sheryl mcgavin pediatric craniosacral therapy

About Craniosacral Therapy:

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle and highly effective manual therapy that provides an opportunity for greater health and healing by alleviating tensions in the body and mind that affect the membranes and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system). CST respects and works with the inner intelligence of the body, intending to gently release the tensions that inhibit the natural self-healing and self-correcting abilities.

The craniosacral system includes membranes (meninges) that line the inside of the skull (the cranium), fold in to create divisions between the lobes of the brain, and then become a tube that extends down the inside of the spine (the vertebral column) to the tailbone (the sacrum). Cerebrospinal fluid circulates around the brain and spinal cord within this membrane system.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds, bathes, nourishes and protects the brain and spinal cord. Healthy circulation of the CSF is important for optimal function of the cells of the central nervous system. There is a slow, subtle, rhythmic movement of this system as CSF is produced, circulated and reabsorbed. Therapists are trained to gently palpate this subtle movement in order to evaluate how tensions in the body and mind are affecting this core system.

Although our bodies are made of countless individual parts, all of these parts are interrelated and function together as an integrated whole. This requires effective communication and coordination of the cells and nervous system that rely on fluid circulation and the flow of nerve impulses.

Our bodies have homeostatic, self-correcting mechanisms - systems that are designed to constantly monitor, maintain and restore balance and function. In order for these mechanisms to work we again must have good circulation of fluids and effective central nervous system function.

Craniosacral therapy focuses on alleviating the tensions and restrictions in the body/mind that negatively affect mobility of tissue, fluids, and nerve impulses; thereby supporting communication and coordination so that the homeostatic mechanisms of the body can work, maintaining and restoring healthy function.

The quality of touch used is gentle and gradual, so that the subtle movements of this system can be palpated and the nervous system and tissues do not need to defend against the touch. A gentle touch allows the body to relax and rest in a parasympathetic state - the body's rest, digest and repair state of being. This helps us to manage the stresses of life and supports the self-healing, self-regulating activities of the body.

Pediatrics:

New borns and infants with feeding difficulties, sleep issues, recurrent ear infections, colic and digestive issues, torticolis, plagiocephaly (misshapen head), tongue tie and more can all benefit from craniosacral therapy. Even in the easiest birth there can be pressures on the skull, neck and spine that affect healthy function and CST gently addresses these restrictions, allowing the baby to feel better and function normally.

Young children with disorders of attention, developmental delays and/or sensory processing issues respond well to CST, especially in combination with other treatment modailities such as neurodevelopmental therapy, sensory integration and nutritional programs.

Children with other orthopedic, neurological and pain conditions not described above may also benefit. Contact a therapist to ask questions if your situation is not addressed above.

Adults:

Many people with pain conditions experience great benefit from CST. Back pain, neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, acute or chronic pain - all have shown decreased pain with this treatment approach. Typically people will experience some benefit within the first 2-3 sessions, although it may require more to achieve your full desired results.

Individuals with acute or chronic orthopedic and neurological conditions and people who are recovering after a surgical procedure can also experience decreased pain, improved mobility and function.

Those experiencing stress or trauma related health issues also may respond well to CST. It can be an excellent complement to other treatment approaches, such as counseling, often increasing the effectiveness of other interventions.

And last but not least, there are some people who use CST as part of their ongoing health maintenance program. Similar to getting a massage regularly, they schedule CST sessions to help maintain a state of health and well-being. They find it to be relaxing, easing the tensions in the body that occur with day to day life.