Sacral rocking is associated with which autonomic nervous system?

• A. Sympathetic
• B. Parasympathetic
• C. Somatic
• D. Central

Answer: (B)

Parasympathetic. Sacral rocking is a gentle osteopathic technique that aims to influence the sacral parasympathetic outflow to pelvic organs. The parasympathetic fibers supplying the pelvic viscera originate in the sacral spinal levels (S2–S4). By mobilizing the sacrum, this maneuver is said to enhance parasympathetic tone in the pelvis, promoting rest-and-digest effects such as relaxation and improved pelvic organ function. The sympathetic system is associated with activating (fight-or-flight) responses, which is not the goal of this pelvic-focused technique, and somatic or central refer to non-autonomic components.