Understanding This Gentle, Hands-On Approach for Infants and Children
As a parent in the Treasure Valley, your child’s health and happiness are your top priorities. When you notice challenges with feeding, persistent fussiness, or developmental hurdles, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to help your child’s body release tension and function optimally. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we integrate this subtle yet powerful therapy to support the well-being of Boise’s youngest residents.
What Exactly is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that works to enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities. It focuses on the craniosacral system, which consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The journey through the birth canal, even in uncomplicated deliveries, can create tension and restrictions within this delicate system.
Using a very light touch—often no more than the weight of a nickel—a trained therapist can detect subtle rhythms and release restrictions in the body. This process helps calm the central nervous system, allowing the body to self-correct and heal. For infants and children, this can lead to profound improvements in comfort, function, and overall development. It’s a peaceful and relaxing experience; many babies even sleep through their session.
How Can CST Help Your Child?
Supporting Breastfeeding & Feeding
Difficulties with latching, sucking, or swallowing can be incredibly stressful for both baby and parent. These challenges are often linked to tension in the baby’s jaw, neck, or head, sometimes related to conditions like tongue-tie. CST can gently release this tightness, which may improve tongue mobility and coordination. This makes our Craniosacral Therapy a powerful complement to our specialized lactation support and expert infant tongue-tie release procedures.
Soothing Colic and Improving Sleep
Unexplained fussiness, colic, and restless sleep can often be signs of an overstimulated or uncomfortable nervous system. By releasing physical restrictions from the birth process or in-utero positioning, CST helps calm the nervous system. This can lead to a more settled baby, easier digestion, and more restful sleep for the whole family.
Promoting Healthy Development
Proper structural alignment is foundational for achieving developmental milestones. Tension in the body can create imbalances that affect movement patterns, head shape (plagiocephaly), and neck mobility (torticollis). CST works harmoniously with other treatments, such as physical therapy, to address these issues holistically. By ensuring the body can move freely, we also support the foundations for skills like crawling and even clear speech therapy outcomes.
What to Expect During a Session in Our Boise Clinic
We strive to create a calm and welcoming environment for you and your child. A CST session is a quiet and gentle experience. Your baby can be held in your lap, lie on a comfortable treatment table, or even nurse during the session. Our therapist will use skilled, light-touch techniques on your baby’s head, spine, and body to assess and release areas of tension. You may notice your baby become very relaxed, fall asleep, or have a gentle emotional release as their body lets go of restrictions. The comfort and safety of your child is our highest priority throughout the process.
Did You Know?
- •The pressure used in CST is incredibly light, typically about 5 grams—the weight of a nickel.
- •Craniosacral therapy is not just for addressing specific issues; it can also be used to support overall wellness and prevent future challenges by ensuring the nervous system is functioning optimally.
- •The therapy is named for the bones involved: the cranium (head) and the sacrum (the bone at the base of the spine).
An Integrated, Holistic Approach in Boise, Idaho
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we understand that your child’s well-being depends on more than just one type of treatment. That’s why craniosacral therapy is a key part of our integrated model of care. Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to address the root cause of your child’s challenges. For families in Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and across the Treasure Valley, this means comprehensive care under one roof, where therapies are coordinated to achieve the best possible outcomes for your child’s growth and development.
Ready to Explore Gentle Support for Your Child?
If you believe your child could benefit from a gentle, holistic approach to wellness, our team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about Craniosacral Therapy and schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craniosacral Therapy safe for newborns?
Absolutely. CST is exceptionally gentle and non-invasive, making it safe and appropriate for infants, even just days after birth. The techniques are specifically adapted for the delicate nature of a baby’s body. A qualified practitioner is essential.
How many sessions will my child need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the individual child and their specific needs. Some babies show significant improvement after just one to three sessions, while others with more complex issues may benefit from ongoing support. Your therapist will discuss a personalized plan with you.
Does CST hurt?
No, CST is not painful. The pressure used is extremely light. Most babies find the therapy very relaxing and soothing. Any fussiness during a session is typically a sign of the body releasing tension, much like a big yawn or stretch.
How does CST work with other therapies like tongue-tie release?
CST is an excellent complementary therapy. Using it before a tongue-tie release can help relax the surrounding muscles, making the procedure more effective. Post-procedure therapy helps the body integrate the changes and release any residual tension patterns, supporting optimal healing and function.