CranioSacral Therapy for Children

by Catherine Perman

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on therapy of treating the membranes and cerebral spinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, called the craniosacral system. This treatment assists the self-corrective nature of the nervous system by freeing up tight structures, thus leading to reduced pain and stress, strengthening immune system recovery, improving information movement through the nerve channels and enhancing health and well-being. Because it is so gentle, CST has proven effective for people of all ages from newborns to elders for all kinds of problems affecting the nervous system. CST helps to align the body structurally and facilitates the bodily systems to work properly.

In certain instances, the birthing process can generate mild to severe central nervous system abnormalities. CST carried out in the delivery room or within the first few days of life can potentially reduce a wide spectrum of health challenges, many of which might not otherwise become apparent until the child is in school. It can even address problems with head shape and skull-bone override naturally.

Many congenital and acquired health challenges also respond well to CST. It has shown to be effective at improving and maintaining a health immune system, and because of its gentle, non-invasive qualities, it seamlessly accommodates other therapies delivered by early-intervention medical teams.

CST can play a big role in assisting neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorders. The science behind these conditions suggest some degree of body inflammation. CST has been shown to treat the consequences of inflammation of the brain and nerves. This helps to soften and loosen tight body parts. CST has also been shown to calm the brain, which can assist with learning and self-control. CST has been shown to ease the tension patterns in children. This has been shown to help children on the autism spectrum to feel more comfortable and aware of the world around them. CST assists children in relaxing. This can benefit children with ADHD, as it can help their brain slow down its cataloging activity when relaxed. CST helps reduce tension patterns around the eyes and ears, so the areas of the brain that process language may function better. This may help dyslexic children, as they often have difficulty processing visual and auditory information.

A typical CST session takes place in a quiet, peaceful setting. Parents are encouraged to bring toys and blankets to the session that the child will associate with comfort. The child remains clothed and is treated on a padded table or therapy floor.

Parents can stay in the therapy room and participate in the child’s session. They may lie on the table or floor with the child if that helps the child feel more secure. Children may sleep throughout the session, while others may be alert, and even crawling around. Older children are usually comfortable lying on the table and relaxing. Children may be silent or vocal, and sometimes may cry. The therapist works with the child to help them to feel secure and relaxed. Through gentle touch, the therapist begins monitoring the rhythm of the fluid that is flowing around the central nervous system. Delicate manual techniques are then used to release restrictions in the child’s body and head, thus improving the function of the central nervous system. The sessions are generally deeply relaxing, creating feeling of warmth or gentle pulsing in the areas where the therapist is working.

Catherine Perman, LMBT, CMLDT, owns and operates Body Therapeutics, in Fort Lee, NJ, which specializes in integrative body balancing treatments. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 917-701-1162, email BodyTherapeuticsLLC@gmail.com or visit iahp.com/Catherine-Perman.