Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) is a very gentle, hands-on modality with powerful therapeutic effects.

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is the work of Dr. Barry Gillespie. It is based on his theory that the Craniosacral and Fascial systems are not separate but one interconnected system. CFT blends the two established modalities of Dr. William Sutherland's Craniosacral Therapy and John Barnes' Myofascial Release, along with dental techniques developed from Dr. Gillespie’s experience as a periodontist. 

Gillespie Approach-CFT was developed by Dr. Barry Gillespie as a periodontist over 50 years ago. It continues to evolve as a gentle and effective modality for a variety of conditions for all ages. With powerful therapeutic effects, it helps release fascial strain to free the body, brain and nervous system to thrive.

Dr. Barry Gillespie discovered the Craniosacral Fascial System, consisting of a slight motion of the brain and spinal cord pumping cerebrospinal fluid into the fascial web, which connects every structural cell of the body. When physical and/or emotional traumas adversely tighten this freely moving system, tremendous pressure can be exerted on associated nerves, muscles, organs, blood vessels, lymph vessels and bones. Profound effects on body function may result as a major cause of health conditions.

Basically, fascia is the body’s connective tissue, providing a framework that helps support and protect muscles, organs, and the entire body as a unit. It is an all-encompassing web found throughout the body that protects the entire body as a whole. It surrounds organs, muscles, brain, spinal cord and all other body parts for protection from outside trauma. It supports the musculoskeletal system and allows us to perform functional activities like walking, jumping, running, or simply changing position. 

The intricate craniosacral fascial system originates in the body's core around the brain and spinal cord, and extends through the fascial web. A healthy system allows for the free flow of cerebrospinal fluid from the brain, down the spine, to the sacrum, and into the fascia.  

All of us have experienced trauma: difficult birth, surgery, accidents, falls, concussions, dental work/orthodontics, and emotional trauma, to name a few. Starting from birth, traumas accumulate and can create strain and toxicity in the craniosacral fascial system, restricting critical brain motion.

Damage to the craniosacral fascial system can affect the flow of cerebrospinal fluid which helps nourish and detoxify the body and brain. It can also limit range of motion, and cause a host of other ailments.

A Gillespie Approach-Craniosacral Fascial Therapy provider can assess your brain cycle anytime.

The total expansion and contraction of your brain in seconds indicates to your provider how well your brain and craniosacral fascial system are functioning at that moment.

If the fascia (dura) around your brain is tight, this motion will be restricted.

What is a good brain cycle?

Your practitioner will be happy when you function at around 200 seconds (100 seconds in expansion + 100 seconds in contraction = a full cycle).

Patients with a 200-second brain cycle are probably in the top 1% of all people on the planet.

Research shows that patients who had a 150 to 200 second brain cycle were all doing well when they returned after a year.

Under certain conditions, the brain cycles can go higher, even over 1,000 seconds.

Gillespie states that he does not know of any specific clinical benefits of these higher cycles.

Gillespie contends that if all parents understood the intellectual and health benefits for their newborns and children, everyone would book a session.

Our brains have an inherent motion of expansion and contraction which optimises the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Any restrictions or damage to this motion can greatly affect our health and wellbeing.  

CFT techniques are designed to gently unwind and release accumulated fascial strain. This allows optimal mobility and better brain function. When the Craniosacral Fascial System is loose and open there is free flow of cerebrospinal fluid to help nourish and cleanse toxins.

• Birth trauma

• Tongue tie/lip tie/buccle tie

• Torticollis

• Reflux

• Colic

• Inability to latch

• Difficulty sucking

• Difficulty swallowing

• Constipation

• Indigestion

• Asymmetrical head shape

• Earache

• Crawling patterns

• Stridor

• Strabismus

• Asthma

• Earache

• Concussion

• ADHD/ADD

• Learning disorders

• Sinus conditions

• Anxiety

• Autism

• Mouth-breathing

• Bedwetting

• Headache

• Scoliosis

• Migraine

• Concussion

• Temporomandibular disorder (TMJ)

• Pain

• Range of motion

• Hip pain

• Sinus conditions

• Airway

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Pelvic pain

• Whiplash

• Scars

Sessions cost £65 per hour.

We recommend 4-6 sessions for babies and infants and 6-8 sessions for adults.

Rachael is dedicated to bringing CFT to communities throughout the UK. For intensives and travel options, please email rachaelrogan@brainbodyagency.com for a personalised package and discover the missing piece for optimal health.