Cranial Sacral therapy is a gentle body-mind therapy that comes from the Osteopathic tradition of finding the cause of dis-ease and dysfunctions within the body systems. The purpose of CST is to evaluate and enhance the functioning of the whole body via the central nervous system, the membranes that surround the brain, brain nuclei functioning and the nerves of the spine. Working at this level within the body, the subtle fluid systems, allows the practitioner to also access other physiological systems within the body, the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, immune system and the organs that support them. Therapy also addresses facial planes of resistance and tension or injury in the muscles and joints. CST is inclusive of Eastern medicine and meridian theory and explores deficiencies in the body's vital energy and the flow of chi through the meridians and their corresponding organs.

Inter cranial membranes that surround the brain may also be restricted or compressed, causing cranial bones to be misaligned which causes many painful and disruptive symptoms within the whole body.

Causes of Intercranial pressure may be due to:

• The consciousness of touch, transference and tele.
• In utero pressure of fetus in positions where they are unable to move, for example pressed into rib cage or hip of mother due to size of her womb.
• Stress during the pregnancy, either internal or external stressors.
• Birth experiences, such as pressure on the pelvic bone during labour and delivery.
• C-section delivery, rapid change from amniotic fluid sac of the placenta to oxygen and air environment.
• Forceps or suction delivery.
• Premature birth and developmental interruption of biological processes.
• Surgery post birth.
• Digestive immaturity, such as colic
• Head shape, due to genetics or birth experience.
• Genetic disorders
• Allergic reactions
• Falls / Accidents or injuries

These pressures can cause a number of problems for children such as:

• Emotional and physical stress, including angry, distraught, unsettled children.
• Sleep disorders
• Poor co-ordination and poor concentration.
• Head banging and tantrums
• Inappropriate social behaviours such as hitting, biting, screaming
• Earaches
• Sinus problems
• A weakened immune system, more susceptible to illnesses
• Poor social skills
• Asthma and respiratory problems
• Poor reflexes and inability to crawl properly or go through developmental movements that help to balance and co-ordinate intellectual, social and motor skills.
• Learning disabilities
• Teeth grinding
• Autistic behaviours
• Attention deficit and hyperactivity, etc.

Cranial Sacral therapy can help to relieve many of these problems and works to find the source of the imbalance within the body. Release of intercranial pressures, aligning and balancing the movements of the cranial bones, releasing whole body tensions by working directly through fascia, muscles and organs utilizing CST combined with myofascial and positional release assists the holistic integration and restructuring of the person's body. A healthy diet, supplements, less refined sugar, homeopathy, specific physical exercises and movements and forming healthy boundaries of respect for self and others will assist the child to find a new balance within their whole nervous, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, immune, endocrine and muscular systems. Furthermore, taking care of a child who has any number of these health issues can be exhausting to the parent's nervous systems as well. It becomes a reciprocal loop of tension and pain between parent and child. Parents benefit from receiving this treatment too. They learn about their own health and body concerns, correct imbalances, and find relief from their own stresses. Each person's body as an integrated whole is responsive to this process which enlists the healing potential and the inner wisdom within each individual.

Rebecca's work with children includes craniosacral therapy and positional release therapy which softly moves the child's body into a position of comfort that relaxes their muscles and allows soft tissues to realign, releasing strains and tension patterns in their body. Rebecca also uses gentle to deep massage and reflexology to restore muscle tone and increase circulation and vitality through the muscles, the meridians and the nervous system. She focuses on each child's individual needs and includes the parents in this process. Parents need support and guidance to learn ways that will support their child's nervous system and their emotional development. Rebecca observes interactions and makes gentle suggestion that support the forming of healthy relationship between parent and child. Setting limits, keeping outside stimulations simple and uncomplicated are ways to support each child in their environment. Treatments for parents are also encouraged. In this way parents receive internal support for themselves and learn from within the impact of craniosacral therapy on their child. Share Care courses are provided that teaches parents simple ways to work on their own child using craniosacral therapy principles. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child; it surely takes a village of loving supportive persons that can offer resources that support the whole family as they raise a child with special needs and challenges. Cranial sacral mind-body therapy provides internal support for parents who are meeting those challenges every moment.

During Cranial Sacral treatment, parents are often involved in holding or soothing the child while Rebecca treats the nuclei of the brain, calming the nervous system and restoring balance to the cranial bones and sensitive tissues throughout the body. Anise has been diagnosed as being on the austistic spectrum. In this picture she is self-soothing by holding onto her mother during the treatment. Before the treatment she did not speak or point and made little eye-contact. After the treatment she began to point, speaks a few words and made more eye-contact with her mother. She is 2 years old. After 4 treatments, she is an active excited child who makes eye contact with others, sings and plays and is able to manage her environment with more ease and comfort.

After the treatment she sleeps in a deep state of rest, Mom is very relaxed too and delighted at how well she responded to the therapy.