What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is massage for your nervous system. It helps alleviate restrictions (like knots) in the bones and tissue of your head and spine, thus allowing your nervous system to function better. This can dramatically reduce tension in the rest of the body, both physical and psychological. It’s subtle but profound.

Brain CranioSacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a style of bodywork that specifically treats the central nervous system. Using light touch, I help release restrictions in the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Since this is where the nervous system originates, CST helps it function better which in turn helps all other systems function more effectively as well. It’s like massage from the inside out, addressing the root cause rather than just the resulting symptoms.

CST complements traditional massage by treating the nervous system as well as the muscles and connective tissue. It has also shown to help with the somatic elements of mental health concerns like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. 

What are the benefits?

Muscle relaxation without force

It is the nervous system that sends impulses to your muscles to contract and relax. If muscles are chronically tight despite regular massage, it may be because your nervous system is continuously sending signals to tighten. CST helps stop that loop by relaxing the nervous system and improving its function. The result is that your muscles calm down too, and with a more lasting effect. 

Effective for chronic, complex conditions

CranioSacral Therapy excels at addressing persistent conditions that haven't responded to other treatments, including:

  • Chronic headaches and migraines

  • Persistent jaw pain and TMJ disorders

  • Unexplained digestive issues

  • Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue

  • Neck and back pain that won't resolve

Because your nervous system influences every system in your body, improving its function through CST can resolve seemingly unrelated symptoms that share a common neurological root cause.

Improved mental health and emotional wellbeing

Your central nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating your emotional state and mental health. When your nervous system becomes hyperaroused, anxiety and stress often result. Conversely, when it's hypo-aroused, depression symptoms may emerge. CranioSacral Therapy helps restore your nervous system to a balanced state, reducing symptoms of:

  • Anxiety and panic disorders

  • Depression

  • Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)

  • Sleep disturbances

Contraindications:

When is CranioSacral not a good idea? If any of these apply to you, reach out and we can make a treatment plan that keeps you safe.

CranioSacral Therapy is not appropriate for individuals with:

  • Recent brain hemorrhage, stroke, or cranial bleeding

  • Recent spinal tap or epidural procedure

  • Arnold Chiari malformation

  • Recent fractures of the skull, spine, tailbone, or ribs

  • Acute brain swelling or inflammation

  • Brain aneurysm or unstable intracranial pressure

What to expect?

Unlike traditional massage, you'll remain fully clothed during your CST session. I recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that allow the therapist to easily access areas requiring focused attention, such as your neck and lower back.

You'll be comfortably positioned with supportive pillows and blankets throughout the session. Most clients experience profound relaxation as their body releases tension—many describe a peaceful, meditative state between wakefulness and sleep.

For jaw issues, specialized intraoral techniques provide amazing relief. If this treatment is recommended, you'll sign an additional consent form, and I will use nitrile gloves for all intraoral work.