Atlas Self-Treatment

This is a great self-technique if feeling overwhelmed with too much to 'do' or unable to move on doing anything: The atlas, or 1st cervical vertebrae, has a natural movement that can become restricted or unbalanced. When it is functioning optimally, it moves in an horizontal infinity pattern, gently reverberating this rhythmic movement throughout your spine. In Shin Tai work, there is a correspondence between stress in the atlas and being projected into the future/having a fear of the future.

Lay on your back and palpate your own C1. Lightly touch each side of your atlas and enjoy the side to side sway of its subtle motion, noticing restriction or asymetrical movement. Encourage more symmetry and freedom and pay attention to sensations in your body.  Feel for a softening of any rigid sensation in the atlas, and/or for the shape and movement to become more clear.  Do this work for 5-10 minutes.

After treating yourself, notice changes in your feelings, mental state, and physical condition throughout the next day or two. Is there any more engagement into the present moment (which paradoxically becomes more fully synthesized with the past and future)?