“It is the more obscure, the so-called minimal injuries of no apparent clinical significance that too often go undetected and that are so often responsible for problems of development and growth during periods of infancy, childhood and adolescence.” - Dr. A. G. Cathie.

How can craniosacral therapy help babies and children?

Babies are born today in the same way they have for generations. However, the methods used during childbirth has changed. In industrialised nations, birth interventions such as forceps, ventouse (vacuum extractor), episiotomy, induced labour, caesarean section etc. are frequently used in the delivery of a baby to minimise risks and provide a perfect outcome for mother and baby.

Newborn babies can face so many challenges and many of these could potentially be a repercussion of these birth interventions mentioned. As a result, babies can face challenges such as;

• Colic.

• Constipation.

• Gas.

• Gastric influx.

• Poor latch for sucking.

• Teething.

• Torticollis (twisted neck).

• Ear infections.

Craniosacral therapy aids the flow of cerebral spinal fluid which bathes the central nervous system. For babies, undue stress, strain or trauma due to childbirth, fetal positioning or other circumstances, can restrict or impair the flow of cerebral spinal fluid, as well as causing tension on the bones and reciprocal membranes of the head. Such tension patterns can be retained as the bones and membranes determine the shape of the brain as it grows. Thus potentially creating tension that will affect the brain’s growth and functioning.

In addition any pressure on the bones or membranes of the skull can disturb primary respiration of the nervous system, in turn influencing the function of the cranial nerves.

Some examples:

• If the suture (joint) between the occiput and temporal bones is compressed, the vagus nerve can become irritated. Colic is commonly the result of this, as well as other digestive issues.

• If the ‘jugular foramen’ which contains the glossopharyngeal nerve becomes irritated, feeding and swallowing difficulties can occur.

Sometimes babies suffer from traumatisation, particularly if there were complications during the pregnancy and/or childbirth. This may manifest as excessive crying, irritability or signs of withdrawal etc. In some cases, trauma may be indicated if the baby’s normal milestones are not being met, for example, they may be late in sitting, crawling, walking etc. Other symptoms such as learning difficulties/disabilities and hyperactivity may develop.