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.

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

Most of us will suffer from stiff, achy muscles, and numerous musculoskeletal pain conditions that are caused by ‘knots’. These ‘knots’ besides causing pain, weaken and limit the full functioning of a muscle. If left untreated, ‘knots’ can also compromise surrounding muscles, which are forced into compensatory patterns. This imbalance can create new trigger points, which can further set the stage for injury, additional pain, asymmetrical bodily appearance, as well as loss of muscle flexibility and strength.

Trigger point Therapy uses a variety of techniques to ‘deactivate’ these painful knots, using cycles of isolated pressure and release. Trigger point is generally simple to perform, by yourself, with a partner, or by working with a trained therapist. For most musculoskeletal conditions, a combination of trigger point therapy together with some simple lifestyle changes will produce quick and lasting results.

Guy Lacoursiere practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment, or visit us online at 403-347-3261!

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