For mamas-to-be just one of the things CST can do is help relieve tension in the pelvis (and uterus), which eases the ligaments and muscles and reduces or eliminates pain in the back and hips.
This bodywork is so relaxing and gentle that it may feel like nothing is going on and the next thing you know you’re waking up from a long nap! So many times folks say to me “I never fell asleep during a massage before," and the next day I get a phone call saying that they've never felt better. That's the wonder of CranioSacral Therapy.
The craniosacral system is the brain (sitting in its cranium or skull), the spine, the tailbone (sacrum), the craniosacral fluid (CSF) and three layers of membranes and tissue. The CSF moves up and down this pathway between skull-spine-tailbone path with its own slow pulse, similar to the pace of the heart beat or the movement of the breath.
This fluid flows rhythmically up and down the spinal column and through the cranium and sacrum, which creates a nearly imperceptible pulse that resonates throughout the body. At times of deep relaxation, this pulse slows and reaches a therapeutic resting place called ‘stillpoint.’ After reaching this point, the body is revitalized – kind of rebooted!
By softly holding the head, spine, sacrum or other places on the body (like the feet) the CST therapist determines what parts of the body are and are not moving with the rhythm of the CSF. The places that are not moving, the restrictions, are addressed with a light touch, palpation or a gentle movement, maybe a rocking, to bring release to the restricted areas of the body.
This light touch, about the same weight as a nickel, facilitates the letting go of tension in the muscles and ligaments so the restricted areas can then move and the CSF rhythm to flow. This flow brings balance and alignment of these structures, which facilitates healthier pregnancies, smoother deliveries, happier Moms and healthier babies.
