Craniosacral Therapy

What is it?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a fully clothed, gentle hands-on technique that uses a light touch to examine membranes and movement of the fluids in and around the central nervous system. Relieving tension in the central nervous system promotes a feeling of wellbeing by eliminating pain and boosting health and immunity.

SomatoEmotional Release® (SER) is an advanced process developed within the Upledger Institute as an extension of CranioSacral Therapy. SER addresses how trauma and stress can become imprinted in the body, creating pockets of unresolved physical or emotional energy that the body walls off when it cannot fully process them. Over time, this residual energy may contribute to pain, fatigue, emotional imbalance, or the persistent feeling of being “stuck.”

Through gentle touch, and at times supportive dialogue or imagery, SER allows these long-held patterns to release safely. The process is guided by the body itself and unfolds only when the system is ready. Emotions such as sadness, grief, anger, or fear may rise to the surface before giving way to lightness, clarity, or a renewed sense of wellbeing. Each session is unique, reflecting the individual history carried within the tissues.

Every body responds differently to care and releases tension at its own rate. It is common for the body to continue “unwinding” after a session, sometimes even beyond the day of receiving care. It is also common to feel emotional after a CST session as our fascia is known to have “memory” stored in areas of tension. Multiple sessions are recommended to support the healing potential of the body with this modality.

Craniosacral Therapy Procedure

Most sessions are 45 minutes to an hour. Be sure to arrive at your wearing comfortable attire, as you will be fully dressed during the procedure. The provider will gently hold your head, chest, stomach, and sacrum (tailbone) with five grams of pressure, or roughly the weight of a nickel. Depending on the goal of the session, there may be some work done inside the mouth as well.

Who can undergo CST?

Patients of all ages, including adults and children, may benefit from craniosacral therapy. Your healthcare provider may have you postpone craniosacral therapy if you have recently encountered any of the following:

Blood clots.
A head injury.
Brain enlargement.
Cerebral aneurysm.
Chiari malformation.

Any ailment that results in an accumulation, flow, or pressure of cerebrospinal fluid. Please consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to see if you are a good candidate for CST.

What can CST Help with?

CST complements the body’s natural healing processes. CST is reported by clients to be effective in helping to relieve a wide range of symptoms associated with these and more:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism
Cancer Treatment
Central Nervous System Disorders
Chronic Fatigue
Concussion Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
Headaches and Migraines
Hip/Low Back Pain
Immune Sytem Function
Infant and Childhood Disorders
Neck and Back Pain
Orthopedic Problems
Pregnancy/Post Natal Discomforts
Post-Traumatic Stress
Orthodontia
Scoliosis
Spinal Cord Injuries
Stress and Tension Related Disorders
TMJ Syndrome/Jaw Pain
Traumatic Brain Injury
Post-surgical dysfunction
Emotional difficulties
Periods of life transition

What can I expect to feel during the session?

Patients report a variety of different feelings during treatment. They mainly consist of:

Experiencing profound calm. Feeling “Lighter”.
Slipping off to sleep, then waking up with memories or seeing colors or feeling pulsations
Experiencing a pulsing sensation
Feeling either hot or cold
Emotional release that could include shaking, crying or rocking.

What can I expect to feel after the session?

You may feel relaxed, refreshed, or tired and “different” after your Craniosacral therapy session. It is wise to avoid exertion and any abrupt motions that put strain on your structural system after your treatment. Your body has likely undergone some soft tissue releases and realignment, and needs time to become accustomed to this new posture. Avoid extreme exercise or activities that tax your energy and healing resources. You may be “recalibrating” and re-learning to move in a new neutral alignment with your body. Allow yourself a day or two to become settled in this new balance. Feel justified in pampering yourself for awhile and allow yourself to finish processing.

Drink plenty of water…hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Many body chemicals have been moved and “freed” up in your body, and some toxins may have been released from storage. Your body is trying to flush these toxins out and improve the electrochemical communications within your body. By giving your body lots of water it can detoxify and improve the fluidity of communication within the body.

For a few days you may still be aware of your body processing the changes that began during your treatment. Be kind to yourself and be aware that emotions may come up more freely or unexpectedly. Sometimes a new layer of awareness is coming to the surface and old symptoms may be stirred up. This should resolve shortly and your awareness, attention and patience with yourself can help the process. If you do not have an opportunity to allow this at the moment, jot a reminder note and take time shortly to allow this cleansing process to complete itself. You may wish to make your immediate family, or support network with whom you spend time, aware that this can happen. Take your time with any big decisions.

Over the next few days you may wish to give yourself time for “listening” to your body, or make this a regular daily habit. Find a comfortable position; let your body become heavy and relaxed focusing on your breathing – allowing full free breaths – and ask yourself if there are any insights or messages regarding your health, or any body system or area that seems to be “lighting up” since your last CST session. Change takes time and intention, but your body will thank you for asking and paying attention.

Is there more information I can read on CST?

Absolutely! Here are some links to more information: