Craniosacral Therapy

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CranioSacral Therapy CranioSacral therapy is a gentle, safe and effective form of bodywork that uses a very light touch to eliminate restrictions and areas of stress or tightness. Craniosacral therapy promotes optimal shape, size, and movement of the head, spine and entire body. I will use gentle hand positions and movements to help your baby's body readjust and move toward natural alignment. Very specific, skilled, light pressure is applied where necessary to assist the natural ability of the body to release stresses and tensions. I will use my hands to locate and release restrictions of motion within the body to bring about relaxation, mind / body balance and the promotion of health. For many babies, this helps to relieve reflux and/or colic symptoms, improves sleep and promote organization of brain activity. CranioSacral therapy promotes health from within your baby's body. This type of therapy enhances and supports the natural function of your baby's body. Babies delivered vaginally and by c section benefit from CranioSacral therapy. All babies, even without obvious difficulties, benefit from CranioSacral therapy after delivery. This type of therapy facilitates the natural alignment and health. You may want to consider CranioSacral therapy for your baby if you notice: flat spots or bulges anywhere on the head overlapping sutures anywhere on the head uneven ear position uneven eye position strong head preference to one side irritability stiff movements decreased flexibility decreased eye contact or "glazed over" eyes or if your baby has: colic reflux symptoms excessive gas constipation sleep problems decreased feeding skills or latch (bottle or breast) eczema or other skin irritation weak, hoarse or squeaky cry discomfort when positioned in a car seat discomfort during tummy time recurrent ear infections arching through the back These descriptors can have a negative effect on your baby's physical body, attachment, & development. More about the Craniosacral system: The craniosacral system is made up of the coverings/membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These coverings (called meninges) are fascial tissue. Fasia is connective tissue, which helps to keep the body organized. The dural membrane is the outermost membrane of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is waterproof and keeps the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contained. CSF bathes, nourishes, and protects the brain and spinal cord. CranioSacral Therapy promotes optimal circulation of CSF which enhances brain and nerve activity.	A note about Colic: Most pediatricians define Colic by the rule of 3's: 3 hours of crying 3 days a week over a 3 week period. A note about other gastrointestinal problems in newborns: Your baby may have milder forms of digestive problems, such as reflux. Craniosacral therapy helps all digestive function using a gentle approach. What is reflux? The classic medical definition is the backward flow of stomach contents / acid into the esophagus. Most pediatricians will prescribe a medication for reflux. Medication does not stop the backward flow of contents into the esophagus. Medication does help reduce the acidity of the stomach contents so that the esophagus is not irritated or damaged. Some medications help the stomach empty on a more timely schedule. From what I have experienced, reflux is a problem with coordination, timing and tone of the upper digestive tract, typically the esophagus, lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, pylorus and upper part of the small intestine. The esophagus contracts and relaxes to move the fluid to the stomach, the stomach contracts and relaxes to aid in digestion and move the fluid into the small intestine. The lower esophageal sphincter (between the esophagus and the stomach), when working correctly, will close off the top of the stomach to keep the contents in the stomach, which prevents reflux. Craniosacral therapy treats the cause of these difficulties by directly working with the nerves, tissues and organs involved. This helps relieve the symptoms of these reflux and or colic. Gastrointestinal problems can be caused by compression of the Vagus nerve. This long and extensive nerve exits the base of the skull via two small holes called jugular foramen. When there is any tightness or constriction in this area, the baby can experience a wide range of gastrointestinal problems. As complicated as this may sound, a very gentle craniosacral therapy treatment can improve this condition by releasing tension or stress in this area. The vagus nerve is responsible for the proper functioning of the stomach, abdominal diaphragm, liver, pancreas, small intestines, spleen, heart, lungs and part of the large intestine. CranioSacral therapy does NOT replace any advice or medications your baby's pediatrician has prescribed. This type of hands on therapy is used in conjunction with the medical doctor's recommendations and prescriptions. It is highly recommended to consider craniosacral therapy for babies with: forceps or vacuum extraction delivery c-section delivery breech or transverse in utero position prolonged labor or pushing time short labor or pushing time pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, illness, preterm labor, etc.) History of decreased movements in utero Craniosacral can minimize or eliminate the effects of the delivery process, by gently facilitating the natural healing mechanism already present in your baby.
I use hand positioning, gentle movements and position changes to help your baby's body. Your baby may enjoy being held by you during treatment. Often babies nurse or take a bottle. My hands are typically still while I am "listening" to your baby's body. I will be open to perceiving any strain patterns or areas of increased stress. A strain or stress can be caused by cramped in-utero positioning, the delivery process or other reasons. I will support the tissues in a way that helps your baby's body make natural corrections through their whole body. Your baby's body will want to resolve any restrictions or compressions within the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, therefore this type of therapy is very gentle. It is common for babies to release emotions and may cry during the treatment. CranioSacral Therapy has been found to be helpful for babies with a diagnosis of Plagiocephaly. Plagiocephaly means "oblique head". Typically it is the result of the bones of baby's soft skull flattening in reponse to pressure from a flat surface, or sometimes from in utero positioning. If you are even mildly concerned about your baby's head shape, consider a consultation. Craniosacral therapy is very gentle and works with the tissues and bones of the skull and the whole body to promote a typical head shape. If you are interested in learning more about this, please contact me.	First Five Days of Life treatment: I offer a 1-2 session treatment within the first five days of life. This treatment is focused on helping your baby process the changes from in utero to outside environment. It is helpful for circulation and brain organization. Cranial molding or flattening is more prevalent partly as a result of the Back to Sleep campaign. Prolonged pressure in one spot flattens that area and can cause fascial strain patterns throughout baby's body.
Interesting websites: www.upledger.com www.craniobabies.com www.cstdoula.com www.milneinstitute.com www.spinningbabies.com www.healingtouch.net www.birthpsychology.com www.iahp.com/michelleemanuel/	Prolonged positioning and sleeping in positioners (pumpkin seats, infant swings, bouncy seats, etc.) can cause a baby's head to flatten in one or more spots. Limit the time your baby spends in positioners to 15 MINUTES MAXIMUM* per session. This will greatly decrease your baby's risk of head flattening / cranial molding. * except when being transported HEALING TOUCH Healing touch helps clear and balance baby's body and energy system. This type of complementary care is offered in many large hospitals, including Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. All techniques are gentle and individualized based on your baby's needs. I will show you ways to touch your baby to promote optimal health, both physical and emotional. I have completed Levels I - III with the Healing Touch Program. I have also taken Healing Touch for Babies.