What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that supports the body’s natural ability to release tension and restore balance.
Craniosacral therapy works directly with the craniosacral system—the bones, connective tissue, membranes, and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Through palpation and deep listening, the practitioner invites your body to restore its natural rhythm, unwind tension patterns, and find more ease.
History of CST
With roots in Cherokee and Shawnee indigenous medicine, the methods that led to Craniosacral therapy were cultivated in Osteopathic medicine. In the 1970s, Osteopathic physician, John Upledger, coined the term Craniosacral Therapy and began teaching it to hands-on providers such as physical therapists and massage therapists.
Over time, different schools of Craniosacral have developed- some with formal certification paths and others without. These include Upledger (CST), Biodynamic (BCST), and many more.
My Style
My style is primarily influenced by the Upledger style of Craniosacral however I did not train through the Upledger school. My teacher, Cyr Zeeberg-Foote, adheres to the same foundational structure of the Upledger Institute, including the 10-step protocol. However they also weave their own diverse training and skills into their style.
Many practitioners incorporate a conversational inquiry method of Somato-emotional release (SER) in their sessions. I do not currently have the training for this and will not be including that in my work. However, I have extensive experience holding space for emotional release when they occur naturally in a session. Through a mix of guided mindfulness and comfort touch, I will help you to stay grounded and present through a release.
I have a lot to learn in the field and my offerings are limited to adults who aren’t pregnant at this time. Craniosacral can have amazing results for babies and children; if you are seeking care for those populations I recommend finding a provider who is specifically certified to treat them.
How It Helps
Craniosacral Therapy can have wide-reaching effects because the craniosacral system influences the central nervous system and, through it, the entire body. Clients often seek CST for support with:
Stress, tension, anxiety, depression
Headaches and migraines
Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
Jaw pain/ TMJD
Whiplash
Mild TBI recovery/ Post-concussion syndrome
Pelvic floor and reproductive issues (dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain)
Chronic conditions (ie Fibromylagia, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Sleep disturbance
Grief, life transitions, trauma recovery
What to Expect
You can expect remain fully clothed unless we are integrating massage with your Craniosacral session. You will be (face-up) on a treatment table while the practitioner uses gentle contact along the feet, legs, hips, spine, and head. Other positions such as side-lying and prone (face-down) are possible if needed for your comfort.