Craniosacral For Breastfeeding

The cranium consists of sutures and fontanelles that overlap one another during the birth process as they compress when entering the birth canal. This process is called molding and the cranial bones should resume their normal shape within one week of birth. The delicate nervous system is protected by cartilage at this point and not by bone. The cranium itself is membranous at this stage and needs to constantly expand and realign to adapt to the extremely rapid growth of the brain during the first three years of life. Just within the first year of life the brain will grow 2-1/2 to 3 times its birth size.

90% of the neurological development and synaptic connections in the brain are made by age 6. By this time all of the motor and sensory functions we use as adults have been fully developed. Damage at any stage prior to preliminary development of these functions will result in compensatory patterns to either be learned or occur naturally to allow us to interact with our environment to the best of our ability. If corrections are not made, studies have shown that these children will function at a reduced capacity later in life.

Dura is membranous structure which connects the brain to the cranium, and protects the delicate spinal cord within the spine attaching at the base of the spine, which is the sacrum. The cranium and sacrum move in conjunction with one another to circulate cerebrospinal fluid along the entire length of the spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid is the nourishment for the brain and spinal cord and needs to be circulated properly. The CSF pressure and tension on the dura are the two things that move cranial and sacral bones. Craniosacral evaluation looks at how the bones of the cranium and sacrum are moving and if there are any imbalances present. Balancing this movement can help with decreasing stress on the nervous system allowing it to function at a higher level.

Craniosacral technique can be used to help mold the cranium from an early age. It can also help to calm down the nervous system in children dealing with ADD/ADHD issues, infants with latching problems, and anyone dealing with headache or migraine issues. It can help alleviate tension created by teeth clenching or grinding, as well as used as a way of decreasing stress in the body.

Ask your chiropractor today if craniosacral technique would work for you!