The rapid pace of life, with environmental pollution, academic pressures and overexposure to the media, all create stress for growing children.
This may be expressed through restlessness, slow development or generally not enjoying life. Children who experienced
a difficult birth may still be carrying the consequences of that in their bodies. (See Craniosacral Therapy for babies for more information about the way the birth can affect the child.)
Other children may be suffering from difficult situations within the family, stress at school or lack of confidence.
Conditions that may be helped or alleviated by Craniosacral Therapy include:
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Difficulties with concentration
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Slow or difficult speech
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Sleeplessness and night terrors
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Lack of confidence
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Exhaustion
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Problems with schooling
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Sinus and breathing difficulties
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Frequent illnesses
After [my daughter’s] sessions both my husband and I witnessed a big change for the better in her behaviour and her movement, although it couldn’t take the Cerebral Palsy away, it seemed easier for our daughter to deal with all of the problems associated with it.
Craniosacral Therapy is a very appropriate therapy for children, giving them the chance to express and heal any discomfort or anxiety they may be experiencing without making demands of them.
The sessions will take a different form depending on the age and inclination of the child. Toddlers often have their sessions on the move, playing with the toys, moving round the room and sometimes charging about. This is fine and all part of their
expression of whatever is bothering them. Others little ones snuggle onto a parent or carer’s knee, often being surprisingly still and peaceful as they enjoy the treatment. Parents report feeling that they too have had a chance to relax.
With some children, the time I get to make contact with their body is fleeting, but they are also very clear what they need, sometimes placing my hand on their bodies where they want the attention and removing it when they have had enough. It may also be that the contact becomes part of a game; sliding off the large ball, climbing onto the treatment couch or leaning against me as they play. There is no obligation on the child to be cooperative; So long as their behaviour is not destructive or dangerous, they are free to do whatever they need to enable us to understand what they are trying to resolve.
Young children don’t have a vocabulary for their experiences, they live very immediately in the sensations within their bodies. So, the experience of “sad”, “angry”, “fearful” are not expressed in words, but may become “tummy ache”, “restlessness”, “disturbed sleep” or other discomfort as the child experiences the immediacy of their situation and their perception. Often children are acutely aware of what is happening around them, feeling deeply any stress in the family, but they have no way to articulate their concerns or distance themselves from what is happening.
Because Craniosacral Therapy addresses the body directly many children feel understood when they have a session even though the cause of their concern is not mentioned directly.
Craniosacral Therapy is not an alternative to traditional health care. If you are concerned about your child’s health you should see a doctor. I am very happy to work in conjunction with your doctor, or other health care specialist.