Dr. Barry Gillespie, a periodontist, created Craniosacral Fascial Therapy in the 1980's. After having his own health struggles come up and observing the health struggles his patients were experiencing, he wanted to look for a deeper root and solution to those issues. He started studying both Cranial Osteopathy and Myofascial Release Therapy and observed miraculous changes in himself and his patients.
Over time he then developed what is now called Craniosacral Fascial Therapy, or sometimes The Gillespie Approach or CFT, by combining these craniosacral and myofascial techniques along with dental techniques as well.
This gentle, light touch healing modality works to relieve strain on the craniosacral fascial system through therapeutic techniques, allowing the brain, nervous system and body to thrive.
What is fascia?
The fascia is a 3-dimensional web that surrounds all the structures of the body. It looks similar to a spider's web and is a woven matrix that runs throughout the body covering every organ, muscle, bone, vessel, and nerve. Just like the pith that surrounds citrus fruit slices, fascia surrounds, protects and supports all the structures in the body. When relaxed, the fascia is able to move with ease, but when the fascia has restrictions caused by stress or trauma, it becomes stiff and loses its mobility causing strain and dysfunction in the body. After assessing for strain within the fascial system, it can be released allowing for improvement in motion and relief from pain.
what is the craniosacral system?
The Craniosacral system is made up of the cranial bones, sacrum, cerebrospinal fluid and the membranes housing the brain and spinal cord. Because the craniosacral system holds the brain and spinal cord, its function and health have a direct effect on the central nervous system. A thriving craniosacral system supports the brain and spinal cord, fostering good health throughout the body. Any dysfunction within the craniosacral system can then have a detrimental effect on the nervous system and body as a whole. Relieving restrictions within the craniosacral system allows for the nervous system and all other bodily systems to function optimally promoting health and well-being.
Video resources:
Here is a YouTube video of Kim and Holly, The Gillespie Approach instructors, explaining CFT and their trainings. The first half of the video is a great, easy to understand explanation of CFT- https://youtu.be/u1qX_9pHCCw?feature=shared
Here is a YouTube video of Dr. Gillespie talking about CFT- https://youtu.be/NWfqIe1y7Jc?feature=shared
Article resources:
Here is more information on CFT including conditions treated- What is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)? — Craniosacral Fascial Therapy
Here is an article written by Dr. Gillespie introducing CFT- What Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy? | Gillespie Approach–CFT
Here is an article written by Dr. Gillespie on fascia- Patients Ask, "What Is Fascia?" | Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy
Here is an article written by Dr. Gillespie on craniosacral - Patients Ask, “What Is Craniosacral?” | Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy
Here is an article from Dr. John F Barnes, an expert in MFR, on fascia- What is Fascia? - Myofascial Release - John F. Barnes, PT
Podcast resources:
Here is a podcast interview with Dr. Gillespie talking about CFT- Unlock Vitality through Craniosacral Fascial Therapy with Dr. Barry Gillespie - Get Yourself Optimized
Here is a podcast interview with Holly and Kim, The Gillespie Approach instructors, on CFT- Happy Homebirth: Ep 266: Finding the Stubborn Root Cause to Your Child’s Mystery Ailments Through The Gillespie Approach on Apple Podcasts