Читать книгу The Gentle Birth Method: The Month-by-Month Jeyarani Way Programme - Karen MacLeod Swan - Страница 40

What is it?

This is a ‘light-touch’ technique that fine-tunes the body’s rhythms. The therapy is based on a subtle pulse, the Cranio-sacral rhythm, which moves through the core of the body – through the brain and spinal cord and the fluids that bathe them. The pulse has a tide-like rhythm that becomes irregular where there’s a blockage or restriction.

These blockages – often characterized by tightness – are usually the result of the body holding so-called ‘tissue memories’ of a stressful event, such as a physical injury or a traumatic emotional situation. By freeing the restrictions in the connective tissue and muscles through Cranio-sacral therapy, we can bring about the release of tight ligaments and muscles, realign joints and even release emotional stress.

Following a session, patients will very often feel increased warmth, tingling or energy surges.

Its pedigree

The cranio-sacral pulse was discovered by a team of neuro-surgeons and neuro-physiologists. They observed subtle movements of the dura (membranes covering the brain) during brain surgery and came to the conclusion that restrictions of this pulse could cause functional disorders. Cranial therapy was then evolved to restore optimum movements of the cranial bones and the cerebro-spinal pulses.

When the egg and the sperm fuse at fertilization the subtle rhythm of life begins and the pulsations of the embryo are immediately visible. This is later seen in the cranio-sacral rhythm, in the membranes that surround the brain and in the circulation of the cerebral spinal fluid.

Cranio-sacral therapy in pregnancy

Cranio-sacral therapists believe our life histories – including our emotional and physical traumas – are ‘held’ in our bodies. Hence the release of tension in the joints and muscles also releases tissue memory and emotional stress. This therapy can therefore calm and soothe all mothers.

The therapy also helps prepare you for the birth process. The therapist checks the movement of the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull, which houses the pituitary gland. This gland lies just below the hypothalamus and both the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are responsible for producing and releasing prolactin and oxytocin, the hormones for pregnancy and birth. Through craniosacral therapy, the sphenoid bone is able to move freely, ensuring normal release of these hormones for birth.

What it can do for you in pregnancy

 As a preparation for birth it can release muscle and tissue restrictions that can prevent the pelvis from opening easily during birthing

 The circulation of cerebro-spinal fluid pulse is regulated and this helps with optimum releases of oxytocin during labour

 Can be used during labour to enhance contractions

 Alleviates emotional stress

Can you do it yourself?

No. The method of listening to the body’s rhythms that is intrinsic to this procedure is very subtle and too specialized to précis. Visit a qualified therapist.