What is Craniosacral Therapy?

If you're new to Craniosacral Therapy (CST), or if you've received the work before and are curious about my approach, I'll break it down for you here.

WHAT IS CST?

CST is an osteopathic, gentle touch approach to balancing the Craniosacral System, which includes the nervous system's supporting structures: the cranium, the spine, and the sacrum. To relieve pain and imbalance, CST releases the cranial bones, frees the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord), relieves tension in the dural tube (the fascial network that surrounds the brain and spinal cord), mobilizes the cranial nerves, and regulates the nervous system. These benefits are achieved through precise, biomechanical interventions rooted in anatomical knowledge and sensitive palpation.

The byodynamic approach to CST helps connect you with your innate health: the blueprint of health already unfolding in your body all the time. In biodynamic work, I work with mid tide (the fluid or energetic body) and Long Tide (our greater connection to all beings and Earth). This work brings forth deep, present, rest, and helps resource your entire system, orienting toward wholeness.

My approach combines the biomechanical and biodynamic understanding of CST, which I find is the most supportive for whole mindbody health and supporting the development of a deeper connection with the body.

WHAT WILL MY SESSION LOOK LIKE?

CST is a fully-clothed practice, so wear something comfortable for your session. Depending on your treatment goals, I will use different techniques; CST sessions typically include a series of long, gentle holds, and shorter osteopathic releases. With your consent, I may offer intraoral techniques to treat the TMJ, sinuses, and facial bones. Often, clients enter a liminal space between sleeping and waking where they feel deep presence and peace.

What can Craniosacral Therapy offer you?

Here are a few concrete ways I can work with you using this modality:

TMJD & GRINDING Intraoral CST can be very effective for treating TMJD, jaw pain, and grinding. If you, like many people, have dental anxiety or trauma, this gentle approach can also be a wonderful corrective experience. I work at the pace and with the invitation of your body.

HEADACHES & MIGRAINES CST can treat headaches and migraines using cranial decompressions, fascial release, and nervous system soothing. I’ve seen remarkable change in a number of clients experiencing chronic head pain since applying these techniques.

NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION Do you experience anxiety, sleep dysfunction, or muscle tension? CST works primarily with the nervous system and its supporting structures, (the cranium, spinal column, and sacrum). Soothing the nervous system is foundational in my approach to treating myofascial tension, pain, and stress in both massage and CST sessions.

SINUS PROBLEMS Have chronically blocked sinuses, respiratory allergies, or are you getting over a cold? Using techniques to decompress the facial and cranial bones, CST can release pressure, opening the air sinuses. One client said at the end of their session “Wow, my nostrils feel like subway tunnels!” (So cool.)

PELVIC & SI JOINT PAIN / TENSION Using gentle external releases, CST is a non-invasive approach to treating pelvic and SI joint pain and helps build body awareness in the hips.