Craniosacral Therapy For Babies
If you’re a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure your baby is healthy and happy. You may have heard of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and wonder if it could help your little one.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on healing modality that was developed in 1970 by an osteopathic physician named John Upledger.
CST is based on the idea that the bones of the skull, the spine and the pelvis are all connected and can influence each other. It is a type of alternative medicine that seeks to improve the flow of cerebral spinal fluid. This fluid fluctuates throughout the body, and by aiding its flow via light touches to release restrictions in the bones and tissues, practitioners can improve overall health.
It will often involve the practitioner manipulating the spine and skull. This is done to remove any blockages and stimulate nerves. The goal is to increase the circulation of spinal fluid, which will help regulate and normalize a person’s central nervous system.
Craniosacral therapy is often used with babies who are born via traumatic childbirth. Increasing the circulation of spinal fluid can help speed up the healing process for various types of head injuries.
CST can also be highly effective in treating a variety of conditions, including headaches, back pain, and stress.
How can Craniosacral therapy help babies?
Craniosacral therapy can be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions in babies, including:
Sleeping disorders
Parents often seek out craniosacral therapy for their babies who are having difficulty sleeping through the night. CST can help to release any restrictions in the head and neck area that may be causing discomfort and disrupting sleep patterns.
Breastfeeding difficulties
Breastfeeding can be a difficult and emotional experience for both mother and baby. Craniosacral therapy can help to release any tightness in the jaw, neck, and shoulders of babies that may be contributing to breastfeeding difficulties.
Vomits frequently
This may be due to several different factors, including food sensitivities, gastric reflux or an immature digestive system. Craniosacral therapy can help to release any restrictions in the digestive system, providing relief from discomfort and vomiting.
Tongue-tie
Tongue-tie is a condition where the tongue is tethered to the floor of the mouth, restricting movement. This can cause difficulty with breastfeeding, eating and speaking. Craniosacral therapy can help to release any restrictions in the tissues of the mouth, allowing for better movement and function.
Latching difficulties
This may be due to several different factors, including a tongue-tie, misplaced jaw, or tightness in the neck and shoulders. Craniosacral therapy can help to release any restrictions in the jaw, neck and shoulders that may be causing difficulty with latching.
How is Craniosacral therapy performed on babies?
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment that is performed with the baby lying on its back. The therapist will use a light touch to palpate the bones and tissues of the head, neck and spine to release any restrictions in the bones and tissues.
He / She will also assess the rhythm of the cranial wave, which is a subtle movement that can be felt in the bones of the head.
The therapist will then release all bone and tissue restrictions that are causing the cranial wave to be out of rhythm.
What are the benefits of Craniosacral therapy for babies?
Craniosacral therapy can provide relief from a variety of conditions in babies. This type of therapy is gentle and safe for babies of all ages. It can be an effective treatment for conditions that do not respond to other types of treatment.
Not only that, Craniosacral therapy can also be used to prevent conditions from developing in babies. It can help to improve the overall health of babies while complementing other types of treatment.
Performed in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and homes, it is an affordable treatment option for families.
Risks and side effects of Craniosacral therapy for babies
Craniosacral therapy is a safe and gentle treatment with few risks or side effects. The therapist will use a light touch, and the baby will not be exposed to any harmful substances.
There is a risk of minor discomfort during the treatment, but this is usually temporary. There is also a risk of bruising or soreness at the site of the treatment, but this is rare. Craniosacral therapy is generally safe for babies of all ages.
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that can be extremely beneficial for babies. It can help to relieve a variety of conditions, ranging from colic and feeding difficulties to sleep problems and torticollis. If you think your baby may benefit from Craniosacral therapy, be sure to consult with a qualified practitioner.