The Birth, Colic,
And Brain Therapy
© 2005 Dr. Barry R. Gillespie
No one can escape the birthing process. This
event brings everyone into the world. How it happened, and
what, if anything, was done to mitigate its trauma are important
questions.
This article reviews the relationship of the
birth and colic to Brain Therapy (craniosacral, myofascial,
and TMJ-dental therapies). We cannot go back into the past
to change our own births, but we certainly can improve
the quality of health for future generations.
After conception takes place, the fetus spends about nine
months maturing in the womb. There are two major structural
circumstances that could create a problem for a newborn:
Due to a trauma to the mother, the fetus may
be injured. For example, if mom is involved in a car accident,
the fetus may be traumatized by the steering wheel.
Another important situation is a potential breech birth where the body’s fascia can be strained during
the delivery.
During the pregnancy mom also needs to have her craniosacral
fascial system open to properly activate the important birthing
pituitary hormones (oxytocin and prolactin) and to minimize
any pelvic fascial pressure on the baby’s body in delivery.
The birth should be as natural as possible.
If forceps are used, craniosacral
treatment should be done to immediately correct the effects
of the trauma.
The vacuum suction method can even be more unforgiving. The
tube can be positioned directly over the falx cerebri and
the superior sagittal sinus at the top of the cranium. This
artificial pressure may actually tear the dural meninges in
this area.
Theoretically, forceps just apply strain to the dura, which
can be corrected. But if the dura is torn in the vacuum process,
permanent damage may result.
Where Infant Colic Begins
Because the whole birthing process can be a traumatic physical
event, every newborn should be checked and treated, if necessary,
with craniosacral, fascial, and muscle therapies. Too often,
nothing is done, and the child grows in and out of a series
of conditions from infant colic to teenage headaches.
It could have all been prevented with effective
treatment at the beginning of life.
Dr. Virginia Apgar created a birthing score that is now
universally used. The newborn is graded twice, once at the
one-minute mark and the other time at the five-minute mark.
The total scores range from 0 to 10 with 10 being a perfectly,
healthy score.
There are five measurable characteristics: heart rate, lung
function, skin color, reflex irritability, and muscle tone.
Scoring for each range is from 0 to 2 with 2 being the best.
A healthy baby would be in the 9 to 10 range. A 1 to 2 baby
would need immediate intervention. This is an excellent index,
but does account for the qualities of brain motion (function)
and fascial strain from the birth.
Since too many people can suffer their entire lives because
of the lack of initial evaluation and care, every newborn
should have their craniosacral fascial system checked.
I remember the excitement my wife and I had leaving the
hospital with each of our two babies. For other new parents
the next few months could prove very challenging for the spirit.
Their baby seems unsettled with crying the norm. No matter
what mom and dad do, the crying does not abate.
The pediatrician says that the baby has colic, and nothing
can be done medically to correct the problem. Family psychological
issues can now arise. The parents do not know where to turn
or what to do. For further information about colic, an excellent
website to visit is www.colic-baby.com
Correcting Infant Colic
The incidence of colic in the American population is approximately
20%. If about four million children are born every year in
America, then about 800,000 children will have colic.
In the medical model, the etiology and treatment of colic
are unknown.
My students and I agree that in the manner that
we evaluate the infant, colic is a severe disturbance of
the craniosacral fascial system. The birthing process can
cause restriction in the craniosacral tissues and the fascial
web in any part of the body.
Because of this tightness, the infant is extremely uncomfortable,
and, as a result, continually cries.
If left untreated at this time, the child can potentially
develop earaches as a toddler, sinus, allergy, and/or asthma
at four, speech difficulty at five, hyperactivity at six,
learning disorders in grade school, and migraines as a teenager
having orthodontic care. All of these conditions can be caused
by a severe disturbance of the craniosacral fascial system.
When the brain opens and the fascia relaxes in therapy, the
infant can become more comfortable and happier. Sometimes
the child will have an immediate positive response the moment
his fascial system has a major release.
Since the medical profession is not aware of this craniosacral
fascial system, they have no model for the etiology and treatment
of colic. As this system becomes better known, the answer
will unfold to everyone.
Of all the possible professional situations for health care
professionals, working with newborns can be the most rewarding.
These tiny souls have just entered the world, and you hold
the key to how well their brains and bodies will function
with your touch therapy skills. After a difficult delivery,
you have a chance to redirect a person’s whole life.
What a beautiful thing!
Please do not forget about mom. Since she went through the
same birthing process, her craniosacral dental fascial system
needs to be checked. Let’s change the world so that
every newborn has a chance to have Brain Therapy to live a
healthy life.
Let's show society what we can accomplish!
For
more articles about the role of Brain Therapy in correcting
chronic conditions in children and adults .
. .
For
more information about the "Brain Therapy for Children
and Adults" seminar for health professionals
. . .
