Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) is a very gentle, natural approach with beneficial therapeutic effects. Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is the work of Dr. Barry Gillespie and is based on his theory that the Craniosacral and Fascial systems are not separate but one interconnected system. CFT blends two established modalities of Cranial Sacral Therapy by Dr. William Sutherland’s Cranial Sacral Therapy and John Barnes’ Myofascial release, along with the dental technique developed by Dr. Gillespie’s experience as a periodontist. Read on to learn more about CFT and who this technique may help! 

What is fascia?  

Fascia is an all-encompassing three-dimensional continuum web of connective tissue (envision a spider web, if you will) found in the body. The fascial tissue provides a framework for our bodies that surrounds and supports our muscles and organs while providing structure to the body as a whole. It is an all-encompassing web-like structure that surrounds organs, muscles, nerves, and even blood, for protection from outside trauma. It further supports the musculoskeletal system and allows us to perform functional movements.  

What is the craniosacral system? 

The craniosacral system includes the structures of the brain, spinal cord and sacrum that gently pump cerebrospinal fluid which is a fluid found in the fascia network of the brain, spine and body. Cerebrospinal fluid provides shock absorption, nutrient delivery, and detoxification throughout the body. 

How is fascia damaged? 

It is with the understanding that fascia is everywhere. Picture yourself in your Spider-Man or Incredibles Super Suit ready for Halloween. Now picture your little babe scrunching your suit at your knee trying to get your attention. Through the pulling and scrunching pattern in your body (your super suit), they have further created additional strain across your stomach all the way up to your opposite shoulder.  With each minor or major injury, surgery, or trauma starting from birth, fascia thickens in response, and creates pulling patterns and areas of strain in the fascial tissue.  With trauma ( ie. difficult birth, surgery, auto accidents, falls, concussions, dental work, emotional trauma) traumas accumulate and create strain and toxicity in the craniosacral system, restricting critical brain motion. Damage to the craniosacral fascial system can cause poor blood flow, diminish nerve impulses, or limit range of motion among other ailments.  

How does CFT help? 

Because sensory neurons are found within the fascia, working and releasing the strain and tension in the tissue allows the nervous system to relax, regenerate, and reboot. The central nervous system, which is composed of the brain and spinal cord, controls most functions of the body. As such, a disruption of cerebrospinal fluid flow, part of the craniosacral system, can contribute to pain and disruption of movement.  

Working to release and put slack into the fascial tissue system may help to reduce or eliminate chronic or acute pulling patterns that have created pain. Working slowly and deep into the fascia can free up adhesions, allowing optimal mobility and better brain function. When the Craniosacral Fascial System is loose and open, there is free flow of cerebrospinal fluid to help nourish and cleanse toxins.  

Who benefits from CFT? 

CFT is effective for all ages and benefits a variety of conditions. 

 Infants:  

  • Birth trauma 

  • Tongue tie/Lip tie 

  • Torticollis 

  • Reflux 

  • Colic 

  • Inability to latch 

  • Difficulty sucking 

  • Difficulty sleeping 

  • Constipation  

  • Head asymmetry 

  • Earache  

  • General fussiness 

Childhood:  

  • Asthma 

  • Earache 

  • Concussion  

  • ADHD/ADD 

  • Learning disorders 

  • Sinus conditions 

  • Anxiety  

  • Neck pain  

  • Digestive issues 

  • Bedwetting 

  • Headache  

  • Scoliosis 

Per CFT website:  

“CFT is an ideal therapy for children as it is non-invasive, gentle, active, and fun! Removing fascial strain from childbirth, vaccinations, and other early traumas has been demonstrated to help with issues of tongue ties, colic, digestive discomfort, hyperactivity, attention deficit, autism, allergies, asthma, earaches, learning disorders, bedwetting, and other childhood ailments.” 

For more information on CFT, feel free to watch this talk on CFT – Gillespie Approach explained by Holly Steflik and Kim Sherlock.  

If you have more questions about CFT or think this could benefit your child, reach out to us at ProActive and we would be happy to help! 

Emily Brandt