Craniosacral Therapy

Restore Your Nervous System. Reconnect With Your Body.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive, hands-on approach that supports the body’s natural healing processes by working with the subtle movements of the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Developed by osteopathic physician Dr. John Upledger, CST is rooted in the understanding that restrictions in this system can disrupt the function of the central nervous system and contribute to pain, dysfunction, and emotional distress. By using soft touch—often no more than the weight of a nickel—practitioners help release tension in the fascia, spinal column, and cranial bones to create space for healing to occur from within.

How Craniosacral Therapy Works

The craniosacral system plays a vital role in regulating the environment of the brain and spinal cord. When this system becomes restricted—due to physical trauma, emotional stress, inflammation, or surgery—it can affect the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and create pressure on the nervous system.

During a session, the client remains fully clothed while lying comfortably on a treatment table. The practitioner places their hands on specific areas of the head, spine, or sacrum to gently detect and release areas of tension or dysfunction. As restrictions melt away, the body is better able to regulate, self-correct, and restore balance.

This technique can:

• Improve fluid dynamics and nutrient exchange in the brain and spinal cord

• Support autonomic nervous system regulation (balancing fight/flight and rest/digest)

• Relieve pressure on the central nervous system

• Encourage emotional release and somatic awareness

Key Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy offers benefits that extend far beyond symptom relief. These include:

 Deep Relaxation & Nervous System Reset
CST helps the body shift out of sympathetic (fight-or-flight) dominance and into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state. Clients often describe a sense of deep calm, clarity, and groundedness after a session.

Pain Relief & Tissue Decompression
By addressing the fascia, cranial bones, and tension surrounding the spinal cord, CST helps relieve pressure that contributes to chronic pain—particularly in the neck, jaw, and back.

 Emotional Release & Trauma Integration
The body stores emotional stress in the tissues. Upledger coined the term SomatoEmotional Release to describe how CST can support the gentle release of unresolved trauma, allowing for greater emotional resilience and well-being.

 Support for Complex Conditions
Research has shown promising results for CST in reducing pain and improving quality of life for those with fibromyalgia, anxiety, and depression.
(See Study)