CRANIOSACRAL FASCIAL THERAPY
Is your baby fussy?
Babies can hold tension in their bodies from the pregnancy and birth. Tension can show as digestive problems, feeding issues or disturbed sleep patterns.
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CFT is a gentle, baby led therapy that can help babies to release this tension to allow them to feel relaxed and contented.
Practiced around the world, CFT tunes into the body's natural ability to heal itself. Grounded in the combination of osteopathic principles and fascial science.
What can CFT help with?
CFT is effective for all ages and benefits a variety of conditions. This is not an exhaustive list...
CFT can support with;
- Tongue Tie
- Latching Difficulties
- Reflux
- Colic
- Constipation
- Ear-ache
- Wind
- Torticollis
- Sinus conditions
- Anxiety
What is CFT?
Dr. Barry Gillespie discovered the Craniosacral Fascial System, which consists of a slight motion of the brain and spinal cord pumping cerebrospinal fluid into the fascial web that connects every structural cell of the body. When physical and/or emotional traumas, birth or tongue tie adversely tighten this freely moving system, tremendous pressure can be exerted on associated nerves, muscles, organs, blood vessels, lymph vessels and bones. Profound effects on body function may result as a major cause of the conditions listed above.
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CFT originated from the cranial osteopathic principles of Dr. William Sutherland, the authentic myofascial release work of John Barnes, P.T., and Dr. Barry Gillespie’s background as a periodontist. The power of Craniosacral Fascial Therapy revolves around hands-on procedures that facilitate healing without drugs, vitamins, supplements, technology or surgery. A freely moving brain, spinal cord and fascial web are must-haves for the well-being of all newborns, children and adults.
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Infant-Driven Movement (IDM) allows the therapist to listen to the infant as they stretches through their fascial strain patterns due to strain from birth or injury.
The provider softly feels for connective tissue or fascial restrictions without manipulating the newborn. It is gentle and noninvasive without applying force to adjust the infant.
The newborn drives their own movement by stretching, bending, flexing, extending (arching) or twisting while the practitioner gently allows, supports, follows and feels the soft tissues of the body release.
The newborn can beautifully let go of his/her emotional and physical traumas with complete freedom without any adult social filters. Like a tight spring gently unwinding, they can relax and heal. The goal is to create a strain-free, thriving and happy baby.
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CFT is available to babies up until 12 months
FAQs
Does it hurt?
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No, CFT uses a very gentle touch. Sometimes it looks like we may not be doing anything other than resting finger tips on part of the body, other times the body responds by moving and we follow this pattern.
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What is the difference between Osteopathy and Cransiosacral Therapy?
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Here is an excellent article written by John Upledger himself;
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What sort of results can I expect?
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Typically we see babies who are suffering with reflux, colic, poor sleep and feeding. Parents report that babies are more relaxed afterwards with a significant improvement in symptoms
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Can CFT cure Reflux?
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If you have a true medical condition then CFT is not going to cure you, what it can do is alleviate the symptoms you or your baby are experiencing. So far, a significant number of parents have reported an improvement in symptoms
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How many sessions does my baby need?
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Honestly, this is a difficult one to answer as without doing a hands on assessment it is hard to say. Every baby, body and complaint is different. As a general idea, expect between 2-6 sessions, the average being 3. Releasing fascial strain can be like peeling away the layers of an onion, we can't always achieve this in just one session.
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Can CFT help with feeding problems?
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YES! This was the main reason for me choosing to train in CFT. As an IBCLC I was seeing so many babies with side preference, being uncomfortable, back arching, tongue tie, the list goes on. There was only so much I could do as there was clearly more going on with the body that, as an IBCLC alone, I couldn't support with. I frequently referred to local providers for support but I was becoming frustrated at not being able to do this myself. So when the opportunity arose I obviously took it! This has enhanced by practice and the two (IBCLC & CFT) go hand in hand with each other. I can now focus on a whole body approach to get to the root cause of the issue.
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Can you tell me more?
The Cranioscaral system can become adversely tightened, causing tremendous pressure being exerted on associated nerves, muscles, organs, blood vessels, lymph vessels and bones. Profound effects on body function may result as a major cause of the presented health conditions. Strain anywhere in that system may affect brain function and mobility. This strain starts in utero and birth.
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This intricate system originates in the body's core around the brain and spinal cord and extends through the body's fascial web which surrounds and permeates every structure down to the cellular level. A healthy system allows for the free flow of Cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, down the spine, to the sacrum, and into the connective tissue (fascia).
CFT techniques are designed to gently unwind accumulated fascial strain, allowing optimal mobility and therefore better brain function. When the Craniosacral Fascial system is loose and open, there is optimal flow of cerebrospinal fluid to help nourish the body and cleanse toxins. We believe that every baby deserve to have CFT to enable them to reach their fullest potential.
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You can find out more here https://www.gillespieapproach.com/
