This subtle yet incredibly powerful modality has been a key component to aiding and abating hyperactivity, ADHD, ADD and even dyslexia in children. So how does Craniosacral Therapy work? In a nutshell, it focuses on the cranio-sacral system which includes the bones in your spine and head, as well as the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal column. It doesn’t take much for little ones to knock this delicate system off balance – a tumble, a slight bump to the head, or a stressful living environment would do it. Even more often the imbalance in children is caused by a challenging birth process where excess pressure distorts the cranio bones. The most commonly compromised is the sphenoid bone (a fragile bone between your temple and top molar that attaches to all of you eye and jaw muscles and 7 of the 12 cranio nerves pass over it). This is the main culprit for distorted movement patterns in the cranio bones which results in behavior and emotional issues ranging from mild (occasional sleeping problems or slight hyperactivity) to severe (schizophrenia). In order to rebalance the system, the therapist gently cradles the child’s neck, shoulders and head to tune into, the pulse of the cranio fluid and make tiny adjustments to the position of the bones. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system which triggers the relaxation mode– allowing the body to naturally heal and come into a renewed place of homeostasis.
Why we recommend Craniosacral Therapy for kids:

  • Their cranio bones have not fused (ossified) so the work is extremely effective and can be preventative for future issues
  • Intervening and modifying patterns is faster and easier at an early age (Before, what osteopaths call facilitated segments or, the deep engraining of patterns that are extremely challenging to break occurs.)
  • Kids are not emotionally mature enough to develop strategies for dealing with behavioral/emotional challenges, so they act out. This gives them a chance to revamp their behavior.

Do you have any stories about how Craniosacral Therapy has affected your child’s life? If so we’d love to hear them!!