Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a light-touch, hands-on approach that helps release tension and restrictions in the body, especially around the head, spine, and sacrum. It’s based on the principle that the craniosacral system—made up of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord—plays a vital role in overall health and well-being.
By gently encouraging balance in this system, craniosacral therapy can relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve function throughout the entire body.
How Craniosacral Therapy can help:
- Helps restore normal cranial mobility
- Releases abnormal myofascial restrictions and tensions in the body
- Releases abnormal restrictions in the head
- Eases restrictions of nerves
- Optimizes cerebrospinal fluid movement through the central nervous system
- Helps align bones to their proper positions
How a Craniosacral Therapist Practices
A craniosacral therapist uses highly trained hands to feel subtle rhythms and movements within the craniosacral system. With light pressure—often no more than the weight of a nickel—they assess for areas of restriction or imbalance and apply gentle techniques to encourage release.
This work supports the central nervous system, which can have far-reaching benefits for the body’s structure, movement, and ability to heal. Because the techniques are so gentle, CST is safe and effective for people of all ages, from newborns to older adults.
What to Expect in a Treatment Session
Your session will begin with a brief discussion of your health history, current concerns, and goals for treatment. You’ll remain fully clothed, lying comfortably on a treatment table in a quiet, relaxing environment.
The therapist will lightly place their hands on various points of your body—such as the head, base of the spine, or along the torso—listening for subtle restrictions in movement and rhythm. Using soft holds and micro-movements, they help the body release tension and restore balance.
Many people experience deep relaxation during a session, and some may notice gentle unwinding movements or shifts in the body. After treatment, you may feel lighter, calmer, and more at ease, with benefits continuing to unfold over the hours or days that follow.
Craniosacral therapy may help with:
- Headaches and migraines
- Chronic neck and back pain
- TMJ (jaw) dysfunction
- Stress, anxiety, and tension
- Post-concussion symptoms
- Sleep disturbances
- Nervous system regulation
At Sage Naturopathic Clinic, our craniosacral therapists work closely with our naturopaths, massage therapists, and other practitioners to provide holistic, integrated care.
