Craniosacral Therapy FAQ

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle yet deeply profound hands-on method of working with the body to disperse the effects of stress. By releasing the soft tissue structures surrounding the brain and spinal cord, this technique enhances the flow of cerebrospinal fluid which nourishes, protects and bathes the structures of your nervous system. Craniosacral Therapy focuses on releasing restrictions, reducing strain and stress on the central nervous system, facilitates homeostasis, and provides the body with the opportunity and tools to self-correct.  While on occasion more pressure may be necessary, your therapist is generally using no more than 5 grams of pressure (the weight of a nickel) to achieve significant results, making it an ideal treatment for those with tactile sensitivity. Inter-oral mouth work is an element of craniosacral therapy for those experiencing pain in the jaw, mouth and face.

This article discusses the most commonly asked questions about CST.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of treating the membranes and cerebral spinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This treatment assists the self-corrective nature of the nervous system by freeing up tight structures, thus leading to reduced pain and stress, strengthening immune system recovery, improving information movement through the nerve channels and enhancing health and well-being. Because it’s so gentle, CST has proven effective for people of all ages, for all kinds of problems affecting the nervous system.

How is CST Performed?

A typical CranioSacral Therapy session takes place in a quiet setting. You remain fully clothed as you relax on a comfortable padded table, or in a seated position. Through touch, your therapist begins monitoring the rhythm of the fluid that is flowing around your central nervous system. Delicate manual techniques are then used to release restrictions in your body and head thus improving the function of your central nervous system. The sessions are generally deeply relaxing, creating feelings of warmth or gentle pulsing in the areas the therapist is working.

Is CST a head massage?

While there are techniques on the head and neck that may induce relaxation, Craniosacral Therapy is a full body treatment that works with the nervous system, musculoskeletal system and other systems of the body to encourage the structures of the body to come into better relationship with each other. There is no massage included in this treatment - it’s more like being held with therapeutic techniques. 

What do I wear for a CST session?

Soft, comfortable clothing with no zippers or tight waistbands. You will lay on top of the table or under a blanket.

What is a craniosacral session like?

A CST session can be many things and is different for every client and every session. Usually it starts with general restriction release throughout your body to get the “lay of the land”. With further sessions, we can work on the pelvic diaphragm and abdominal dysfunction, internal mouth work for palate and jaw related issues, somatoemotional release dialoguing, vagus nerve work, and much more. 

Most people describe it as feeling deeply relaxed, and even falling asleep. Some report they feel like they are floating. Many people experience twitches throughout the body, digestive sounds (belly gurgles), sensations of tightening and then relaxation, as well as increased warmth and fluid movement.

How many sessions do I need?

Most clients will begin to see significant results in the first session. A minimum of 4-6 sessions is recommended to “train” your nervous system to be able to regulate itself again. 

For acute/chronic pain + active ailments, 1 session every 2 weeks is recommended. Once a month is the general recommendation for concerns that are not actively inhibiting your daily routine.

What is somatoemotional release?

SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is a therapeutic process that expands upon the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. Using dialogue and advanced craniosacral techniques, clients may find resolution to previous experiences that were difficult to overcome. 

Somatoemotional release is not a required aspect of a session, nor is it a technique that is applied, but something that trained therapists are prepared to hold space for.

Do you practice craniosacral therapy on babies and newborns?

Yes! It is essential for babies who are having a difficult time to receive bodywork sooner rather than later. CST is an ideal type of bodywork for babies who are receiving speech and swallow therapy to develop stronger latching and sucking skills as well as babies who have other structural concerns. Read more about craniosacral therapy for babies and children.