The cranio-sacral system consists of:

• The meninges which surround the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord)
• The bones of the cranuim and of the sacrum, which are attached to these membranes
• The fascia which radiates out from the membranes to all parts of the body
• The cerebro-spinal fluid which is produced in the central nervous system and transmitted via the neurological pathways throughout the body.

Whole Body Unwinding is an important aspect of Cranio-Sacral Therapy. It works on many levels and has the potential of unwinding both the physical and emotional holding and constrictions in the body. It is an effective method of approaching and resolving these issues at the individual’s own pace.

The touch is gentle and non invasive, nothing is imposed on the body, but rather is a process of listening to and honouring the body’s instructions. As the client relaxes and trusts, the therapist’s hands just follow and assist the unwinding process. This is a very gentle and soft technique, excellent for babies, children and pregnant women.

Birth Unwinding is a focused aspect of Whole Body Unwinding, focusing only on the birth and the problems there in. All new mothers and babies could benefit from Birth Unwinding no matter how easy or difficult the birth. Birth is our first experience of life as a separate being, and can influence us for the rest of our lives. Pregnancy is a good time to have treatment, as the altered hormone levels and changes in the endocrine system makes the connective tissue softer and therefore better to alter. Work can be done on the sacral nerves which influence the pelvis, cervix and perineum, balancing them so that the cervix dilates more smoothly.

Whilst in the womb a baby is sensitive to their mother’s experience, and if this is one of stress or difficulty, the baby may feel this too. Unwinding treament can offer a very peaceful space for the pregnant woman, a chance for her to relax and just be, and this will touch the fetus too. The more relaxed the mother, the easier the labour.

Treatment of a newborn is preventative medicine, especially if there were problems during the birth. These could be: prolonged labour, forceps, ventouse, breech presentation and stress itself. Obviously difficult births are potentially damaging, but even quick and easy births can stress the cranial mechanism. The head of the baby gets compressed and moulded as it is squeezed through the birth canal, sometimes shearing and twisting the membranes or jamming the occipital-atlas joint. Babies delivered by C Section could also benefit from Birth Unwinding as they missed the rythmic squeeze of the contractions to initiate a healthy cranial rythym. Also, the speed at which a baby leaves the womb during a C Section can cause shock to the baby just by the decompression alone.

Birth Unwinding can help babies suffering from colic, sleeplessness, hyperactivity and constant crying. Sometimes when unwinding birth trauma, babies may cry in a rage, releasing the frustration they feel. Their personal story needs to be heard and affirmed, and their bodies often need to move, follow and complete their birth process through to the instinctive need for attachment. Quite often this can affect the mother too, and there is ample opportunity for her to share and release any unresolved feelings she is holding about the birth.

Treatment after the birth is important for the mother too. Post-natal depression could be a result of the downward displacement of the uterus following birth and the resultant tug on the pituitary gland via the dura.

Cranio-sacral work can help the pelvis and lower back realign, as well as helping the whole system to come back into a sense of balance again. Sometimes the new mother needs emotional support as well, especially if the birth was difficult, or there are problems breastfeeding or bonding.

At the core of Cranio-Sacral Therapy is the belief of an innate intelligence for health within us all. By giving babies and children the chance and support they require to heal early traumas, they can be free to reach their full potential for life. It is never too late to heal the effects of a difficult pregnancy or birth, but the sooner the better, before the memory becomes a more permanent holding pattern throughout life.

Lynn Shamal

Lynn Shamal is trained in cranio-Sacral Therapy, Whole Body Unwinding, Rebirthing and Counselling, and has been in practice in the Lake District for the past ten years. Sessions are available in the South Lakes and Lancaster and home visits can be arranged. If you would like to know more or to book a session, please phone Lynn on 01229 582298.