What Is Craniosacral Therapy?
I’m so grateful to offer Craniosacral Therapy (CST) at Liberate Pelvic Health as a treatment option to more holistically address my client’s pain and pelvic health concerns.
Craniosacral Therapy first popped onto my radar about 11 years ago. I was doing a work trade at a local yoga studio for free yoga classes while I studied for my occupational therapy board exam to become licensed after graduate school. A yoga message therapist at that studio had recently completed her first training in craniosacral therapy, and was looking for clients to practice on to integrate the knowledge she received. As a recipient of the modality, I recall feeling something I had never quite felt before. I remember initially feeling so held and soothed in the hands of the practitioner. Followed by a deep relaxation, openness and attunement to the subtle shifts happening within my body. At this point in my career as an entry level occupational therapist, and focused on launching my career within the traditional institutional settings of occupational therapy that I learned about in school, while conceptualizing healing body work and yoga as side interests. I didn’t quite see how they all fit together so fresh off my institutional conditioning. So my early career led me through working in different levels of care with geriatric, inpatient physical rehab, and at an ICU for medically unstable clients with eating disorders. As I became more and more aware about the need to address pelvic health concerns throughout all these populations, I began to focus my continued education on the foundational courses for pelvic floor therapy. During this time, I noticed deep gaps in trauma informed modalities and less invasive modalities to address pelvic health concerns. Upon being awarded a grant through Colorado Access to address Black Maternal Health, it was very clear to me, my interest to allocate some of these funds towards exploring Craniosacral therapy.
So 10 years after I experienced my first craniosacral therapy treatment, I found myself in a level one upledger craniosacral training course, in a cohort of massage therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, and prescribing providers, all embarking on their journey to weave craniosacral therapy into their toolbox.
What Is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on alternative therapy that aims to enhance the body's natural healing abilities by working with the craniosacral system to release tension and reduce pain. This modality works with the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord through gentle holding of the skull, sacrum and fascia. The dura mater is the tough outermost membrane of the meninges that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. In craniosacral therapy (CST), the dura mater plays a crucial role in the craniosacral system, as it encases the central nervous system and helps regulate the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).The dural tube is a tough, protective membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and is part of the dura mater, the outermost layer of the meninges. In craniosacral therapy (CST), the dural mater plays a crucial role as it encases cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is conceptualized within the Osteopathy lineage, to have a rhythmic motion influencing the body's health.
Dura Mater in Craniosacral Therapy
Connection Between the Cranium and Sacrum:
The dura mater extends from the skull (cranium) down to the sacrum, forming a continuous protective sheath around the brain and spinal cord.
It attaches firmly at the foramen magnum (the large opening at the base of the skull), C2 and C3 vertebrae, and the sacrum (around S2).
Role in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Flow:
The dura mater helps regulate CSF movement, which is a key focus in CST.
Craniosacral therapists work with gentle manipulations to influence the rhythm of CSF flow and relieve restrictions in the dura mater.
Impact on Posture and Mobility:
Restrictions or tension in the dura mater can create misalignments affecting posture, spinal mobility, and even overall nervous system function.
CST techniques aim to release fascial and dural restrictions, promoting relaxation and healing.
Influence on the Autonomic Nervous System:
The dura mater interacts with the autonomic nervous system, potentially influencing stress responses.
Craniosacral therapy may help downregulate sympathetic overactivity, supporting parasympathetic relaxation.
How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?
A practitioner uses light touch (usually no more than 5 grams of pressure, which is equivalent to resting a nickel on your fingerpad) to assess and gently encourage a smoother flow of cerebrospinal fluid. The goal is to release tension in the fascia (connective tissue), reduce restrictions, and promote relaxation. CST is based on the idea that subtle movements in the cranial bones and sacrum can influence overall health. CST aims to restore balance, mobility, and optimal function to the central nervous system
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) specifically addresses dura mater restrictions through gentle, hands-on techniques aimed at releasing tension in the craniosacral system. The dura mater is the tough, protective membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, playing a crucial role in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation and nervous system function. Restrictions in the dura can contribute to headaches, chronic pain, and neurological dysfunction.
How CST Techniques Target Dura Mater Restrictions:
Palpation of Craniosacral Rhythm
Practitioners use a light touch (5 grams of pressure) to assess the craniosacral rhythm, which is created by the ebb and flow of CSF.
Any asymmetry or restriction in this rhythm may indicate areas where the dura mater is tight or misaligned.
2. Indirect Fascial Release
The dura mater is connected to the fascia throughout the body. By applying gentle pressure to the skull, sacrum, or spine, CST helps release fascial restrictions that may be affecting the dura.
3. Occipital Decompression
The occipital base (where the skull meets the spine) is a common site for dura mater tension.
A CST practitioner may gently cradle the head and use slow, subtle movements to encourage decompression and release restrictions.
