Craniosacral Therapy

A gentle, low-force approach I use selectively when calming the nervous system supports the broader work.

Craniosacral Therapy is a low-force manual approach focused on the membranes and connective tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The contact is light — typically held still rather than moved — with the goal of reducing strain in the dural and fascial systems that influence the central and autonomic nervous systems.

In my practice, Craniosacral Therapy is supportive rather than primary. Most evaluations begin with Fascial Counterstrain. When the picture that emerges points to dural strain, autonomic guarding, or a nervous system too activated to accept structural input, Craniosacral techniques give the system room to settle so the more specific work lands.

When I tend to use it

After concussion, whiplash, or other head/neck injury where dural and cranial restrictions are part of the picture. Persistent headaches, jaw pain, or visual-vestibular symptoms with no clear peripheral driver. Chronic stress patterns where the nervous system is too primed to allow other techniques to hold. Pediatric or geriatric cases where lighter contact is the appropriate starting point. As a complement to Fascial Counterstrain when dura, cranial bone interfaces, or autonomic outflow are part of the driver chain.

What it is not

It is not a cure-all and I do not present it as one. The mechanism is not fully understood; the effects I observe are softening of guarded tissue, reduction in autonomic activation, and improved tolerance for the more specific work that follows.

Training

I have completed Craniosacral Therapy 1 (CST1) at the Upledger Institute (twice, in 2000 and 2020), Craniosacral Therapy 2 (CST2) at the Upledger Institute, and SomatoEmotional Release 1 and 2 at the Upledger Institute.