Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that works with the body's tissues, fluids, and nervous system. Using light touch and careful listening, I explore patterns of tension and discomfort and how they may relate to the body as a whole. This may also include work with nerves and viscera in connection with the nervous system. 

Many people seek this work to support relaxation, recovery, pain management, nervous system regulation, and increased body awareness. It can be a valuable complement to other healthcare approaches and is intended to support the body's natural capacity for healing and self-regulation. CST may be a useful option for those looking for a gentle approach to bodywork. 

When appropriate, intraoral work may also be incorporated into craniosacral sessions particularly when working with the jaw, mouth, face, and surrounding structures.

My practice is informed by both Biodynamic (energetic) and Biomechanical (structural) approaches. These perspectives offer different ways of listening and working with the body and may be used individually or together depending on the goals of the session. 

For more information on Craniosacral Therapy, please refer to the FAQ below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Craniosacral Therapy

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a hands-on therapy that works with the body's tissues, fluids, and nervous system.

This manual work is rooted in osteopathic principles and uses gentle holds and variable pressure. It can include mechanical work with bones, joints, ligaments, sinuses, and intraoral structures, as well as work with the nerves and viscera. It is more than simply working with the cranium (head) itself. 

Craniosacral work considers the movement of: 

  • Cerebrospinal fluid: Fluid that surrounds, protects and nourishes the brain and spinal cord 

  • Lymphatic fluid: Fluid that flows through the lymphatic system and helps transport waste and other substances. 

  • Glymphatic system: Fluid waste clearance system within the brain that helps remove metabolic waste from brain tissue

In addition, I recognize the connection between our physical, emotional, and lived experiences. This work can support body awareness and the relationship between physical sensations and emotional responses. 

Craniosacral work can be a powerful addition to a person's healing process and is intended to support the body's inner capacity for healing.

How can Craniosacral Therapy help?

People seek Craniosacral work for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Stress, overwhelm, and nervous system dysregulation

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Jaw tension and TMJ dysfunction

  • Neck, shoulder, and back pain

  • Concussion recovery support

  • Whiplash and accident-related injuries

  • Chronic pain patterns

  • Sleep difficulties

  • Pregnancy and postpartum support

  • Emotional stress held within the body

  • A desire for increased body awareness, relaxation, and overall well-being

The gentle nature of this work can make it accessible across different stages of healing and for people of many ages. 

Craniosacral work can also be a helpful complement to physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, counseling, and other healthcare approaches. For many people, it becomes an important piece of the puzzle in their healing process.

I think this work can offer a pause with all the external and internal, commotion and motion of being a human in this world. 

What is the difference between Biodynamic and Biomechanical Craniosacral work?

Biodynamic and Biomechanical approaches offer different ways of listening to and working with the body. I use both perspectives in my practice and do not consider them to be opposing methods but rather as different insights that can help guide my reasoning while working. 

The Biodynamic approach is considers the person from their embryological beginnings to who they are in the present. I tend to pay attention to the slower rhythms—tides, stillness, and movement of the fluids throughout the body. I think about the how, when, where and why of the body’s fluid dynamics and its connection to the mind. 

The Biomechanical approach is structurally oriented. Bones, sutures, membranes, joints, and axes of rotation as well as patterns of strain and restriction are considered. I tend to think about how this way of listening and feeling can give insight into the how, when, where and why of a person’s body as it moves within its structure.

I think the feel of both tissues and tides are important. 

My aim is to stay present, non-assuming and respectful of what the body is communicating at the moment.

What does a Craniosacral session look and feel like?

Craniosacral Therapy sessions are fully clothed, so loose, comfortable, non-restrictive clothing is recommended. 

As with any session, we begin with a verbal intake and review of your health history and current needs. Most sessions take place with you lying face up on the table, although positioning may can include face down or side-lying, depending on the technique and what feels comfortable and accessible for you. 

The hands-on work may include gentle holds, compressions and decompressions, as well as visceral and nerve work. The approach and amount of pressure can vary throughout the session depending on what I am sensing and what we are working with that day.

There may be periods of stillness, movement, or very subtle sensations.

As always, you are welcome to share feedback or ask questions throughout the session, and your comfort and experience help guide the work.