Cranial Sacral Therapy

CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy was developed by the extraordinary Dr. John E. Upledger. Rooted in cranial osteopathy, this gentle, hands-on approach is entirely client-centered—guided by the needs of the individual rather than a fixed protocol or agenda.

Upledger CranioSacral therapists spend years developing a grounded, neutral therapeutic presence. This allows them to create a safe and compassionate space where clients can experience exactly what they need in each moment. The work is always hands-on, focused on the body's tissues, and deeply informed by a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology. Practitioners are trained to feel and respond to the subtle movements and rhythms within the body with great precision.

One of the foundational principles of CranioSacral Therapy is the craniosacral rhythm—the flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. Like the respiratory or cardiovascular rhythms, this slow, gentle rhythm reflects the body’s inner state and can be felt through the fascia (connective tissue) anywhere in the body. Skilled hands can detect variations in this rhythm that provide insight into areas of restriction, stress, or imbalance.

Therapists use precise and gentle techniques, often beginning with the cranial bones as an entry point into the membrane and fluid systems. They may work throughout the body, since the cranial and spinal nerves extend to all muscles, organs, and tissues. When appropriate, we also work in the mouth to release patterns of restrictions and tension in the bones  and soft tissues of the jaw and palate.  This can be very helpful after dental work and before, during, and after orthodontic work or when stress has created a pattern of tooth grinding and jaw clenching creating TMJ.

CranioSacral Therapy engages the whole person—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—as needed.

Typical Session
During a typical CranioSacral Therapy session, the client lies fully clothed on their back on a treatment table. The therapist may begin by gently placing their hands on the feet to assess the craniosacral rhythm, then blend with the body’s tissues to determine where support is most needed.

Throughout the session, the therapist may place their hands under various parts of the spine, neck, or head—sometimes with a hand on the front of the body—to follow the body’s inner wisdom and support the release of tension patterns.

SomatoEmotional Release
SomatoEmotional Release (SER) techniques are sometimes integrated into CranioSacral sessions to support the release of emotions stored in the body’s tissues. SER recognizes that the body holds the memory of one’s life experiences—“the body speaks your mind.”

Through gentle imagery and dialogue techniques, the therapist helps the client explore, integrate, and resolve emotional content as it arises. SER is always practiced with gentleness and respect, honoring the client’s pace and process.