Osteopathic and cranial sacral therapy for your baby after birth – What It is and why it is so important

Something I always suggest  my clients do after the birth of their baby is to take their baby to see an osteopath & get cranial sacral therapy. I have been seeing Dr. Hakimi for years now and highly recommend him  to all my peps , he does a combination of the two plus so much more . ImageDr. Payam Hakimi is the medical director of Body of Harmony in Beverly Hills.  He practices Integrative Medicine [individualized combination of western medicine and alternative medical therapies] using his knowledge and experience as a Family Physician, Doctor of Osteopathy, and Clinical Homeopathy. I asked him a few questions , why it is important for your child to have these kind of treatment done after birth ,below are the questions and his answers .

What is an osteopath  ?

In United States Doctors of Osteopathy [D.O.] are traditional medical doctors with additional training in structural integration of the body.  Most DO’s practice western medicine as their MD counterparts.  Only about 3-5% of DO’s practice the art of structural manipulations, an Osteopath.  Anywhere outside of United States Osteopaths do not go through medical training and thus only use manipulation as treatment modality.

One of the tenets of Osteopathy is the relationship between the structure and function: Structural trauma (lesion) can create restrictions in motion and flow (dis-ease) causing physiological changes in the area which leads to other issues.  Removing the structural restrictions will re-establish normal flow and optimum health.

After medical and structural evaluations Osteopaths employ a variety of manual technics to release structural tension and misalignment hence improving the flow of nerve impulses, blood, and lymph to the affected tissue.

What is cranial sacral therapy ?

Cranial Osteopathy a.k.a. cranio-sacral therapy and cranial sacral therapy is applying the Osteopathic principles to the cranial bones to ascertain their inherent mobility.

Different parts of the brain are involved in processing and controlling specific bodily functions.  Electrical activity of the brain is organized by chemical stimulation of neurotransmitters and hormones.  You can appreciate the abnormalities that can result if there is too much or too little concentration of these chemicals, oxygen, nutrients, andwaste products in any part of the brain.  For example, sleep issues are related to the abnormality of the movements of occipital bones, which encase Reticular Activating System (command center for sleep and wake cycle) of the brain.

Why is it important for your child to have a treatment after it is born ?

Natural process of birth is important since the contractions of the uterus and the force of the pelvic bones create an opportunity to help the new born to clear amniotic fluid fromthe sinuses, lungs, and guts.  However, at times due to the structural and physiological issues there is more stress on the structure of the newborn, either through the birth canal, C-section, or using vacuums and forceps.

Although the body’s natural tendency towards health resolves most of these issues over time, this process is at the detriment of an uncomfortable child and their parents.  Between these issues some have been researched and proven to benefit from the use of cranial osteopathy and others have been treated experientially: problem latching and suckling and feeding and reflux, colicky pains, ear infections, poor sleep, irritation and behavioral issues, craniosynostosis and other face and jaw abnormalities and molded head, torticollis and neck movement issues, cerebral palsy, shoulder dystocia, abnormalities of the spine and rib cage and hips, leg length discrepancy, and any other structural abnormalities.

How can it help with their development ?

Babies grow and develop through the growth of their structure, nervous system and senses, and other organs.  A colicky irritated baby or one who has chronic ear infections and on multiple rounds of antibiotics can have problems with yeast overgrowth, allergies and eczema, failure in physical growth, and even issues with speech and learning disabilities as they age.

Thus, the earlier these problems are resolved the better future outcome they will have and less stress on the body.

When is the best time to have them come to you ?

It is recommended that all newborns receive an Osteopathic evaluation as soon as possible.  Some parents plan that their newborn is seen during the first 24 hours after birth and as soon as any issues are noticed.

The first years of life are about structural and physiological growth, learning to stand, walk, and run.  Falls and head bangs can introduce a torsion in the structure of the body or cranium which may result in other issues in the future, like scoliosis, growing pains, constipation, enuresis, and short-leg syndrome.  Plan check up visits when the baby is one month, three months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years old to make sure there is normal structural growth.

Can Osteopathic treatments help children with neurological problems ?

 As the soft bones and weak joints of the skull negotiate through the pelvic bones at the time of delivery they can get distorted and put pressure on the nerves and the nervous system.  Nerve root compression and shoulder dystocia are common reasons to see an Osteopath after delivery.

Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of cranial bone misalignment in other neurological problems such as Autism, Asperger’s, Cerebral Palsy, ADD, and ADHD.  Other case studies have shown a positive outcome with Osteopathic treatments.  List of positive outcomes include: speaking more words, more eye contact with caregiver, increased concentration, calmer mood, and increased mobility.

For more info about Dr Hakimi go to –

Contact info –

dr.hakimi@bodyofharmony.com

www.bodyofharmony.com

Payam Hakimi, DO, ABFP

Diplomate American Board of Family Physicians

Teaching Faculty Center for Education & Development of Clinical Homeopathy

Adjunct Assistant Professor Osteopathy & Family Medicine Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine Western University of Health Sciences

 

2 Responses to “Osteopathic and cranial sacral therapy for your baby after birth – What It is and why it is so important”


  1. 1 Cranial Osteopath August 30, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    Cranial osteopathy helps to restore child health. Osteopathy treatment for children assists healing and helps avoid recurrences


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