Sometimes, therapists ask me if it’s ok to use Cranial-Sacral Therapy (CST) with children. I’ve used CST successfully with kids of all ages for many years and for many different conditions, including ADD, learning disabilities, and others. I’ll tell you more about that below.
In my CEU classes, I demonstrate how to use specific techniques that are successful when working with kids, as well as adults. Participants practice these techniques on each other, seeing how easy they are to use and to incorporate into a session. These classes are approved by the Arkansas Department of Health and the NCBTMB.
Using Cranial-Sacral Therapy with Children
I’ve had several parents bring their children to me after they were diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Typically, the mother tells me that the child is relatively intelligent but can’t focus or sit still long enough to do well in school. Sometimes, they tell me that they’ve heard CST can help, but they warn me that their child probably won’t stay still. You can tell they’re in the habit of apologizing for their child’s behavior. I just smile and begin the session.
My typical session with a child lasts 30 minutes, sometimes less or more, depending on what’s going on. The mother stays in the room, watching lovingly, though they’ve typically been ‘through it all’ and they don’t have a lot of expectations about the treatment.
I talk with the child and check in with them to see where they’re at attitude-wise in the moment. I talk gently, yet confidently, and try to connect with them in some way – usually by asking about something they’re interested in and keeping the atmosphere light. That takes them out of any pattern they’re currently in and cleans off the slate of their expectations, so that they’re open to what I’m doing.
While I’m talking to them, I start using a couple very specific CST techniques that I’ve found are great for helping a child (or anyone) break out of whatever mental pattern they’re currently in. As I see their breathing change, I gently suggest that they close their eyes and breathe more deeply. Usually within five minutes or so, the child is in a state of deep relaxation, and I’m able to continue with the CST treatment quietly and completely.
The mother, in the meantime, is usually watching with a surprised, eyes-wide-open look on their face. They can’t believe that’s their child lying so peacefully on the table. Typically, when I tell the child that the session is over, they look to their mom and say, “Can’t I stay a little longer.” I’ve heard this many times.
Several mothers have told me that after the CST sessions, they received comments from teachers saying that their child seems to be paying more attention and doing better with their schoolwork. After about three to five sessions, they’re usually done, except for a tuneup periodically as needed. Sometimes, if the mom is willing, I show them a couple simple techniques they can do at home in between sessions. The moms often tell their friends and the teacher about the CST work, and I get some referrals that way.
I’ve used CST successfully with infants, young children, and teenagers, as well as adults. And I’ve used CST successfully with ADD, ADHD, some learning disabilities, headaches, falls, and other childhood (and adulthood) issues. This is not to say that CST is a silver bullet or cure-all for these conditions. Obviously, there are other factors that often need to be addressed, such as diet (minimizing MSG and artificial colors in food and drinks as a start), environmental factors, and issues unique to that particular child.
Nevertheless, I’ve found CST to be very helpful with many childhood conditions, and other therapists that I’ve trained – or who have also received training through Upledger – say the same thing. Children seem to thrive on Cranial-Sacral work! Given the high incidence these days of ADD, Autism, Asperger syndrome, and so many other conditions, wouldn’t it be nice if every child received some CST early in life? Before their bones have a chance to lock up, potentially causing dysfunction in the cranial fascia and the flow of cerebrospinal fuild! Perhaps, CST for children should be recommended to parents as much as vaccines (or moreso, some would surely say)!
One therapist that I trained in CST sent me this e-mail after using some of the techniques on her own child, who has had some common childhood disorders:
“My son, Jimmy loves it, and asks for it by name – no, more like begging. During the first session he said ‘I can breath easier.’ I know he had a Still Point or two when he said ‘Did I fall asleep?’ That is all great!” (Martha)
You can get training in CST through me (using the link above), through Upledger (at upledger.com), or through some other trainers. Everyone adds their own twist to the core techniques.
On Upledger’s website, they list several conditions that CST is used to address, including colic, learning disabilities, migraine headaches, central nervous system disorders, autism, infantile disorders, motor-coordination problems, and more.
If you wish to learn more about using CST with children and John Upledger’s work you can check out these articles:
– Strong Enough for Parents, Gentle Enough for Their Kids, by John Upledger, in MassageToday, June 2007:
http://www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=13643
– Autism Spectrum Disorder: How CranioSacral Therapy Can Help, by Ted Wanveer, from MassageToday, July 2007:
http://www.upledger.com/pdf/CS0707.pdf
Let me know if you’ve used CST with children in your practice and what your experience is.
Stay well,
John