Some people come for craniosacral sessions because they want to relax and find balance in their bodies. Others find it is helpful for areas of injury or for alleviating discomfort or pain. Craniosacral work can be helpful for a variety of physical issues, such as TMJ pain, headaches, anxiety, depression, sinus issues, whiplash, pre or post-natal pelvic or sacral issues, and various issues relating to the head, neck, spine, or pelvis.
Infant Craniosacral Sessions
I specialize in working with infants, and offer craniosacral sessions for new parents and babies. Craniosacral work can be effective for a variety of infant-related issues such as torticollis, plagiocephaly, breastfeeding trouble, tongue tie support, reflux, and colic. Babies seem to love this work and often sleep soundly through sessions. I often treat babies in their first weeks of life, as their bodies are very fluid and receptive to this extremely gentle work. Find out more.
What to Expect From a Session
During a craniosacral session, we will discuss your needs and wishes for the session. Craniosacral sessions are gentle and often deeply effective. They are done with the client wearing comfortable clothing, resting on a massage table. I apply various “holds,” based on craniosacral anatomy and technique, often to specific areas of the head, spine, and sacrum, tuning into the bones, membrane, and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, allowing the client’s nervous system to come into balance. Many clients feel calm and energized immediately after sessions, and find the effects of the work to be long-lasting.
Training
I completed an extensive craniosacral certification training with Hugh Milne and the Milne Institute, and completed additional courses in Pediatric craniosacral work, Biodynamic craniosacral work, Embryology, and the Brain. I also studied craniosacral work with the Upledger Institute. I deepened my study of craniosacral work for infants with Carol Gray.
Craniosacral System
The craniosacral system comprises the bones of the head, spine and pelvis, the connective tissue and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and the brain and spinal cord themselves. Craniosacral work allows the body to enter a deep state of rest and healing, helping to bring the nervous system into balance.
Learn More
The Milne Institute has more in-depth information about Visionary Craniosacral Work®. You can read more on their website.
The Upledger Institute is another source of information about Craniosacral Therapy. You can read craniosacral therapy-related articles on their website.
Here is a description of a craniosacral technique called “unwinding” that I often use in my practice:
“Unwinding is a known term in CS therapy. The therapist supports the body in such a way that it feels weightless. Muscles, organs, and bones that always have to take gravity into account will get a sense of a freedom they don’t know and will start making movements that are otherwise impossible or prohibited for them. Unwinding creates an immense sense of freedom and joy in the body.”
—Etienne Peirsman, craniosacral therapist