Early Intervention Rocks!
As published in Preemies Today, Feb. 2009; By Judy Bender
I am the mother of twin boys who were born at 28 weeks. I learned about
CranioSacral Therapy from my previous acupuncturist and scheduled a CranioSacral Therapy session for my babies when they were in the NIC-U, not even at their full-term date. The results were miraculous. My son Steven had a grade III intraventricular hemmorage (IVH). The neurosurgeon was convinced that he would need a shunt. After one session of CranioSacral Therapy, Steven was so much better that he was no longer a candidate for a shunt. His retinopathy of pre-maturity also improved greatly. Steven was at risk for developing seizures, MR and CP. He has none of these conditions.
My sons are now 7 years old and doing well. They still have some challenges that other 7 year olds don’t have, but they continue to make progress. They play on the playground. They speak in sentences and are growing well. Steven recently taught me how to add an attachment to my email!!
The wonderful woman that performed the CranioSacral Therapy was Judith Sullivan. She and I worked together to write this article to help other parents seeking help for their preemies.
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle touch therapy that is done on a baby, child or adult. The person is fully clothed and the therapist touches them with a very gentle light touch equal to the weight of a nickel. The therapist doesn’t rub as in massage, but holds the person in different places, such as the neck, temples, forehead, head and/or the back, being aware of what is happening under the skin.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) can enhance the body’s natural healing processes and be effective for a wide range of health problems for people of all ages, including: Colic, Attention Deficit Disorder, Nursing Difficulties, Learning Disorders, Emotional Difficulties, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Hormone Disorders, Head and other Traumatic Injuries, Irritable Child Syndrome, Migraines, Chronic Neck and Back Pain, Motor-Coordination Impairments, Central Nervous System Disorders, Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, Scoliosis, Infantile Disorders (excess or deficiency of sleep, wakefulness, digestive disorders), Stress and Tension-Related Problems, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Post-Surgical Dysfunction.
The CranioSacral System is a physiological system that exists all mammals. It is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid (a semi-hydraulic system) that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Its formation begins in the womb; its function continues until death. The CranioSacral system derives its name from the bones involved. Included are the bones of the skull, face and mouth which make up the “cranium” and extend down the spinal cord to the “sacrum.” The dural tube, a tough membrane which surrounds the spinal cord, connects the two. An imbalance in the CranioSacral System can adversely affect the development and function of the brain and spinal cord which can result in sensory, motor and intellect dysfunction. The client’s normal, natural self-corrective mechanism is enhanced by CranioSacral Therapy. The therapist’s light, hands-on approach assists the hydraulic forces inherent within the CranioSacral System to improve the body’s internal environment. It can also improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
CranioSacral Therapy 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.
It was my experience that this is a wonderful tool that parents can use in a proactive way during a time when vulnerable preemies are very receptive to the healing process. I remember how empowered I felt to be able to do something to help my sons at a time when so much of what they experienced was not in my control.
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