Written by By Sheridan Seitz, OTD, OTR/L, BCP, CCLS and owner of Bloom Therapy Co.
Traditional Craniosacral Therapy (CST) has gained popularity as a gentle, holistic method aimed at enhancing the body’s natural healing abilities. While it’s often associated with techniques developed by osteopaths, another important figure in the evolution of craniosacral therapy is Dr. Barry Gillespie. Dr. Gillespie introduced an innovative method known as Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT), a refined approach that builds upon the traditional principles of CST, but with a particular emphasis on the fascial system and its crucial role in the body’s health.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) was developed in the 1970s by Dr. John Upledger, an osteopathic physician who recognized the importance of the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord. Dr. Upledger’s research and clinical practice led him to conclude that the craniosacral system, like the circulatory and nervous systems, plays a significant role in the body’s overall health. By using light touch, CST aims to release restrictions in the craniosacral system, thereby promoting the body’s ability to heal itself. In CST, practitioners focus on detecting and releasing tensions and blockages in the craniosacral system, which can impact the nervous system, circulation, and general well-being. The gentle manipulations performed during a session help facilitate the body’s natural balance, addressing a range of physical and emotional ailments.
While traditional CST primarily focuses on the craniosacral system (the cerebrospinal fluid, membranes, and the bones of the skull and spine), Dr. Gillespie recognized that fascial restrictions were also a significant source of tension in the body. Fascia, being a vast interconnected network and surrounding all the muscles and organs of the body, plays a crucial role. He theorized that fascial restrictions—such as those caused by injury, stress, trauma, or postural imbalances—could disrupt the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid, leading to discomfort, dysfunction, and illness. This insight led Dr. Gillespie to create Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT), an integrative approach that blends the traditional principles of CST with a focus on the fascial system.
Similar to traditional CST, CFT employs a gentle, hands-on approach. Practitioners use light touch to palpate the craniosacral rhythm and assess the tension in both the craniosacral and fascial systems. The technique involves working with the body’s own rhythm, making adjustments where restrictions are found. The goal is to promote relaxation, improve fluid flow, and release fascial adhesions, thereby allowing the body to heal itself more efficiently.
CFT can be used to treat a wide range of conditions in older children and adults. Here are some that this approach can address:
- Chronic headaches and migraines
- Neck and back pain
- TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Fibromyalgia
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Emotional trauma
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
Dr. Sheridan is trained to provide CFT for clients throughout the lifespan, and often sees adults for these types of issues in addition to her practice with infants.
While infants are naturally more flexible and resilient than adults, their bodies can still experience restrictions, misalignments, and stress, especially following birth. CFT can support infants’ physical and emotional development, alleviate common issues, and contribute to a healthier start in life. CFT uses extremely light touch, often less than the weight of a nickel, which is ideal for babies. This soft touch helps stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms without causing discomfort. The goal is not to force or manipulate the body but to guide it into a more balanced state. It works with the baby’s natural rhythms and energy to promote healing and comfort. By improving craniosacral and fascial function, CFT can enhance the baby’s overall development, from mobility to feeding, to emotional well-being. CFT is particularly valuable for parents who are looking for natural alternatives to medications for conditions such as colic, sleep disturbances, or feeding difficulties. Some common conditions in infants that CFT can address:
- Birth Trauma and Tension
The birth process, especially a difficult or assisted delivery (such as with forceps or vacuum extraction), can place stress on a baby’s head, neck, and spine. This can result in tension and misalignment in the craniosacral and fascial systems. CFT helps to release this tension and supports the proper alignment of the skull and spine, reducing the risk of long-term discomfort or developmental delays.
- Torticollis (Neck Tightness)
Torticollis is a condition in which a baby’s neck muscles tighten, causing the head to tilt to one side. This condition can occur due to positioning during birth, limited space in the womb, or muscle strain during delivery. CFT can be very effective in releasing the fascial and muscular restrictions that contribute to torticollis, allowing the baby’s neck and spine to relax and realign. Through gentle manipulation, CFT helps to restore range of motion, ease discomfort, and promote proper head posture.
- Plagiocephaly (Flat Head)
Plagiocephaly occurs when a baby’s skull becomes flattened on one side, often as a result of spending too much time lying on their back or with their head tilted in a preferred direction. CFT can help alleviate the pressure on the baby’s skull by releasing fascial restrictions around the head and neck. This promotes better cranial symmetry and can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help the skull return to its natural shape.
- Feeding Issues
Babies who have difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding may be experiencing restrictions in their craniosacral or fascial systems that affect their ability to latch or suck properly. This can be caused by misalignment in the jaw, mouth, or neck muscles. CFT works gently to release these restrictions, improving the baby’s ability to feed comfortably and efficiently.
- Colic and Digestive Issues
Colic, excessive crying, and digestive discomfort are common issues in infants. These conditions can often be linked to tension in the abdominal muscles, digestive system, or craniosacral system, which can interfere with the smooth functioning of the gut. CFT helps to release fascial restrictions in the abdomen and surrounding areas, potentially reducing discomfort and promoting more regular digestion.
- Sleep Disturbances
Babies who experience difficulty sleeping may have imbalances in their nervous system or craniosacral system. Tension in the head, neck, or spine can affect the baby’s ability to relax and achieve restful sleep. CFT promotes relaxation by addressing these tensions, supporting a calmer, more balanced nervous system, which may help improve sleep patterns.
Often parents and infants can both benefit from CFT simultaneously to decrease tension and strain from the birthing process and promote better co-regulation throughout the critical first year of life. It’s essential to work with practitioners who specialize in CFT and who understand the unique needs of infants. Dr. Sheridan offers free consults to answer any questions determine if CFT could help you or your baby.
