CranioSacral Therapy and Pregnancy*

The hormonal and structural changes that occur during pregnancy can cause discomfort. Discomfort can be very stressful, and as the chemicals of stress release, more discomfort ensues. CranioSacral Therapy can interrupt this cycle, restore balance and improve overall well being.
CranioSacral Therapy is performed with very gentle, non-invasive techniques. The client is fully clothed and no oil is used. After a session, all clients tend to feel relaxed and revitalized; some clients experience partial or complete relief from their complaints.
The CranioSacral Rhythm is created by the constant production and reabsorption of cerebrospinal fluid. The therapist monitors and helps rebalance this rhythm, and gently holds and manipulates the bones of the skull and fascia throughout the body to release restrictions.
The CranioSacral System consists of the tube surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and the tube's contents. This tube contains the Central Nervous System, so any condition relating to the Central Nervous System can be affected positively with CranioSacral Therapy.

Chris Adams and Sheryl Rapée are certified by the Upledger Institute in CranioSacral Therapy Techniques. Testing for Certification is a stringent 3-part process involving written, oral and hands-on examination. Chris has a special interest in working with pediatric clients and is pursuing training in that work.

*from Your Inner Physician and You
by John Upledger, D.O., O.M.M.
©1997 by UI Enterprises

Q: Is it safe for me to have CranioSacral Therapy, now that I'm pregnant?
A: It is safe and even desirable. CranioSacral Therapy mobilizes and enhances many of the normal adaptational processes of your body. It is necessary for these processes to be highly operative during pregnancy. CranioSacral Therapy can very definitely assist them.

Q: I heard that CranioSacral Therapy can induce labor. Will it induce labor prematurely?
A: CranioSacral Therapy assists normal physiological processes. When properly applied, it will never go against what your body wants to do. Therefore, it will never induce premature labor unless there is something wrong with the pregnancy and your body naturally wants to abort the fetus.

Q: If my labor seems to be going nowhere, can CranioSacral Therapy help me?
A: Yes, CranioSacral Therapy often seems to be the vehicle that puts energy into a stalled labor. This may happen by many different mechanisms. But it doesn't really matter which is theoretically correct; CranioSacral Therapy is often followed by a quick, natural delivery.

Q: How can CranioSacral Therapy help the new mother?
A: In several ways: 1) it helps restore hormone balance; 2) it helps alleviate post-partum depression; and 3) it restores normal pelvic function thus eliminating many post-delivery back problems and the like.