Midwifery and CFT

New Hampshire

I’m Catherine DeVeau and I’m a Licensed Midwife offering in-home services to clients in NH and the surrounding areas.

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) is the work of Dr. Barry Gillespie. Based on his theory that the Craniosacral and Fascial systems are not separate, but one interconnected system, CFT blends two established modalities: Cranial Sacral Therapy and Myofascial Release, into a single, highly effective therapy.

This intricate system originates in the body’s core around the brain and spinal cord and extends through the body’s fascial web which surrounds and permeates every structure down to the cellular level. A healthy system allows for the free flow of Cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, down the spine, to the sacrum, and into the connective tissue (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.

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.

Here's me doing a CFT session:

What is Fascia?

Fascia is essentially the body’s connective tissue, providing a framework that helps support and protect muscles, organs, and the entire body as a unit. It is an all-encompassing web found throughout the body that protects the entire body as a whole. It envelopes organs, muscles, nerves and even blood, 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.

CFT and your baby

Fetal and birth trauma can cause conditions of serious brain injury. This includes autism, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy, to less severe nervous system conditions such as ADHD, strabismus, dyslexia and speech disorders. Other common pediatric conditions that may be caused by fascial strain and birth trauma are colic, esophageal reflux, constipation, digestive issues, nursing/latch issues, sleeping issues, asthma, earache, headache, rhinitis, neck ache, jaw pain, and scoliosis.

CFT techniques are designed to gently unwind and release accumulated fascial strain. This allows optimal mobility and better brain function. When the Craniosacral Fascial System is loose and open there is free flow of cerebrospinal fluid to help nourish and cleanse toxins.

CFT may contribute to excellent infant neurological development. The Family Hope Center reports that children in their infant program have reached their neurological developmental milestones 30% faster than those not receiving CFT.
CFT may facilitate the ability to latch on and prevent sucking and swallowing difficulties, colic, reflux, gas, digestive issues, constipation, poor napping, general distress, stridor, torticollis, pyloric stenosis, and clubfoot.
Early CFT intervention may result in structural immunity where subsequent physical trauma has little or no effect on structural health.
CFT may prevent future childhood conditions like asthma, headache, ADHD, learning disorders, and other conditions.
CFT may contribute to a better neurological learning environment where focus, concentration, memory, thinking, and other cognitive functions may be maximized.