CranioSacral Therapy and Holistic Infant Care

Elon Bartlett, D.C. Acorn Wellness Center Oakland & SF Outline

• 1. Who I am and why I care about birth? • 2. What’s CST? • 3. What’s chiropractic care? • 4. What can go wrong in a child’s development? • 5. How health challenges may present • 6. Holistic treatment options • 7. Some examples • 8. Q&A Who I am and why I care about birth

• I was born at home in SF

• My parents filmed my birth and shared it widely

• I wanted to be like my father and be involved

• I studied everything I could learn about birth What’s CST (CranioSacral Therapy)

- My first experience of it - Studied through the Upledger Institute - John Upledger’s story - CSF is produced in rhythmic fashion - Connective tissue connects dura to every other part of the body - The rhythm can be palpated, and responds to light touch/awareness/intention - Basic idea: locate and relieve adhesions/restrictions The dura surrounds the central nervous system Facial connections throughout body Tongue to big toe Choroid Plexus (Site of CSF Production) CSF flows through ventricles CSF from Cranium to Sacrum Infant’s skull bones are separate Pliable skull allows for molding in birth Upledger Website

• CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics. Upledger Website

• CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system – comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Upledger Website

• Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. • By complementing the body’s natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including: Upledger Website

• Migraine Headaches • Chronic Neck and Back Pain • Motor-Coordination Impairments • Colic • Autism • Central Nervous System Disorders • Orthopedic Problems • Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries • Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia • Spinal Cord Injuries • Scoliosis Upledger Website

• Infantile Disorders • Learning Disabilities • Chronic Fatigue • Emotional Difficulties • Stress and Tension-Related Problems • Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome • Neurovascular or Immune Disorders • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder • Post-Surgical Dysfunction What’s Chiropractic Care?

• DD Palmer’s story • What the public thinks vs what chiropractors think • Why there’s no such thing as a “pinched nerve” • How treatment differs for infants What can go wrong in an infant’s development • The nervous system is the 1st to develop, and it guides everything else • Swallow reflex develops at 12.5 weeks gestation, our 1st primitive reflex • If NS is limited, that can limit the muscles of the tongue, which can limit the growth of the bony structures of the mouth, which can limit the NS, etc. What can go wrong in an infant’s development • Tethered Oral Tissues can have massive consequences • Intrauterine constraint • Microbiome health (did baby get vaginal flora? Pro- and Pre-biotics?) • Health limited by 3 sources: physical, chemical, mental/emotional How Health Challenges May Present

• Baby cries inconsolably (colic) or is considered “fussy” • Baby wakes too frequently / not frequently enough • Baby poops too infrequently, has constipation or diarrhea • Baby has nursing challenges – Tongue ties or lip ties – Vomer restriction Vomer is central to suckle reflex Vomer connects many cranial bones Paltines connect Vomer to Maxilla Wider palate and nasal passages How Health Challenges May Present

• Baby has musculoskeletal issue – Torticollis (neck asymmetry) is most common. Suspect if baby prefers to nurse on one side. – Crawling asymmetrically Hip dysplasia? Stuck SI joint? Muscle tension?

Torticollis photo Holistic Treatment Options

• You are the experts on supporting the breastfeeding relationship – If suspect TOTs, refer to a dentist or ENT for revisions, and – CranioSacral Therapist for tongue, palate and TMJ work Holistic Treatment Options

• Refer to CranioSacral Therapist – They will assess and treat the movement of the connective tissue system of the body. – I screen the whole body at each visit, with extra emphasis on the mouth, gut and the cranium. Holistic Treatment Options

• Refer to a chiropractor – They will assess and treat the restricted joints of the body, improving NS function – I screen the whole spine at each visit, with extra emphasis on the pelvis and neck Holistic Treatment Options

• Refer to an acupuncturist – They will assess and treat the restricted movement of energy (chi) in the body. – They don’t use needles on infants, but can use pressure point, and herbs and other supplements. Holistic Treatment Options

• Refer to Naturopathic Doctor – Can prescribe drugs, but uses them as last resort. – Starts with nutrition and lifestyle changes, and progresses to homeopathy, supplements, herbal preparations, non-invasive treatments like traction or laser therapy, and uses medications only when necessary. – Excellent for GI issues. – Good for those on a delayed vaccine schedule. Some Examples

• Infant with torticollis – Presentation – When asked about preference in nursing side, mom revealed that he had one. – Findings – I checked the SCM, and found one to be tighter. – Treatment – I massaged the SCM, taught the mom the technique, and adjusted his neck (among other adjustments). CST with emphasis on mouth work. Mom’s Review Some Examples

• Infant who wouldn’t sleep on his own – Presentation – Fussy baby, GI issues, nursing issues, had to be help while awake, and to sleep. – Findings – I checked his spine for osseous restriction, and checked his connective tissue system for dural adhesions. – Treatment – Chiropractic spinal adjustments with Activator. CST with emphasis on abdomen, head, and mouth. Mom’s Review In Conclusion

• If your client has an upset baby, then the whole family is suffering. • If the baby isn’t responding to the methods that you would normally expect them to, consider referring for some form of treatment, whatever seems most appropriate. Q&A