What is CFT?
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Fascia is an all-encompassing web of connective tissue found throughout the body that structurally supports the body and governs how the body moves. It’s unique web-like orientation protects us from outside trauma as it surrounds all of our vital organs, skeletal muscle, brain and our spinal cord. It participates in involuntary movement such as breathing and digesting, but also allows us to get out of bed, pick up or children and participate in physical activities that we love.
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The Craniosacral Fascial System originates in the body's core around the brain and spinal cord, and extends through the fascial web.
A healthy system allows for the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, down the spine and into the fascia. Strain anywhere in that system may affect brain function and mobility. Our brains must expand and contract, and any restrictions or damage to this motion, such as those due to difficult birth or head injury, can greatly affect our health and wellbeing.
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Traumas may begin as early as in utero and can be followed by birth trauma. These early strains can set an imbalance in the structural framework of our bodies can cause various conditions and symptoms.
Our modern world also sets the stage for other compounding strains through sitting at a desk and staring at a computer, sitting in a car for long periods, repetitive movements in your job, and rushing from one thing to the next causing tension in our soft tissue.
Daily movement, hydration, and rest all contribute to healthy fascia. When those foundational pieces are missing along with various traumas we can create strain and toxicity in the craniosacral fascial system.
Other traumas to take into consideration are a surgery, accidents, falls, concussions, dental work/orthodontics, and emotional trauma. Damage to the craniosacral fascial system can affect the flow of cerebrospinal fluid which helps nourish and detoxify the body and brain. It can also limit range of motion and cause a host of other ailments.
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Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) is the work of Dr. Barry Gillespie. It originated from the cranial osteopathic principles of Dr. William Sutherland, the myofascial release work of John Barnes, P.T., and Dr. Gillespie's background as a periodontist. It is based on Gillespie's theory that the craniosacral and fascial systems are not separate but one interconnected system.
CFT techniques are designed to gently unwind accumulated fascial strain, allowing optimal mobility and therefore better brain function. When the Craniosacral Fascial system is loose and open, there is optimal flow of cerebrospinal fluid to help nourish the body and cleanse toxins. -
A CFT session is done fully clothed on a massage table (sometimes floor for children). I encourage my clients to wear comfortable yoga type clothing. The session begins with an intake and assessment of brain motion. Then, according to the areas that present themselves as constrained, we will gently unwind the fascial strain to open the system. The treatment consists of a gentle touch to release tightness and toxins. At times, you may feel some stretching or there may be a more active "unwind" motion.
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To some degree we all have layers of fascial strain. These accumulating strains can be traced back to birth trauma, an old car accident, orthodontics during childhood, or possibly a more recent emotional or physical trauma. Some people experience more trauma than others and for that reason, I usually suggest planning for 4-6 sessions to begin the healing process. Many clients find great relief after just one or two sessions but deep healing can take more time, especially if there have been many injuries or traumas to the body. I truly believe it is never to late to begin your healing journey. CFT allows for your body to innately heal with “helping hands” at any time.
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Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) often gets confused with Craniosacral Therapy (CST). There is a subtle but significant difference between the two. Both are great modalities but this is how they are different:
CST only works on 2 systems. The cranial and the sacral system
CFT works those 2 systems PLUS the entire Fascial system - CFT is a whole body approach; In CST no one mentions the clinical importance of the body’s fascial web.
CFT is a combination of myofascial release (John Barnes’ MFR) and CST. It’s a blend of two modalities.
CFT can release tension inside the mouth with intraoral/dental techniques
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General Information
The Key to the Gillepsie Approach by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Healing & the Gillespie Approach by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Infants
Constant Crying by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Silent Reflux by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
The Congested Infant by Dr Barry Gillepsie
Fussy Baby Affected by Sucking Difficulty, Reflux, Gas & Torticollis by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Children
Pediatric Asthma & Anxiety by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Childhood Anxiety by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Teenager ADHD by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Children & Concussions by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Adults
Car Accident Trauma by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
A Young Mother With 18 Years of Migraines by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Teeth Grinding and Clenching by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
An Adult Tongue Tie by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Specific Ailments
Scoliosis, Kyphosis, and Lordosis by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Strabismus by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
Practitioner Helps Son Heal from Clubfoot by Dr. Barry Gillepsie
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At Holcare we highly recommend CFT in combination with Chiropractics!
CFT specifically addresses releasing tension in the fascia (soft tissue), whereas chiropractics helps manipulate structure (bone). When you combine releasing accumulated strains in the fascia and getting structure back in alignment, all systems of the body can function optimally and the nervous system can communicate to all systems of the body with ease.
When the nervous system feels “safe” rather than being in a “fight or flight” state it is much easier to maintain adjustments made and achieve longer lasting results.
We have great recommendations for chiropractors who specialize in whole family care, please ask at your next visit!