Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy
Photo of the vagus nerve — the body’s largest parasympathetic nerve. It reaches most organs and, when regulated, signals the body to relax, digest, and heal by releasing chemicals that unwind muscles and help release tension and stress-related toxins.
A gentle, whole‑body technique developed by John E. Upledger that works with the craniosacral system to support the central nervous system and improve health. It complements other therapies or stands alone. By tuning the body's rhythms, it pinpoints sources of tension, relieves aches and stress, and enhances the body's natural coping and self‑care, often producing profound physical and emotional improvements.
Why is this possible?
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary functions—heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, sexual arousal—and has three parts: sympathetic (fight/flight/freeze), parasympathetic (rest-and-digest), and enteric (digestive tract and emotional shifts). Craniosacral therapy (CST) supports the parasympathetic system, widening its pathways to improve brain–body signaling and resilience to stress. Everyone can benefit. Signs CST may help: headaches, concussions, neck pain, whiplash, migraines, chronic aches, muscle knots, injuries that won’t heal, agitation, anger, decision‑making difficulties, poor sleep, exhaustion. CST’s gentle touch helps the body self-regulate, release tension, and return toward balance.
Why are craniosacral techniques so effective?
CST gently releases tension in the fascia through presence, connection, and intention — not force. By calming the nervous system’s fight-or-flight response and encouraging rest-and-digest, it lets muscle spindles receive softer signals from the brain. This compassionate, subtle approach often brings rapid change. Most people benefit as the autonomic nervous system rebalances, allowing greater rest and healing.
Why is it my main focus of touch?
Craniosacral unwinding slips in gently to reset the nervous system. In our fast, stressed culture, pushing the body can temporarily change things, but without calming the autonomic nervous system those gains don’t last. Stretching or forcing release can free tension, yet often leaves the underlying patterns—structural, electrical, or emotional—intact, so the problem returns. That’s why nervous-system support is included in every session: to help you recover and stay balanced.