Cranio-Sacral Therapy
What is it?
Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique that uses light touch to work with the soft tissues surrounding the central nervous system. Your therapist uses subtle techniques around the head, neck, spine, and sacrum to encourage relaxation, ease tension, and support a sense of balance throughout the body.
CST is intentionally gentle and non-invasive, with pressure often no greater than the weight of a nickel. While the work can feel very subtle, many clients find it deeply relaxing and restorative.
Is This For You?
Craniosacral can be beneficial for those who...
~ carry tension in the head, neck, jaw, or shoulders
~ experience occasional headaches or jaw tension
~ feel stressed, overwhelmed, or have difficulty fully relaxing
~ prefer gentle, subtle bodywork rather than deeper pressure
~ find traditional massage too intense or stimulating
~ carry long-term tension or feel “stuck” in certain patterns
~ are looking for a deeply relaxing and restorative experience
~ want to feel more grounded, calm, and connected to their body
~ are looking for a gentle addition to their ongoing wellness routine
~deal with headaches, TMJ, anxiety, or chronic stress
~ are recovering from trauma, surgery, or long-term tension patterns
~ are looking to feel more grounded, balanced, and deeply at ease
Benefits
May help ease tension held in the head, neck, jaw, and shoulders
May support physical and mental relaxation and stress reduction
May help relieve feelings of tension associated with headaches or jaw discomfort
May promote a sense of calm and nervous-system relaxation
May support more restful sleep by encouraging deep relaxation
May help reduce the feeling of being physically or mentally “wound up” or "wired but tired"
May help clients feel more grounded, relaxed, and connected to their body
May support greater awareness of breathing, posture, and body sensations
Provides a gentle, non-invasive option for people who prefer lighter touch
Can be a restorative addition to an ongoing massage and wellness routine
May be a good option during periods when the body feels sensitive or when deeper pressure is not appropriate
May provide dedicated time to slow down, disconnect, and reconnect with your body
Contraindications
If you are experiencing a sudden severe headache, new neurological symptoms, loss of consciousness, significant neck pain following an injury, or other urgent symptoms, seek medical evaluation rather than scheduling CST.
CST should be postponed if you have:
A recent head injury or concussion
A recent stroke or brain injury
A recent spinal cord injury
A known or suspected increase in intracranial pressure
A recent brain or spinal surgery
A recent spinal surgery or procedure that has not fully healed
An active infection or fever
A suspected or known blood clot
Unexplained or severe headaches that have not been medically evaluated
Recent significant trauma to the head, neck, or spine
Please tell your therapist about any recent injuries, surgeries, medical procedures, neurological conditions, or significant changes in your health before your session.
Your therapist may modify, postpone, or decline treatment when appropriate for your safety.
Cranio-Sacral Therapy may be appropriate for some clients with a history of spinal fusion, but treatment will be modified based on the location and extent of the fusion, how recently the procedure was performed, and your individual circumstances. Please let your therapist know about any spinal surgeries or hardware before your session. Recent surgeries or fusions that have not fully healed may require medical clearance before treatment.
What to Expect
You’ll remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on the table while your therapist uses gentle, subtle touch to assess and work with areas of tension or restriction.
CST is intentionally light and slow, and many clients find themselves becoming deeply relaxed or entering a meditative state during their session. You may notice subtle sensations such as warmth, tingling, a feeling of release, or gentle movement.
This is not a traditional massage. The focus is on gentle, non-invasive techniques designed to encourage relaxation and a greater sense of balance and ease throughout the body.
Because CST can be a deeply relaxing and personal experience, some clients may notice emotions, memories, or sensations arise during their session. You are always encouraged to communicate with your therapist about what you’re experiencing, and your comfort and boundaries will be respected throughout the session.
Aromatherapy, Peppermint Tea Tree Foot Cream, Weighted Blanket