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Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on bodywork approach that supports nervous system regulation, physiological resilience, and the body’s innate capacity for self-repair. CST works with the craniosacral system—the membranes, fascia, and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord—while also attending to the broader connective tissue and autonomic nervous system.

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This work is grounded in the understanding that the body holds experiences—physical, emotional, and physiological—and that healing occurs most effectively when the nervous system feels safe enough to reorganize. Rather than imposing change, craniosacral therapy offers a relational, attuned presence that allows the body to release protective patterns and restore balance at its own pace.

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How Craniosacral Therapy Works

During a session, light, non-invasive touch is used to listen for areas of restriction, compression, or altered tone within the craniosacral system and surrounding tissues. These patterns may develop in response to stress, injury, medical procedures, or early developmental experiences, including birth.

 

By supporting subtle shifts in tissue mobility and nervous system signaling, CST aims to improve adaptability, support self-regulation, and enhance communication between body systems. Sessions are client-led and responsive, emphasizing consent, pacing, and nervous system safety.

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CST can support

​​Nervous System & Stress Regulation

  • Chronic stress and nervous system overload

  • Difficulty shifting out of “fight, flight, or freeze” patterns

  • Burnout or prolonged sympathetic activation

  • Increased baseline anxiety or internal agitation

  • Support for parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activation

  • Improved capacity for self-regulation and emotional steadiness

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Head, Neck, and Jaw Tension

  • Tension headaches

  • Migraines (supportive care)

  • Jaw tension or clenching

  • TMJ-related discomfort

  • Neck stiffness or reduced cervical mobility

  • Head pressure or cranial compression patterns

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Spine, Postural, and Musculoskeletal Strain

  • Chronic neck or back tension

  • Sacral or pelvic compression patterns

  • Postural strain related to work, caregiving, or injury

  • Residual tension following accidents or falls

  • Support during recovery from musculoskeletal injuries

  • Fascial restriction contributing to pain or limited movement

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Recovery After Injury, Surgery, or Medical Procedures

  • Support following surgeries or invasive procedures

  • Residual tissue restriction after medical interventions

  • Nervous system stress related to medical trauma

  • Support during rehabilitation alongside other providers

  • Scar-related fascial or movement restrictions

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Sleep, Fatigue, and Energy Regulation

  • Difficulty falling or staying asleep

  • Non-restorative sleep

  • Chronic fatigue related to nervous system dysregulation

  • Support for circadian rhythm stabilization

  • Improved relaxation before rest​​

Digestive and Visceral Support

  • Digestive tension related to stress

  • Gut discomfort associated with autonomic imbalance

  • Support for vagal tone and gut–brain communication

  • Abdominal or diaphragmatic restriction

  • Stress-related digestive symptoms

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Emotional and Somatic Stress Patterns 

  • Physical holding patterns linked to emotional stress

  • Somatic responses to unresolved experiences

  • Support for body awareness and interoception

  • Increased ability to notice and respond to internal cues

  • Integration of mind–body experiences within a bodywork framework

  • See SER Page 

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Trauma-Informed, Body-Led Support

  • SER: Somatoemotional Release (see below) 

  • Nervous system stabilization before/alongside psychotherapy

  • Somatic safety and pacing for sensitive nervous systems

  • Support for re-establishing a sense of bodily safety

  • Increased tolerance for sensation and internal awareness

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Postpartum and Life-Transition Support (Adults)

  • Physical recovery after childbirth (vaginal or cesarean)

  • Pelvic, spinal, or diaphragmatic strain postpartum

  • Nervous system support during major life transitions

  • Support during grief, loss, or major stressors

  • Integration after significant life or identity changes

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Head Injury and Concussion Support (Non-Diagnostic)

  • Support following concussion or head injury (non-acute)

  • Residual cranial or nervous system tension

  • Sensory sensitivity following injury

  • Support alongside medical management

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Cait M, Craniosacral Client & Bodyworker

As a longtime bodyworker and energy work practitioner I tend to be picky when it comes to getting sessions from other practitioners. Amanda is a skilled and caring practitioner and my session with her was amazing!  I was able to deeply relax and receive some restorative healing which I was clearly in need of.  I had also been experiencing some pain in my right shoulder from overworking and it was noticeably better after the session.  I highly recommend Amanda's excellent cranio work!

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