CranioSacral Therapy for Children: A Holistic Approach Promoting Balance, Relaxation and Neurological Function

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, restorative, manual therapy modality that enhances brain and nervous system function, decreases stress, strengthens the immune system response, improves organ and cellular function, increases circulation, and brings the body back to homeostasis. Imagine that a computer is lagging, freezing and not processing smoothly.  When you defragment the computer it restores to its efficient capability.  Our central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is the master computer of the body.  We, too, need to “defragment” to restore and rebalance to function more efficiently.  But we are not computers.  Humans also have emotional and spiritual components to happiness and health.  When we are emotionally, spiritually and physically balanced, we feel and think better and feel lighter.  CranioSacral Therapy melts resistance, eases the flow of life and empowers participants to be healthy, happy and successful.

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Focusing on the Positive

OMG……….The holidays are coming.  It’s already October, the leaves are changing, Halloween is almost here and the kids are finally settled in school and into a routine.  The holidays are a great time for families to gather and bond in a loving way.  However, some have not had such positive holiday experiences and depending on your past circumstances will determine how you view the holidays.  The holidays can bring up some unwanted memories. Some have lost loved ones so the holidays can seem even more difficult.  The holidays can be a stressful time.  Sometimes it is our thoughts about the holidays that create this stressful time.  Our thoughts create our reality. 

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Taking Time for You

As Mom’s we can feel like slaves to the “to do” lists, schedules, and daily chores, not to mention your work outside the home.  We often feel tired and spent.  There are strategies that you can use to empower you each day.  These are simple, yet so powerful in keeping you grounded and feeling good.

1.       Spend some quiet time each day. You can play some soothing music sitting in a place that is comfortable for you.  This will center you for the day or end your day on a very good note.

2.      Spend time in nature.  You can take a walk or just sit in a beautiful place.  Spending time in nature connects you to the earth and to your true self.  The mind begins to quiet and the body relaxes.

3.      Care for your body.  Your body is the vehicle that you have that will drive you through life.  A well tuned body helps you feel good and makes you feel as if you can do anything.  You have more energy to do the things you want to do.  Eat healthful foods, exercise, and get plenty of rest.

4.      Journal your feelings.  We are here to feel and sometimes those feelings can become overwhelming.  Take some time everyday to journal on those uncomfortable feelings.  When we are triggered by an event happening today it is always a reminder of a past experience that may not have been pleasant.  Going back to the original distressing memory that reminds you of the current event will help you to clear.  These memories are almost always very old.  By journaling you will gain self awareness, and feel lighter and more available to the present moment. Journaling will also help you to clear those unwanted negative feelings that when left to their own devices will push you to the “too muchness” syndrome.  Too much eating, too much shopping, too much drinking, too much gossiping, and the list goes on and on.

5.      Breathe.  Oxygen is vital for the body and helps to move those unwanted feelings out more quickly.  It also helps with anxiety.  Have you ever noticed how you hold your breath when you are stressed?  You can’t be anxious and breathing at the same time.  When stress hits, focus on the breath.  It really helps.

Taking time and caring for you will help you to be a better Mom because you will be more present for your families, more self aware, and most of all you will feel good.  Oh yes, and don’t forget to breathe.

Catherine Anesi, LCSW specializes in helping people transform their lives.  She is a licensed clinical social worker and sees clients in her office in Croton.  She also leads groups and retreats that aide in transformation.  If you would like to contact her please email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit her website at www.catherineanesilcsw.com and facebook at Catherine Anesi, LCSW, RM.

Don't Neglect YOU!

With the winter comes cold weather and snow and boy have we experienced that this year.  The children have had so many snow days that the school districts are beginning to take days away from winter and spring vacation.  It has been challenging at best for so many families trying to juggle work, the children being home from school, and the stress of the cold and snowy weather.  It is human nature to find comfort in routines and schedules and this winter has just about thrown off any as semblance of a routine for most.  A lot of energy is extended just to create a productive day for you and your children while holed up at home.  One can begin to feel out of control.  This is perfect breeding ground for neglecting your own self care.  How do you know when you are neglecting yourself?

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Keep Relaxing!

If you tuned in to last month’s article, you were introduced to some simple relaxation strategies geared towards younger children. While deep breathing and low lights can help any of us move towards calm, encouraging older children and teens to take responsibility for their stress levels can be more complex. Here are some ideas on how to best support your older child’s need for relaxation.

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Attitude of Gratitude

Thanksgiving time always reminds me of a time to give thanks for all that we have. It is a time where families and friends gather together and give thanks for everything they have in their lives. We take the time to actually think about the wonderful people and things we are blessed with. We are grateful for our children, our Moms and Dads, the special people in our lives, our homes, our careers, our health, etc. The list goes on and on. Wouldn't it be great if we could remember to have that Attitude of Gratitude no matter what time of year it is.

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Surrender

The summer is over and school begins.  With that comes the impossible schedules, homework, activities and endless to do’s.  As Mom’s we often feel totally stressed out and off balance.  A good way to combat this situation is to surrender.  Yes, I mean surrender, let go-but definitely not give up.

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Make Mother's Day about YOU!

Spring is finally here!  Yeah! With Spring comes beautiful weather.  We can finally get out of the house without having to bundle up.  Spring also brings new stresses.    In addition to the regular everyday busy-ness, add in the new sports schedules, spring concerts, scheduling summer camps and spring fever.  The days are longer and that gives us more time to do do do.  If I got a quarter for every time I heard my clients, colleagues, friends, and family members say “It’s too much, I just can’t do it all” I would be rich (or at least have my laundry paid for each week).  “Doing-ness” has become an epidemic.  We are Human beings not human doings.  What would your day look like if you were able to just “be” for just a short time each day?  I am certain that if you were able to “just be” for even thirty minutes a day, you would feel more relaxed and centered.  You find that life comes to you rather than having to chase life.  Emptying the mind with thoughts of the past or the future opens you up to the present moment.  You have the ability to focus on the now.  Your loved ones, especially your children, will feel you present with them and they will feel appreciated.

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Self Care

There’s nothing like having a child and becoming a Mom so that every insecurity, imperfection and negative belief about yourself that you have managed to bury in the depths of your psyche and body can rise again to begin to torture you.  You look at your precious little ones and begin to see your glory as well as your imperfections.  All those unwanted feelings from the past begin to rear their ugly heads and you wonder,” what happened? 

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Relax!

Relaxation is a state that most of us are continually in pursuit of each with varying rates of success. As parents, there are certainly times when we wish we could magically wave a wand of relaxation and calm over our children allowing them to settle into bed, shift from one task to another, or begin homework. While caregivers are often quite skilled at identifying events and activities that lead our children to be energized and even a bit out of control, it can be more challenging to hone in on the grounding forces that reel our little ones back.

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