In 1899, Dr. William Sutherland discovered brain motion in humans. More importantly, he discovered that the sacrum moved in synchronicity with the brain via the dural tube.
In classical craniosacral therapy, the provider frees up the sacrum from its adjacent osseous structures. This concept is fine but usually only results in an approximate ten-second sacral cycle (five seconds in sacral flexion, five seconds in sacral extension). We found that the fascial web, surrounding and infusing into the sacrum, can further open its motion.
The Gillespie Approach helps the body release this web and allows the sacrum to move more freely in cycles over 100 seconds (at least fifty seconds in sacral flexion, at least fifty seconds in sacral extension). I am happy when the patient reaches the 200-second brain-sacral cycle zone. Pelvic fascial strain release on the first visit can result in a zero-brain-cycle patient opening nicely without even treating her or his head. This further confirms the direct cranial-sacral connection.
We realized the importance of sacral motion in our infant research. When the sacral-pelvic fascia was strained due to birth trauma, the web restrictions usually extended into the neck and head. We found that the upper-body conditions of nursing, eye, sinus, reflux, sucking, swallowing, and other issues did not completely clear until the pelvic strain had cleared.
When I treat a newborn or infant, I usually start in the pelvis, the root of the upper-body issue. I will explain to mom that therapy is not as simple as just doing an upper-body technique to release the offending tissues and we are good to go.
In addition, the Gillespie Approach may be the only manual therapy available to help release fascia attaching to the inside of the sacrum. Pelvic floor trauma such as episiotomy and tearing must be strongly considered in therapy. Also the tip of the coccyx can act like a fascial lightning rod, picking up the restrictive effects of a lifetime of pelvic trauma.
Sign up for Gillespie Approach Training Opportunities
Foundation Trainings
Gillespie Approach Foundation Training is designed for students to work with children and adults.
2026 Dates:
- January 22–24 | Melbourne, FL
- March 19–21 | Greenville, SC
- May 14–16 | Westfield, IN
- June 25–27 | Bozeman, MT
- August 6–8 | Boise, ID
- October 1–3 | Olathe, KS
- November 9–11 | Newtown Square, PA
- November 12–14 | Newtown Square, PA
Infant Trainings
Gillespie Approach Infant Training is designed for students to work with infants.
2026 Dates:
- January 25–27 | Melbourne, FL
- March 22–24 | Greenville, SC
- May 17–19 | Westfield, IN
- June 28–30 | Bozeman, MT
- August 9–11 | Boise, ID
- October 4–6 | Olathe, KS
- November 15–17 | Newtown Square, PA
New to Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy?
Read a collection of articles handpicked by Dr. Barry Gillespie to help you grasp core information and understand training and treatment options.
Make a Gillespie Approach Appointment to Get the Help You Need
Talk About the Gillespie Approach With Our Community on the Gillespie Approach Forum
Catch Every Story! Get a Free E-book and Infographic With Your Email Newsletter Subscription
Explore Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Articles Based on Hundreds of Health Conditions and Anatomical Regions
Enjoy Many Powerful Testimonials for Babies, Children and Adults
From fussy babies experiencing breakthroughs and children excelling in school to adults emerging triumphant over mystery health conditions, get inspired by these heartwarming and soul-stirring testimonials.
