause of any health problem. By using about 5gm of pressure, roughly the weight of a nickel, the CST practitioner evaluates the system by testing for ease of motion and the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid pulsing within the membranes.  The therapist communicates with the body to obtain this information and help facilitate the person’s own self-healing process and self-regulating capabilities. Specific treatment techniques are then used to release restrictions in sutures, fasciae, membranes and any other tissues that may influence the craniosacral system. The result is an improved internal environment that frees the central nervous system to return to its optimal levels of health and performance.

SomatoEmotional Release is a therapeutic process that expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. Joint research efforts by Dr. John Upledger and biophysicist Dr. Zvi Karni led to the discovery that the body often retains (rather than dissipates) physical forces. This is often the result of an accident, injury, or emotional trauma. The dysfunctional area is isolated, creating what is called an “energy cyst”. Although a reasonably healthy body can adapt to “energy cysts”, extra energy is required to perform normal bodily functions. As time passes, the adaptive pattern of the body loses its effectiveness. Symptoms begin to appear and, over time, become more difficult to suppress. The SomatoEmotional Release process requires extreme sensitivity on the part of the therapist and trust from the client/patient.

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

Once you go chiro..

One of the most misunderstood beliefs about chiropractic is that once you start, you have to keep going back forever.  It's true, many Chiropractic clients choose to continue care on a regular wellness care after experiencing great results, but they do so simply because preventative maintenance makes sense - the body functions better without nerve interference.

Here are some other things that you don't have to maintain/prevent for the rest of your Life, but also make good sense... brushing your teeth, going to the gym, taking your vitamins, eating your veggies, changing the oil in your car or saving for retirement.  Somewhere along the road, you discovered on your own accord that these activities ADD to your Life as opposed to subtract from it, and it's the same for clients who choose to get adjusted for maintenance purposes.

No one can make you do something you don't want to.  Just like regular car tune ups or staying physically fit, the choice to keep your spine and nervous system free from damaging stress for the rest of your life is totally your decision... as are the benefits if you do and the consequences if you don't.

 If you have any questions feel free to email Dr. Elton Clemence at the clinic at www.family1stchiro.ca or call us at 403-347-3261 for consultation and to set up a time to have your spine and nervous system checked.

Your Personal Army

Your Personal Army

Strengthen your army by making sure you have a powerful king to lead the way.

Every castle, no matter how strong in structure, needs an army of soldiers to help protect and defend it from an invasion.

In this epic battle, the soldiers’ duty is to warn the castle of impending attack and to commence in fighting off the enemy forces. Without these mighty soldiers, the castle and its hosts can fall prey to the invaders.

Protecting Your Castle

This same experience is also true to the health of your body and your immune system.

If your body (the castle) doesn't have a healthy immune system (army of soldiers), your body becomes the host for various germs and microbes that can become an infection or disease.

The immune system is responsible for keeping these germs at bay. When an unwelcome virus or bacteria enter your body, your immune system goes to work, sending out healthy cells to fight back. One example of these healthy cells is the phagocyte.

Phagocyte is from the Greek word phagein, which means, “to eat” or “devour.” Phagocytes protect the body by attacking the germs and bacteria and eating them up. If all goes according to plan, your body comes out victorious and healthy! This happens millions of times each day without a conscious thought from you–if your nervous system is performing as it should.

Your Nervous System Is King

Who sends out the soldiers to attack?

That would be the king and those who work closely with him. Without a healthy nervous system orchestrating every cell, tissue, gland and system of your body, you’ll be more susceptible to invading armies of germs.

Strengthen your army by making sure you have a powerful king to lead the way. Likewise, strengthen your immune system by receiving regular chiropractic care for optimal nervous system health!

Family First Chiropractic is accepting new patients. Call us at 403-347-3261. 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer, AB. www.family1stchiro.ca