Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, non-invasive form of bodywork rooted in the osteopathic tradition. It uses light, intentional touch that communicates safety to the nervous system and facilitates deep relaxation and the body’s own capacity to self-regulate and heal. Working with the craniosacral system (the physiological system encompassing the brain, spinal cord and the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid) the nervous system as well as the fascia, CST helps to unwind held patterns of tension, pain and stress at a deep level. It is subtle, yet profound, and supports healing of body, mind and emotions.
What can the client expect at their appointment?
The first appointment is 90 minutes and includes a detailed consultation to explore reasons for coming and health history. You will then be invited to lie, fully clothed, on a treatment couch, with a pillow and blanket for comfort. The therapist uses light, still touch – typically beginning at the feet – moving to different areas of the body as guided by your system. There is no set protocol, each session is entirely individual. Clients may experience warmth, softening, a sense of spaciousness, subtle movement, or simply deep rest and stillness. Follow up sessions are 60 minutes.
What will happen in a session?
The therapist listens with her hands to the rhythms and quality of the craniosacral system, sensing where restrictions or held patterns may be present. Rather than applying pressure or following a fixed routine, she follows the body’s lead. Fascial unwinding may also occur – subtle or more visible movements as the connective tissue releases and reorganises. Old emotions or sensations may surface as part of this process. After a session, clients may feel more settled, sleepy or emotionally lighter; changes often continue to unfold over the following days.
How many sessions should the client need before they see a result?
This varies depending on the individual and their presentation. For chronic health issues, an initial course of at least 6 sessions over the course of 2-3 months is recommended to give a fair picture of the body’s response, as deeper levels of healing can take a few sessions to access. Some clients with a specific issue may see results in fewer sessions. Others come for ongoing support over a longer period, or use CST as regular health maintenance every 3-8 weeks.
What can the therapy help with?
- Chronic pain
- Chronic illness and fatigue, including ME/ CFS and Long Covid
- Anxiety, chronic stress and overwhelm.
- Trauma, shock, PTSD
- Injury Recovery
- Migraines and headaches
- TMJ, Jaw tension and teeth grinding.
- Postnatal recovery, depletion and postnatal depression.
- Birth trauma recovery (mothers and babies).
- Times of transition (grief and loss, life change, emotional upheaval).
Who would benefit from this type of treatment?
CST is safe and suitable for people of all ages, from newborns to elders. It is particularly beneficial for those with chronic or complex health presentations, people experiencing nervous system dysregulation, anxiety or trauma, mothers and babies (especially following difficult births), and anyone seeking gentle, holistic and non-invasive approach to healing. It is also well suited to those with heightened sensitivity or acute pain, where deeper pressure based therapies may not be appropriate.