The Diaphragm Revisited
Baby C presented at two-weeks-old with oral, neck, gas, and indigestion issues.
In his first few visits the craniosacral fascial strain in his left hip, digestive organs, neck arch, and left TMJ cleared nicely. At today’s sixth visit, his diaphragm is still restricted, most probably from sustained fetal compression. Mom said that he now does not like to sit in his car seat; I found that the posterior fascia in his diaphragm is pulling into his mid-back.
In the newborn world the diaphragm is a key area for the many reasons:
1. Craniosacral fascial strain here affects the nearby digestive organs (stomach, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder), creating indigestion and gas.
2. The diaphragm contains the opening sphincter of the esophagus into the stomach. A tight lower esophageal sphincter (LES) can create reflux.
3. Since the diaphragm is the main breathing muscle, its fascia needs to be free for the lungs to expand and contract properly. Tight infants may be more prone to colds and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in their first year due to a compromised respiratory system.
4. Much like the fascia straining from the pelvis into the head and neck, the diaphragmatic fascia can also strain superiorly, resulting in restricted cranial meninges. Tight fascia surrounding the brain can inhibit brain motion and create the negative effects of a zero-second brain cycle.
Thus, neurological issues, like poor reading comprehension and lack of concentration and focus, may be rooted in a restricted diaphragm. Health care practitioners need to change their thinking about the concept of disease in the space-time continuum of the craniosacral fascial system.
Gillespie Approach–Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Articles on Health Conditions
