Craniosacral Therapy
As the name implies, craniosacral therapy is a treatment
that involves the gentle manipulation of the cranium and the
sacrum, the triangular shaped bone at the base of the spine.
A connective tissue called dura, surrounds the brain and spinal
cord.
One function of the dura is to prevent leakage of cerebral
spinal fluid (CSF). The brain produces CSF, which flows through
the central nervous system. The rhythmic flow of CSF and the
connection of the dura to the cranium and sacrum, cause the
bones to move in predetermined directions. A therapist can
tactically feel and evaluate the bone movements. Through subtle
adjustments, restrictions to the proper movements of the bones
may be relieved. This in turn affects the central nervous
system because the nerves pass through the dura to go to all
areas of the body. Craniosacral therapy has proved to be effective
in the treatment of chronic and acute conditions.
Treatments for infants
The most common conditions treated by craniosacral therapy
in infants and children include:
- Plagiocephaly – Asymmetrical head shape
- Scoliosis – curvature of the spine
- Torticollis - head turned in one direction
- Motor delay – not using all extremities equally
or late in rolling, crawling, etc.
- Irritability
- Colic
- Reflux – spitting up
- Poor sucking or not latching on when breastfeeding.
Causes
The incorrect curvature of the spine or a misshapen head
of an infant may be caused by its position of the womb. The
baby may not move adequately while in the womb, or may be
constrained against the mother’s ribs or pelvis for
an extended period of time.
Anomalies in the infant’s skeletal structure arise
from delivery. The conditions may be detected as early as
one week after birth. The structure of an infant’s facial
bones may be altered as a consequence of the attrition against
the mother’s tailbone during birth. The use of forceps
or ventouse for the delivery is likely to affect the shape
of the infant’s head, either compressing or elongating
the cranium. In such an instance, if the infant’s head
does not resume the proper shape within a month from birth,
treatment is essential to correct anomalies in the bone structure,
which may induce anomalies in the development of the child.
A newborn’s cranium is characterized by seven “soft
spots”, or voids between cranium plates. The voids close
during the first few months following the birth. By the age
of two, the cranium plates have developed, closing the voids
and complete fusion by the age of eight. Therefore, the earlier
a child receives treatment, the more effective the correction
of the cranial structure.
Treatment for reshaping the head may require several visitations
depending on the age of the infant, the extent of misalignment
of the bones, and the integrity of the underlying vessels
and nerves.
Curing colic and reflux are achieved by focusing the areas
from where the Vagus nerve that supplies all the organs –
including the digestive organs – exits close to the
back of the neck and travels down the body. This can be more
effective than medications that treat the symptoms of the
stomach. The problem will return only to be diagnosed as another
condition such as constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pains,
and irritable bowel syndrome.
Typical Treatment
Infant during treatment |
It is recommended that a referral from the infant’s
physician be obtained prior to scheduling an appointment for
an assessment. If possible, it is advisable to schedule the
appointment to coincide with the time at which the infant
generally eats or sleeps. Bring the infant’s bottle
or pacifier if you are not breastfeeding, and a toy is helpful
to entertain the child during the treatment session. During
treatment, interruptions such as constantly picking up the
baby and changing diapers should be kept to a minimum.
A treatment plan generally consists of an assessment of the
way the infant sucks, followed by an assessment of the spine
and the craniosacral system. After each treatment session,
you may be given a home exercise to conduct with your child.
There are no known adverse effects from craniosacral therapy.
Nearly all mothers and babies find the treatment calming.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us
via email at
caroline@blissful-baby.com.
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