Fascia is a web-like connective tissue that encases and holds everything in your body in place. It surrounds organs, muscles, brain, spinal cord and all other body parts for protection from outside trauma. It supports the musculoskeletal system and allows us to perform functional activities like walking, jumping, running, or simply changing position. 

The intricate 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, to the sacrum, and into the fascia.

Starting from birth, traumas accumulate and can create strain and toxicity in the craniosacral fascial system, restricting critical brain motion. Birth alone can create patterns of challenges that can set an imbalance in the structural framework than lead to conditions and symptoms.

Additional traumas can look like a difficult birth, 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.

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. 

The Craniosacral Fascial System originates in the body's core around the brain and spinal cord, and extends through the fascial web. Fascia is the body’s connective tissue. It is an all-encompassing web found throughout the body that structurally supports and protects the entire body as a whole. It is a transport system that helps nourish and detoxify the body.

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.  

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.

We all have layers of fascial strain that can be unwound to release physical/emotional pain and trauma from the body. 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. CFT is a modality that can provide relief to the body and nervous system regulation at any time.

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

General information

What Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy?

CST (Craniosacral Therapy) and CFT (Craniosacral Fascial Therapy)

Adults

Adults Healing with Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

Headache Therapy with Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

Children

Children with Pediatric Asthma May Heal with Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

CHARGE Syndrome Child Improves with Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

Infants

Lifelong Health from Birth Onward with Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

Infant Health Conditions Improved with Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

Why Are Babies Fussy?

NICU Infants Healing with Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

We love combining Chiropractics with CFT!

CFT works on releasing tension in the fascia. The less tension and tightness there is in the fascia, the more other systems in the body can function optimally and communicate more easily.

The combination of chiropractic care and CFT helps the body to better adapt, hold adjustments and achieve longer-lasting results. When fascia is free, the body can accept the healing we offer it.