From birth through adulthood, we all experience traumas, physical and emotional, that can have a lasting effect on our health and nervous system.

 
 

When untreated, traumas can lead to tight and toxic bodies which result in chronic conditions that are often merely symptoms of suboptimal function within the body. In their search for health, many find craniosacral fascial therapy (CFT) to be the missing piece.

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) is a unique form of bodywork developed by Dr. Barry Gillespie, which combines principles of craniosacral therapy and fascial release techniques. It is based on the belief that the craniosacral and fascial systems of the body are interconnected and that restrictions in these systems can lead to a wide variety of physical and emotional health issues.

CFT focuses on identifying and gently unwinding tension and restrictions within the body’s fascia (the connective tissue that connects every system, nerve, organ, and cell throughout the body) to support the body’s natural ability to heal.

 
 
 

  • The practitioner will assess the state of the craniosacral fascial system by gently palpating the head and sacrum. Then through the use of light, sustained touch, the practitioner supports the body’s natural movement and unwinding to encourage the release of tension or strain within the fascia.

    Sessions are performed with the client fully clothed and typically lying on a treatment table but can be adjusted for client specific needs (e.g. children or pregnant women).

    Unlike techniques that isolate specific areas, CFT recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind, body and spirit.

  • Applications and Benefits of CFT:

    CFT does not diagnose or treat any specific illness or disease but it has been used to support people with a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:

    • Birth trauma (especially in infants and children)

    • Chronic pain conditions (e.g., migraines, TMJ dysfunction)

    • Colic and reflux in babies

    • Learning difficulties or developmental delays

    • Sensory processing difficulties

    • Orthodontic issues (in conjunction with dental work)

    • Post-injury recovery

    • Musculoskeletal imbalances

    • Anxiety and emotional trauma

    Even in individuals without specific complaints, CFT can promote nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and a renewed sense of embodiment especially within family systems.

  • CFT is especially beneficial for newborns and children, helping resolve:

    • Birth trauma (from long labors, forceps, C-sections, etc.)

    • Colic, reflux, and digestive issues

    • Feeding or latching difficulties

    • Sleep challenges

    • Behavioral or developmental delays

    By gently releasing fascial strain patterns early in life, CFT supports optimal brain and body development, helping children thrive without lingering restrictions from birth or early life experiences.

 
 

What sets CFT apart is its ability to bridge the physical and emotional realms. It’s not just about fixing a symptom—it’s about creating space in the body and nervous system for healing to emerge. Practitioners often describe the work as deeply intuitive, guided by the body's own intelligence and readiness to release what it no longer needs to hold.

Clients may leave a session not only feeling lighter in their body but more centered, grounded, and emotionally open. For many, it represents a turning point—especially when other approaches have fallen short.


Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is a gentle yet profoundly effective therapy that works with the body’s own wisdom to release deep-seated tension, trauma, and restriction—both physical and emotional. Whether you're seeking relief from chronic symptoms, emotional healing, or developmental support for a child, CFT offers a safe, intuitive, and deeply integrative path toward healing and wholeness