Everything You Need To Know Before Going for a Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Session

Craniosacral fascial therapy is a rather gentle hands-on technique in which a light touch gets used to assess the membranes and fluid movement around and inside the central nervous system (CNS). 

This further helps relieve any tension in the CNS, further eliminating any pain and promoting a sense of well-being. It also helps boost immunity and health. This process is organic and has been seen to offer several powerful therapeutic effects. 

The whole approach is based on the theory that the Fascial and Craniosacral systems are interconnected and not separate. However, to understand the concept of the treatment better, you will have to understand what the fascia is and how it can get damaged first. 

What Do You Mean By Fascia?

The fascia is essentially a connective tissue in the body. It provides the framework that can support and safeguard organs, muscles, and the overall body as a single unit. It can be found throughout the body and has a web-like structure.

In addition to the muscles and organs, the fascia also envelopes the body’s nerves and blood protecting it from any kind of outside trauma. More so, it aids in supporting the musculoskeletal system, allowing the human body to perform different functional activities like jumping, running, or even just changing positions. 

The craniosacral fascial system is quite an intricate system that originates inside the body’s core, especially near the spinal cord and brain. It further extends through the fascial web, which allows the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, through the spine, to the sacrum, and finally into the fascia. 

How Can You Damage The Fascia?

Physical trauma is something everyone experiences throughout their lives. This can include a difficult birth, accidents, concussions, falls, dental work, surgery, vaccinations, and sometimes even emotional trauma. Any single such incident or combined incidents over the years can develop pressure and strain in the craniosacral fascial system. 

This can have a lot of negative implications in your daily life if not attended to immediately. For instance, it can restrict normal brain motion, cause poor nerve impulses, diminish blood flow, limit motion range, deter brain function, and several other such issues. 

Usually, a normal human brain expands and contracts and any damage or hindrance to this motion can significantly affect your well-being and health. This is when Craniosacral Therapy Hawaii can come in handy. The techniques used in this kind of therapy allow you to gradually release and unwind the stored-up fascial strain. 

With the craniosacral fascial system loss, you are encouraging the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid, allowing the body to cleanse and get rid of harmful toxins. Eventually, you will regain motion, heighten brain function, and can expect optimal mobility. Even better, craniosacral fascial therapy has no age limit and offers benefits for all ages and a varied list of conditions. 

What Are Some Conditions Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Can Help With?

Craniosacral fascial therapy is still a therapy technique that has not gained mainstream popularity. The lack of knowledge about this therapy means not many people know precisely how it can help. Here are some common conditions and issues craniosacral fascial therapy can help reduce. 

For infants:

• Birth trauma
• Torticollis
• Tongue tie-lip tie
• Reflux
• Inability to latch
• Colic
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty sucking
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Asymmetrical head shape
• Earache
• TMJ
• Autism
• Strabismus

For Children:

• Asthma
• Concussion
• Earache
• ADHD/ADD
• Sinus conditions
• Learning disorders
• Anxiety
• Allergies
• Neck pain
• Bedwetting
• Scoliosis
• Headache

For Adults:

• Migraine
• TMJ
• Concussion
• Neck pain
• Hip pain
• Jaw pain
• Sinus conditions
• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Depression
• Whiplash
• Pelvic pain
• Scars

What to Expect From a Session of Craniosacral Fascial Therapy?

Now that you know how a craniosacral fascial therapy session can help, it is time you know what happens in one sitting. A CFT session is very similar to massage therapy, however, for this one, you do not have to take off your clothes. Any typical craniosacral fascial therapy session begins with your trained therapist calling you in for a consultation. 

This is the stage where the therapist will talk to you and try to identify what you are having trouble with. The majority of therapists use low lighting and soft music to heighten relaxation.  

Once they have determined the problem areas, they will assess any restrictions or disruptions in your fascial system with some gentle pressure. This can further initiate fascial release, allowing your organs and muscles to relieve stress and improve overall functioning. 

While many patients can see the effects of the first day, others might require more than one session. The patients who come in for longer sessions often feel a sense of deep relaxation. 

Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Right For Everyone?

Generally, craniosacral fascial therapy is considered beneficial for almost everyone. However, there are a few conditions when it might not suit you, or you have to wait out a session. It is best to talk to your physician before going in for a session and showing them your medical history. Nevertheless, if they are not at your disposal, here are some instances when you should delay going in for a craniosacral fascial therapy session. 

• Cerebral swelling
• Recent concussion
• Structural cerebellum defects, like Arnold-Chiari malformation
• Traumatic brain injury
• Brain aneurysm
• Blood clots
• Any cause of unstable cerebral fluid flow, build-up, or pressure

That said, craniosacral fascial therapy is highly suitable for children mainly. This is a quick, gentle and non-invasive process which makes it perfect for any child. In addition, going in early for such therapy can help the kid live a better quality of life. 

Removal of any fascial block or strain caused by vaccinations, childbirth, or similar early traumas can reduce the symptoms of tongue ties, hyperactivity, autism, attention deficit, colic, allergies, digestive discomfort, bedwetting, and certain other ailments.  

The Science behind Craniosacral Fascial Therapy 

All this while you were learning about what craniosacral fascial therapy entails. If what you have read so far has interested you, here is the science behind the therapy. The cerebrospinal fluid is the main component of the craniosacral system. 

The fluid typically flows in the ventricle’s choroid plexus, traveling through the craniosacral system and within the spinal and cranial nerves. It then comes out and mixes with the many collagen tubules present in the body’s fascial component. 

The lymphatic system is then responsible for returning this fluid back to the venous system, further traveling to the lungs, heart, and liver. The heart’s oxygenated blood then flows through the carotid arteries and aorta straight to the blood-brain barrier in the choroid plexus. 

The blood exudates are then filtered through the wall junctions of endothelial cells and capillaries’ astrocytes, forming the cerebrospinal fluid inside the ventricles. This finally completes the cycle. 

Since the fascial system acts as an important part of this journey, its health directly relates to overall brain health. Any obstruction in this cellular exchange or waste products and nutrients can adversely affect the brain’s breathing (expansion and contraction).

Scientists and doctors alike believe that the quality of the flow of cerebrospinal fluid inside the craniosacral system is rudimentary to resolving many pediatric illnesses. 

With the information mentioned in this blog, it is quite evident how important and beneficial even one craniosacral fascial therapy session can be. However, it is very important you consult the practitioner or your doctor about it first. They can better understand your situation and prescribe solutions for it. Nevertheless, if you are going for a session, make sure you choose a reliable and reputable practitioner for it. 

They will know precisely what you need and can give your results in no time. A good way to know that is by checking the user reviews and their client history. Rest assured, with a trained professional and a will to get better, you will see results in no time.