History of CranioSacral Therapy and Autism
My personal friend and mentor, Dr. John Upledger, D.O. first introduced the concept of craniosacral therapy as an effective means of treating children on the autism spectrum. He had developed a study where children were treated using specific techniques in craniosacral therapy to help release any restrictions in the craniosacral system. During the study Dr. Upledger first identified the cranial base compression as possibly being the underlying etiological agent in autism, allergies, and sciatica for example.
How does CranioSacral Therapy work?
CranioSacral therapy is a modality of bodywork that focuses on the central nervous system so that the body as a whole can work at its highest level. CranioSacral Therapy includes the membrane system surrounding the brain and spinal cord. When there is an imbalance in the body there will be a tightening, pulling or twisting in any part of the body, it will affect the rest of the body. Applying craniosacral therapy helps the body to reestablish balance, release tightened areas, and return to optimal functioning.
How does CranioSacral Therapy help Children on the Autism Spectrum?
Craniosacral therapy can address the underlying issues in the tissues. In my twenty-seven years of practice helping children on the spectrum, I have witnessed children recovering more words, having better eye contact, becoming more comfortable within social settings, and coming into a calmer state. What we think, feel or do is processed through our biological structure. Using the craniosacral system to address areas including the head, the spinal column, and the sacrum/coccyx or tailbone, helps the body to release osseous restrictions from the membranous restrictions in the craniosacral system. When we help the body to release strain patterns through connective tissue, or the facial system using craniosacral therapy, the body can self-correct naturally.
How to Prepare
You can tell your child they are going to have a relaxing experience on the table. You can bring your child’s favorite blanket, stuffed lovey animal, a weighted blanket, or something they use to self-sooth that is soft in nature. Every child is unique and the approach to each child varies individually. Give your child a picture of the Centre and the therapist before his/her session. Basically, they are lying on top of a massage table anywhere from 30, to 50 minutes. Sometimes doing a mini-intensive using longer sessions can help particularly with parents coming from out of town.
This gentle, yet very effective treatment can help children on the autism spectrum with issues such as anxiety and overstimulation, doing better in school, grouchiness, speech, better digestion, lifting depression, sleep better, increased social capability, better management of sensory overload, decreased headaches or body aches, and much more.
Call CentreSpringMD at 404-814-9808 to book your appointment!
