DIY Still Point Inducer
/CranioSacral Self Help Technique to Help Find Stillness in the Body
The Still Point Inducer is a simple device that produces a pause in the craniosacral rhythm similarly to what can be experienced during a Craniosacral Therapy session. Its creation was inspired by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger, developer of CranioSacral Therapy.
The induction of momentary pauses in the craniosacral rhythm is an effective technique for mobilizing the craniosacral system’s self-correcting abilities, which in turn can have profound beneficial effects throughout the body.
When the tissues are then released, the fluid begins to flow again to gently flush the system causing the membranes to stretch, remove tissue tension and improve your body's ability to relieve pain and stress naturally. Inducing a Still Point may help in:
Providing deep relaxation and helping reduce stress
Relieving headaches
Easing chronic musculoskeletal pain
Enhancing immune system efficiency
Facilitating your body's self-correcting abilities
Promoting an overall sense of well-being
You can use either an Upledger produced "Still Point Inducer" which can be purchased on the Upledger.com website or you can create your own.
To make one; two tennis or lacrosse balls are tethered in tandem so that they are touching on another. The two balls can be placed in the toe a sock which is then knotted tightly. In order to assure that the balls stay in contact with each other, place the sock inside another sock and tie tightly.
INSTRUCTIONS
Recline on your back, on the floor or upon a sofa or bed, preferably on a hard surface. Place the device under your head so that the entire weight of your head rests on the two balls. They should be symmetrical with respect to the midline of your skull. They are placed about 1/3 the way "up" the back of the head near the top of the occipital bone (back of the head lined up with the top part of the ear.) This is in a slight horizontal depression in the skull just above the attachment of the main neck muscles. The level is slightly above that of the ear openings.
Allow the weight of your head to rest comfortably upon the device. You may shift positions slightly in order to maintain symmetry and comfort, but do so gently and gradually. You may experience tenderness and tightness, which can be normal at the beginning. Listen to your body for cues and modify or take out the "still point inducer" if you are feeling like it is too much.
Simply lying in a relaxed position on the Still Point Inducer for 10 to 20 minutes a day can bring about beneficial results.
Relax and Be Well!
Palma