Craniosacral Fascial Therapy and Reflux: A Gentle Support for Babies and Children

Baby in pain from reflux

Reflux is one of the most common concerns parents bring into my office. Whether it shows up as frequent spit-up, arching, crying after feeds, chronic congestion, or feeding refusal, reflux can be exhausting for babies and the adults who love them.

While reflux is often discussed in terms of feeding volume, positioning, or medication, there’s another piece that’s sometimes overlooked: how tension in the body and nervous system can affect digestion. This is where Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) may offer gentle, supportive care for some children.

Reflux happens when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. In babies and young children, this can be influenced by immature digestive systems, muscle tone differences, body tension or asymmetry, pressure patterns in the diaphragm and rib cage, and nervous system stress or overwhelm. For many babies, reflux improves with time. For others, especially those with complex medical or developmental needs, symptoms can linger and affect feeding, sleep, and overall comfort.

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is a very gentle, hands-on approach that focuses on the fascial web, the connective tissue that wraps every muscle, organ, and nerve, and the craniosacral system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding membranes. Using light, gentle touch, CFT aims to ease tension in the body’s connective tissue, support more balanced movement and pressure patterns, and encourage nervous system regulation.

CFT does not treat reflux as a medical condition, and it does not replace medical care. However, some families notice improvements in symptoms when underlying tension patterns are addressed. Gentle work around the diaphragm and rib cage may support breathing and digestion by improving pressure balance between the chest and abdomen. Addressing tension in the neck, jaw, and oral structures can be helpful for babies whose feeding has been uncomfortable or stressful. CFT also prioritizes calming the nervous system, which can play an important role in digestion. When the body is constantly in a state of alert, reflux symptoms can feel more intense and harder to settle. Supporting whole-body alignment and easing asymmetries may also help everyday activities like feeding and resting feel easier.

Every child responds differently, but families sometimes report less arching or stiffening after feeds, more settled feeding sessions, improved comfort when lying down, easier transitions into sleep, and a generally calmer baby. These changes can be subtle, but even small shifts can make a meaningful difference in daily life.

Reflux can be incredibly stressful, and it’s natural to want quick answers. Craniosacral Fascial Therapy offers some families a calm, respectful way to support comfort, regulation, and connection. If you are wondering whether CFT might be a good fit for your child, I am always happy to talk through your concerns and help you decide what feels right for your family.

Dr. Rebecca Turkel is the Owner of Warm Heart Wellness located in Natick, MA.  She is a

Craniosacral Fascial Therapist, Licensed Pediatric Physical Therapist, Certified Early Intervention Specialist, Certified Educator of Infant Massage, Certified in Neonatal Behavior Observation, Certified Tummy Time Method Practitioner and Integrative Breastfeeding Educator. 

Dr. Turkel has over 19 years’ experience working with families in an Early Intervention setting as a Developmental Specialist and Physical Therapist as well as 15 years’ experience working at Boston Children's Hospital as a Physical Therapist.