Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on treatment developed by Dr. John E. Upledger that works with the body's craniosacral system to support nervous system regulation. Using a light touch of approximately five grams of pressure, CST helps identify and release restrictions within the body's tissues, creating an environment where the body can return to balance and utilize its innate ability to heal.
Rather than forcing change, Craniosacral Therapy works by listening to the body's natural rhythms and supporting the nervous system. When the nervous system shifts into a parasympathetic, or "rest and restore," state, the body is better able to release tension, improve mobility, and address dysfunction that may be contributing to pain or other symptoms.
Because Craniosacral Therapy works with the whole body, it can benefit individuals experiencing both acute and chronic conditions. Whether you're recovering from an injury, navigating chronic pain, living with nervous system dysregulation, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, CST supports your body by addressing the root cause rather than treating symptoms.
Every session is unique because every person is unique. At the beginning of each treatment, I assess what is clinically present and determine what your body is asking for that day. While some clients experience noticeable changes during their first session, others find that the benefits unfold over the hours or days that follow. There is no "right" way to experience Craniosacral Therapy. Some people feel warmth, deep relaxation, or subtle movement within the body, while others simply notice that they begin sleeping better, moving more freely, or feeling more at ease after their session. Because CST addresses the full body, including emotions stored in the body, it is possible for clients to experience a variety of emotional releases.
The number of sessions needed varies from person to person and depends on your individual goals, history, and the nature of your condition. Some clients seek care for an acute concern and achieve their desired outcome within a few sessions, while others with more chronic or complex conditions benefit from ongoing care. I also encourage many clients to continue periodic sessions as a preventative approach to maintaining balance, supporting nervous system health, and promoting overall wellness.
Occasionally, clients notice discomfort in a different area of the body after treatment than the one they originally came in for. While this can feel surprising, I often compare it to cleaning out a junk drawer. Before everything finds its proper place, the drawer may look more disorganized than when you started. Similarly, Craniosacral Therapy encourages the body to reorganize long-standing patterns of restriction. As the body restores balance, areas that were previously compensating may become more noticeable before settling into a healthier pattern. While everyone's experience is different, this process is often part of the body's natural progression toward greater function and ease.
My Approach
I believe every body tells a story, and my role is to listen with curiosity rather than assumption.
At the beginning of each session, I will review your intake and invite you to share the major events in your health history and what has brought you in. While I value understanding your story, I also believe the body often communicates things that words cannot. Rather than spending a significant portion of your appointment talking, we'll transition to the treatment table so I can begin listening to your body through touch.
Each session is guided by what your body presents that day. There is no predetermined routine or checklist to follow. Instead, I use gentle, attentive touch to assess areas of restriction and support your body's natural ability to restore balance. My goal is not to force change, but to create an environment where your nervous system feels safe enough to soften, adapt, and heal.
Whether you're navigating chronic illness, recovering from an injury, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life, I strive to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and cared for. Every session is collaborative, individualized, and centered around meeting your body exactly where it is.
Further Reading
- Osteopathy for Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain
Pilot study of osteopathic treatment for pelvic pain in 28 participants.
- Endometriosis and CranioSacral Therapy
Practitioner case account involving one client and multiple therapies (PDF).
- Management of Post-Viral POTS With Craniosacral Therapy
A published case report describing treatment of one patient.
- CranioSacral Therapy and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
An educational presentation from Upledger Institute International.
