What is CFT - Gillespie Approach?
Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) - Gillespie Approach is a light-touch, soft-tissue technique that helps your body release tension & tightness in the Craniosacral Fascial System. Developed by Dr. Barry Gillespie, CFT combines the cranial osteopathic principles of Dr. William Sutherland & the Myofascial Release work of John Barnes, along with dental techniques developed from Gillespie’s own experience as a periodontist.
The Craniosacral System has a natural cycle of expansion and contraction called the Brain Cycle. This rhythm is detectable during assessment of cranial and sacral movement. It encourages the detoxifying and nourishing flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the brain, up & down the spinal cord, and throughout your body’s fascial network.
Fascia is connective tissue that envelops & permeates the entire body as one continuous network - skin, organs, muscles, & all other structures are linked in this web. Fascia gives your body shape & structural integrity; without fascia we would literally fall apart.
From physical injury, mental/emotional stress, or chemical toxicity, this fascial web can become distorted & tight which causes disruption in the Craniosacral Fascial System and affects the functionality of the Brain Cycle. If not released, the strain builds up over time. This can ultimately present in a whole host of symptoms such as brain fog, migraines, asthma, sinus conditions, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and many others. In infants, CFT can be especially helpful for those experiencing tethered oral ties, torticollis, breastfeeding difficulties, cranial distortion, failure to thrive, colic, reflux, gas, general fussiness, arching, cranial nerve dysfunction, & many more conditions.
CFT is designed to gently unwind the layers of trauma, releasing strain patterns in your Craniosacral Fascial System. Doing so allows for freedom of the Brain Cycle & CSF flow which in turn creates an environment the body needs to self-heal more effectively.
CFT is truly a wonderful technique for all ages - newborns, babies, children, & adults - and benefits a wide variety of conditions.
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