Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) was developed by Dr. Barry Gillespie as a specific integration of craniosacral, fascial, and TMJ-dental bodywork therapies to support brain function.

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) can be a very effective modality for those suffering with the effects of the following conditions: ADHD, asthma, autism, back aches, cerebral palsy, colic, dyslexia, earaches, epilepsy, headaches, hyperactivity, learning disorders, neck aches, reflux, scoliosis, sinus conditions, strabismus, throat conditions, TMJ syndrome, and a wide variety of chronic ailments. The earlier in life that a person receives therapy the better their outcome will be.

The Craniosacral Component:  The brain has an inherent cyclical motion; it expands and contracts like a breathing pulse moving the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid).This movement of the CSF between the cranium and the sacrum and is critical for normal brain function and well-being during one's lifetime.  Physical trauma can restrict this brain motion and create toxins in the body.  The resulting brain pressure can be the determining factor in directly causing headaches, asthma, earaches, hyperactivity, learning disorders, and many other chronic diseases. 

Over a series of visits, the craniosacral aspect of treatment involves the gentle release of the soft tissue structures that surround the brain and attach to the sacrum.  The therapist can help the body to release these soft tissues naturally without pain, drugs or surgery and restore normal brain motion and function.  Today the craniosacral concept is recognized worldwide by thousands of healthcare professionals.

The Fascial Component:  The fascial aspect involves the connective tissue that infuses the entire body from head to toe.  The fascia connects one body structure to another, such as one muscle cell to another and one organ to another. Trauma can cause strain in this soft tissue system. An injury, be it from birth onward, can cause a strain in this fascial “web” that may affect many parts of the body, due to it’s interconnectedness. If you picture the fascial web as a sweater and tug on the bottom, you can see the fabric pull all the way up to the neck.

                     
The TMJ-Dental Component:  There is a critical correlation between oral health and brain function.  The TMJ-dental aspect involves the teeth, jaws, and associated soft tissues relating to the motion and function of the brain.  Accidental trauma to the TMJ fascia and muscles can put pressure on the brain and cranial nerves and cause jaw and head pain.  Dental trauma, such as wisdom teeth removal and/or orthodontics can also upset the craniosacral cycle, create strain in the fascial system and cause many conditions.  Other dental treatments that can restrict brain motion are:  root canals, bridgework, TMJ surgery, dentures, braces and tooth extractions, etc..

Birth Trauma:  The origin of many chronic conditions can start at birth due to fetal trauma, a long labor, the actual delivery (as the baby's head and body are pushed through the birth canal with tremendous force), the umbilical cord wrapped tightly around the throat or the use of forceps or a vacuum suction tube.  The distortion of the tiny skull bones and the resulting soft tissue pressure on the brain and the rest of the body can last a lifetime.  Craniosacral Fascial Therapy, directly after birth, can be very corrective for many conditions and may prevent a lifetime of pain and suffering for a child.  Treatment can also benefit the mother who may have experienced pelvic trauma during the delivery.