Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) is a gentle, natural approach with beneficial therapeutic effects. Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is the work of Dr. Barry Gillespie. It is based on his theory that the Craniosacral and Fascial systems are not separate but interconnected.
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 how this technique may help!
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
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, composed of the brain and spinal cord, controls most functions of the body. As such, 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 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, cerebrospinal fluid is free to help nourish and cleanse toxins.
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 to get your attention. The pulling and scrunching pattern in your body (your super suit) has further created additional strain across your stomach up to your opposite shoulder. The fascia thickens in response to each minor or major injury, surgery, or trauma starting from birth. It creates pulling patterns and areas of strain in the fascial tissue. Trauma (i.e., difficult birth, surgery, auto accidents, falls, concussions, dental work, emotional trauma) accumulates and creates 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 the range of motion, among other ailments.
The craniosacral system includes the structures of the brain, spinal cord, and sacrum structures that gently pump cerebrospinal fluid, which is found in the brain, spine, and body fascia network. Cerebrospinal fluid provides shock absorption, nutrient delivery, and detoxification throughout the body.
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. 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.
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