4. Sacral Hold & Rocking
Since the dura mater extends down the spinal canal and attaches at the sacrum, CST often includes gentle sacral holds and rocking techniques to free up restrictions along the spinal dura.
This can improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance CSF flow.
5. Still Point Induction
A technique used to temporarily pause the craniosacral rhythm, allowing the nervous system to reset and release deep restrictions in the dura mater.
This is particularly beneficial for individuals with chronic headaches, migraines, or stress-related tension.
By working with the dura mater, CST aims to restore balance, mobility, and optimal function to the central nervous system. Would you like guidance on how to experience these techniques for yourself?
Who Is Craniosacral Therapy For?
If you suffer from chronic headaches, sleep challenges, migraines, neck pain, back pain, pelvic pain, or TMJ dysfunction, CST may help by releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system and promoting better fluid circulation.
Benefits Of Craniosacral Therapy
May help with headaches, migraines, and neck pain. Can reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional tension. It’s a useful modality in treating chronic pain, TMJ disorders, pelvic pain, and even conditions like fibromyalgia. Often used to support overall well-being and relaxation. Craniosacral therapy (CST) may offer several benefits for pelvic health by addressing musculoskeletal tension, nerve function, and overall body balance. While scientific research on CST for pelvic health is limited, many practitioners and patients report positive results. When it comes to evidenced based practice, the practitioners anecdotal evidence in addition to client values and experiences provides promise when combined with the best available scientific evidence.
1. Reduces Pelvic Pain & Tension
CST helps release restrictions in the fascia and soft tissues around the pelvis, which may relieve chronic pelvic pain, including conditions like pelvic floor dysfunction and pudendal neuralgia. Light touch techniques can ease muscle tightness in the pelvic floor, lower back, and hips.
2. Supports Postpartum Recovery
Helps realign the pelvis after childbirth, reducing discomfort from birth-related misalignments. May aid in relieving tailbone (coccyx) pain, which is common postpartum
3. Improves Nervous System Regulation
By working with the craniosacral system, CST may help calm the autonomic nervous system, reducing stress-related tension in the pelvic floor muscles. Can be beneficial for those experiencing pelvic pain linked to trauma, anxiety, or emotional stress.
4. Enhances Blood Flow & Fluid Movement.
Gentle manipulations may improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, which can support tissue healing in the pelvic area. May help with symptoms of endometriosis, painful periods, or bladder issues by promoting better tissue oxygenation.
5. Supports Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Can complement pelvic floor physical therapy by addressing whole-body tension patterns that contribute to dysfunction. Beneficial for those with issues like incontinence, prolapse, or tight pelvic muscles.
Stress Relief: Helps calm the nervous system, reducing anxiety and emotional tension.
Pain Management: Can alleviate headaches, migraines, neck pain, and back pain.
Enhanced Mobility: Supports better posture and movement by relieving restrictions in the fascia and connective tissues.
Improved Sleep: Many people experience deeper and more restful sleep after sessions.
Emotional Healing: Can release stored trauma and emotional blockages.
Where To Find a Craniosacral Therapist
There are two primary educational institutes (Upledger Institute and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of America) and then many other training lineages that practitioners can develop their skillset in Craniosacral therapy. Both of the larger institutes have directories for practitioners by location, and can be a helpful resource to start to find clinicians by you.
Upledger Directory https://www.iahp.com/pages/search/index.php
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of America https://www.craniosacraltherapy.org/rcst-member-directory
Further, word of mouth is often a powerful way to find a practitioner. It’s my personally favorite way to find a new body worker. If you are based in the Denver area and looking for a therapist to do a Craniosacral session, please reach out by email to rachel@liberatepelvichealth.com to learn more and schedule.
Embracing Craniosacral Therapy
Because CST works on the nervous system and fascia (which can store past trauma), it can help release deep emotional patterns, making it beneficial for those dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or grief.
Unlike deep-tissue massage or chiropractic adjustments, CST uses a light touch, making it a great option if you’re sensitive to stronger bodywork or seeking a more subtle, whole-body healing experience.
By improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and addressing imbalances in the craniosacral system, CST enhances the body’s ability to heal itself naturally.
If you're curious, trying a session with a certified practitioner could be a great way to see how your body responds.
Craniosacral Therapy and Pelvic Health
So far, in working with Craniosacral Therapy as part of my pelvic floor therapy services for clients with pelvic health concerns, I’ve seen clients experience improvements with nervous system regulation, pain reduction, improved pain management, and reduced tone/constriction in the structures of the jaw and pelvis. Further, in taking a trauma-informed approach, this modality has been helpful in improving body awareness and connection to their pelvises. It’s the top modality that clients contact me about a few days later, wanting to share noticeable results. It’s quickly become one of my favorite modalities to work with, and I look forward to doing some more advanced training later in 2025.
