Betsy Richards, our practice’s senior apprentice, recently completed her Craniosacral Fascial Therapy training with the Gillespie Approach! She’s able to work with babies, children, and adults and, as a client of Betsy’s myself, I can say she has a lovely touch and does truly excellent work!
Here’s what Betsy has to say about it!
Have you ever seen a spiderweb and noticed how each of the strands work together to create a structure incredibly strong and effective? Have you ever noticed that if any of the individual strands are compromised it affects the integrity of the whole web? Our bodies work similarly. We have connective tissue that surrounds every structure of the body and the brain. This tissue is called the fascia. And the fascia is the body’s “web.”
But why is this important? Well first, let’s start with what the fascia is and what it does. Fascial tissue is made up of collagen tubules containing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and it creates a protective layer around the brain, muscles, organs, and every other body structure. It is comprised of three layers, the superficial, deep, and visceral fascial layers. Each layer should be able to move freely without any strain or adhesion to the other layers. The CSF helps keep the layers fluidly mobile. CSF is produced by the choroid plexus in the brain and runs down the spinal canal leading to every other part of the body. This clear fluid carries nutrients, helps detox, as well as providing some shock absorption. Any time the body experiences trauma, injury, and tension it creates strain in the fascial web. This strain reduces the CSF flow which leads to the thickening and eventually adhesion of the fascial layers not only to themselves but also to the systems or muscles that they are protecting. This may then lead to circulatory or nervous system dysfunction. And just like with the spider web, because the fascia is connected throughout the whole body, any fascial strain in one spot could create symptoms of dysfunction in nearly any other area of the body.
So, what is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)? It is a modality of fascial strain release. CFT was developed by Dr. Barry Gillespie, a periodontist in the ‘70s. He used techniques from cranial osteopathy and myofascial release and had such amazing results that he now practices CFT full time. He went on to share his techniques and there are now training workshops nationally and internationally. It focuses on finding and unwinding fascial tension throughout the body, enhancing CSF flow which then leads to better mobility, better nutrition reception, as well as release of emotional tension or trauma. This therapy follows the flow and needs of the body that is unwinding. It is gentle and effective for any age, from newborns to the elderly. It is based around the concept that you always work with the body and never against it. That the body heals itself and we just facilitate bring attention and intention to where the body is asking for help through fascial tension and strain.
Some of the common dysfunctions caused by or causing fascial strain are as follows, but not limited to:
- birth trauma
- oral tethers
- torticollis
- reflux
- colic
- ADHD/ADD
- difficulty nursing
- difficulty sleeping
- constipation
- sinus issues
- asthma
- TMJ
- neck/back pain
- scoliosis
- anxiety
- airway issues
- scars
- hip pain
- digestive Issues
- whiplash
- concussion
- headache/migraines
If you’d like to schedule a session with Betsy, she may be reached at 208-719-1136!
