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What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive, hands-on technique that focuses on the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a very light touch, typically no more than the weight of a nickel, a trained therapist can detect subtle rhythms and release restrictions in the body’s connective tissue, known as fascia.

This fascia forms a web that runs throughout the entire body, connecting every muscle, bone, and organ. Tension in one area can create a ripple effect, leading to issues elsewhere. CST helps to release these fascial tensions, enhancing the function of the central nervous system and promoting overall health and well-being.

How Can CST Benefit Your Child?

The journey into the world can be physically demanding for a baby. The pressures of birth, even in an uncomplicated delivery, can create tension patterns in an infant’s head, neck, and body. These restrictions can contribute to a range of common challenges for newborns and children. CST can be particularly helpful for:

• Breastfeeding and Feeding Difficulties: Tension in the jaw, neck, or palate can make it hard for a baby to latch, suck, and swallow effectively. CST can release this tightness, often in conjunction with services like expert lactation support, to make feeding a more comfortable and successful experience for both mother and baby.
• Infant Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia): Fascial restrictions around the mouth and tongue can worsen the effects of a tongue-tie. CST is a valuable therapy before and after an infant tongue-tie release, as it helps prepare the tissues for the procedure and supports optimal healing and function afterward.
• Colic and Digestive Issues: By calming the nervous system and releasing tension in the abdomen, CST can help soothe fussy babies and improve digestive comfort.
• Sleep Disturbances: A balanced and relaxed nervous system is key for healthy sleep. Craniosacral therapy can help calm an overstimulated system, promoting better and more restful sleep for your little one.
• Torticollis and Head Shape Asymmetries: Gentle techniques can help release muscle tightness in the neck that contributes to torticollis and encourage more symmetrical head molding.

Did You Know?

The pressure used in Craniosacral Therapy is incredibly light. Therapists use about 5 grams of pressure—roughly the weight of a nickel—to engage with the body’s tissues. This gentle approach allows the body to respond and release tension without resistance, making it an incredibly safe and relaxing therapy for infants and children. Because the therapy is so gentle, many babies sleep peacefully through their sessions.

What to Expect During a CST Session

A Craniosacral Therapy session at the Center for Orofacial Myology is a calm and gentle experience. Here’s what a typical session for an infant or child involves:

1. Initial Consultation: The therapist will begin by discussing your concerns and your child’s health history to fully understand their needs.
2. A Comfortable Setting: Sessions are held in a quiet, relaxed environment. Your child will remain fully clothed and can be held by you, lie on a comfortable treatment table, or even play gently on the floor. The therapist adapts to whatever makes your child most comfortable.
3. Gentle, Intuitive Touch: The therapist will use their hands to gently hold your child’s head, base of the spine (sacrum), and other areas of the body. They are feeling for subtle rhythms and tensions, allowing the body to guide the treatment.
4. Relaxation and Release: As the therapist works, you may notice your child relax deeply, yawn, stretch, or even fall asleep. These are all signs that tension is being released and the nervous system is calming down.

The number of sessions needed varies for each child. Some may experience significant improvement after just one or two visits, while others with more complex issues may benefit from a series of treatments.

Holistic Care for Families in Eagle, Idaho

Parents in Eagle and across the Treasure Valley trust the Center for Orofacial Myology for our integrated and comprehensive approach. We understand that issues like feeding difficulties or tongue-tie are often connected to broader patterns in the body. That’s why Craniosacral Therapy is a vital part of our holistic services.

Our practitioners collaborate to ensure your child receives complete care. CST can be seamlessly integrated with our other services, such as feeding therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy, to address the root cause of an issue and support lasting wellness. Our goal is to provide your family with the compassionate, expert care you deserve, all under one roof.

Is Craniosacral Therapy safe for newborns?

Yes, CST is exceptionally safe for newborns and infants. Its gentle and non-invasive nature makes it one of the safest therapies available for babies. The extremely light touch is designed to work with the child’s body, never forcing any manipulation. It is often used within days of birth to help resolve issues from the birthing process.

How many CST sessions will my child need?

The number of sessions depends entirely on the individual child and the specific concerns being addressed. Some infants show significant improvement after just one session, while others may benefit from a series of treatments over several weeks to resolve deeper tension patterns. Your therapist will discuss a recommended treatment plan after the initial evaluation.

What conditions can Craniosacral Therapy help with?

CST can be beneficial for a wide range of conditions in infants and children, including but not limited to breastfeeding and feeding issues, tongue-tie, colic, reflux, sleep problems, torticollis, developmental delays, and general fussiness or discomfort. It supports the overall function of the central nervous system, which impacts the entire body.

Does my child need to be still for the treatment to work?

Not at all! Our therapists are skilled at working with children in whatever position is most comfortable for them. This could be while they are lying on a mat, sitting up, or even in a parent’s arms. The treatment is flexible and adapted to the child’s needs and mood during the session.