Cranio what what?

Pizza Chef Lewie, who prefers a little hat with twirlie thing on his dome instead of a chef's hat; 
LJ is also now able to independently sit without falling over for extended periods. See above photo;)

Cranio what?  Are you scratching your head?  We've started Lewis on craniosacral therapy (CST) this summer.  As if we didn't have enough therapies we're involved with, I thought it might help relieve some of LJ's muscle tightness so we've scheduled Saturday appointments for the summer.  First off, I really like the therapist's quote on her business card so much I though I had to share it.

Regardless of age, innate wisdom exists.

I don't think this needs more introduction.  It definitely gets me thinking and hope it does the same for you.

As for the deets on craniosacral therapy:  Craniosacral therapy is a holistic integrative approach to an individual's symptoms getting better, be it from a chronic illness/disease, pain or something as minor as ear infections and colic.  CST is used to effectively manage sensory processing disorders and communication difficulties through the use of whispering fingertips.  The therapist feels for abnormalities in the craniosacral pulse (completely different from a heartbeat or breathing rate) that belongs to the fluid and membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.  CST also works on the hydraulic-like fluid of the nervous system.  The premise is that it helps realign things and calm the nervous system.  Our therapist, Ms. N, uses a feather-light touch and then cradles LJ's head, face or chest as I play with him (aka distract him) or he lays back in her lap.

Last week Ms. N worked on the lymphatic system to try to ease some of LJ's chronic chest congestion...one side effect he had was a runny nose for the next few hours afterward.  One can only assume this was due to everything draining more effectively.  His hearing was also quite sensitive.  He insisted in signing to me that I needed to use the otoscope to look in his ears.  He emphatically pointed and tugged on his ears...but I didn't see any redness, nor were his tubes missing.  Then Nate was curious so everyone had a turn looking in each others' ears. Not sure if there's some other explanation but I'm sticking with sensitivities since the ears are no longer bothering him.  NIH describes the lymph system as a major component of the body's immune system.  Nonetheless, we're quite hopeful for the effects CST will have for LJ.

Some other benefits of CST are improved blood flow, promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension and pain.  I'm not surprised the American Academy of Pediatrics has no official policy on craniosacral therapy but they confirm it is non-invasive.  Since we've been willing to try alternative therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen treatments (which btw we were happy with), a holistic wellness route seems like a no-brainer...excuse the pun if you will!  Still, if it can't hurt what's to lose except the weekly out-of-pocket session fee (it's so not covered by our insurance policy!)?

He's been so relaxed that he asks for a nap three quarters through each session.  Then he comes home and takes an even longer nap. The therapy also completely relaxes his digestive system too!  Sorry for tmi.  Everything is more relaxed.  Perhaps he feels blissed out?  Fun stuff either way.  I've been researching this therapy since November and can't believe it took me this long to get therapy underway.  I think it is fair to say we are following every lead we can.