In relation to Cranio Sacral Integration Therapy I would probably say that the title “whats the fuss about” relates to the fact that we don’t know much about Cranio Sacral Integration Therapy.
I was referred for Cranio Sacral Therapy by a wonderful behavioural optometrist who identified that a concussion my daughter had sustained when she was 1, was impacting her binocular vision. This subtle approach helped!
On my journey of helping my own children I have come across the most wonderful health-supporting approaches which have enriched our lives; and in true Sensory-Matters Style, decided it was information we needed to obtain within our “toolbox of skills” to help the children and families we work with.
We love the concept of being ‘sensible navigators’ in guiding parents to better understand their children’s behaviour and support them in envisaging a ‘road map’ for a way forward. As with so many things in life, behaviour is complex and needs to be addressed from different approaches to have effective change.
Enter > other modalities under the banner of MindMatterz; This includes further training in understanding Gaba and the role of toxins on behaviour and health; T.R.E (Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises) as a means to teach families skills to help manage body tension and stress, and Cranio Sacral Integration Therapy to assist babies, children and adults in supporting their nervous and fascial systems, which form a core for improved health and managing stress.
What is Cranial-Sacral Therapy (CST)?
CST is a hands on, gentle intervention which was developed by William Sutherland in the 1890’s. In our bodies, our nervous system consists of the membranes which surround the brain and spinal cord. Cerebral spinal fluid which helps to oxygenate this system as well as remove toxins etc. is shifted from the sacrum (tail bone) to the cranium and back through a push/pull system known as the cranio-sacral rhythm. In a healthy nervous system all these structures (the cranium, vertebrae and sacrum) as well as the membrane system, cerebral spinal fluid and connective tissue (fascia) which radiates from the membranes, all move symmetrically and rhythmically.
In Cranio Sacral Integration Therapy, the therapist is able to feel restrictions, compressions or asymmetry in the cranium, as well as in the membrane and fascial systems, as well as the movement of the cerebral spinal fluid. Assisting in releasing these restrictions helps the nervous system to return to balance, which supports health through improved regulation and supporting the body in its ability to ‘rest and digest’. In our stress-filled lives, our bodies often don’t know what this feels like!
In my training in Cranio Sacral Integration Therapy, the focus is not only on the cerebral spinal fluid and cranium, but also on fascial unwinding – which can have significant benefits for improving oxygen flow in the nervous system, and releasing restrictions with resulting positive impacts on attention, memory, energy and body health.
Because Cranio Sacral Integration Therapy is gentle, it is easily tolerated by babies and children, and is a relaxing, energizing experience.
Your therapist may discuss the potential need for Cranio Sacral Integration Therapy sessions as part of your child’s occupational therapy process.
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