Craniosacral Therapy

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a non-invasive hands-on therapy established through research by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger. It works with the craniosacral system — the skull, sacrum, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and the circulating cerebrospinal fluid.

What makes it distinctive is its gentleness: the therapist applies only about 5 grams of pressure — like touching a petal — sensing the natural pulse of cerebrospinal fluid (the craniosacral rhythm, 6–12 times per minute) and releasing tension and restriction to awaken the body’s own self-regulating, self-repairing capacity.

What it may help

1. Headaches, migraine and stubborn dizziness
2. Sleep: difficulty falling asleep, waking easily, light or restless sleep
3. Chronic neck, shoulder and back pain and posture issues
4. Mood: anxiety, low mood, stress, irritability, sensitivity
5. Focus and attention
6. Facial and overall relaxation, improved complexion
7. Adjunctive support for some eye-related issues (e.g. dry eyes, blurred vision)

Indications (selected)

• Head: headache, facial palsy, tinnitus, Ménière’s, TMJ dysfunction
• Neck: cervical spondylosis, torticollis
• General: anxiety, low mood, PMS, low back pain, scoliosis
• Children: developmental coordination and attention difficulties (with professional assessment)

Who it suits

1. Those who stay up late or are mentally overworked
2. People troubled by recurring headaches or insomnia
3. Desk-bound people with poor posture and neck/back pain
4. Those under stress or prone to anxiety
5. Students (focus and sleep)
6. Women seeking gentle postpartum recovery
7. Those who dislike forceful massage and prefer gentle care

What to expect

• Before: wear loose clothing; avoid tight or restrictive garments.
• During: you may feel drowsy, notice changes in breathing, small involuntary movements, tummy sounds, warm/cool or brief tingling sensations, or emotional release — all normal signs of the nervous system relaxing.
• After: deep relaxation is common; sleeping very well or temporarily less well are both normal. A 5–10 minute walk helps the body adjust; avoid vigorous activity for 36 hours. Brief tiredness or mild headache afterwards is usually temporary.

CST gently helps the body return to a relaxed state. Results vary between individuals.