What Is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy (CST - founded 1950-1970) and Osteopathy (founded 1930) are modalities that focus on the concept that the body must be treated as a whole, not just its symptoms. By helping a structural dysfunction in the body, you will in turn affect the physiological function. This is achieved by gentle, hands-on techniques of assessing and treating the bones, muscles and joints in the body, and bones, tissues and fluids that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
These treatments will help to balance the nervous system, aid in regulation and processing, and help heal any strains or traumas that may have occurred during birth or beyond. It is even safe for the hours old infant!
Craniosacral & Osteopathic Treatment for Infants:
In newborns, birth trauma that may have occurred with use of vacuum or forceps, or conditions such as torticollis, tongue ties, hip dysplasia, or other misaligned structures in the body, can lead to symptoms such as pain, discomfort, sleep disruption, &/or breastfeeding issues. CST and Osteopathy can be really beneficial for so many infants concerns. With tongue ties that are creating latch problems, a simple and almost painless procedure is done by a trained physician to release the tie. A followup CST treatment will aid in releasing any further restrictions in the infant, allowing for improved healing and reestablishing effective latch.
Click here for the research article “Efficacy of an Osteopathic Treatment coupled with Lactation Consultations for Infants’ Biomechanical Sucking Difficulites: A Randomized Controlled Trial”.
“The inner wisdom of a fetus and an infant is every bit intelligent as that of an adult. It knows that its body needs to correct its dysfunctions. It knows why those dysfunctions are present. It has a softer voice than the adult inner wisdom, therefore, the Craniosacral Therapist must learn to listen more carefully. Once the connection is made, all the information you need will be forthcoming.”
John Upledger DO, OMM