CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
Gentle Healing for the Nervous System at Lotus in Bloom Healing
When your central nervous system is balanced, your entire body can thrive. That’s the foundation of Craniosacral Therapy (CST)—a gentle, light-touch therapy that helps restore the natural flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. At Lotus in Bloom Healing, we offer CST to support clients dealing with a wide range of physical and emotional conditions, from chronic pain to nervous system dysregulation.
Whether used as a standalone therapy or integrated into your massage session after an initial consultation, CST offers deep healing without force or pressure. Let’s explore how this subtle yet powerful treatment can support your wellness journey.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique that focuses on releasing restrictions in the bones, fascia, and soft tissue of the cranium, spine, and sacrum. These areas protect and support the central nervous system (CNS)—which means even small tensions can disrupt the entire body’s balance.
By encouraging a more free and balanced flow of cerebrospinal fluid, CST supports healthier nervous system function, reduces tension, and enhances the body’s ability to heal naturally. It’s often said: “When the CNS is happy, everything is happy.”
CST sessions are performed using a soft, non-invasive touch—typically no more than the weight of a nickel. This light contact helps detect and gently release restrictions, restoring balance from head to toe.
Key Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy
CST offers a variety of benefits for both physical and emotional wellness. Because of its gentle nature, it’s suitable for all ages—from newborns to the elderly—and adaptable to your specific needs.
Reduces Inflammation and Pain
By easing restrictions in the cranial and spinal fascia, CST helps reduce inflammation and chronic pain associated with conditions like headaches, neck tension, TMJ dysfunction, and fibromyalgia.
Supports Nervous System Regulation
CST enhances the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, allowing the brain and spinal cord to function optimally. This can improve everything from sleep patterns to stress resilience and emotional regulation.
Promotes Relaxation and Reduces Stress
Many clients experience a profound sense of calm during and after CST sessions. By shifting the body out of “fight-or-flight” mode and into a parasympathetic state, CST helps lower cortisol levels and promote deep relaxation.
Improves Circulation and Healing
CST helps restore fluid balance in the body, promoting better circulation, lymphatic drainage, and oxygen delivery to the tissues. This supports faster healing and improved immune response.
Enhances Mental Clarity and Mood
By soothing the central nervous system, CST can increase mental clarity, emotional stability, and mood. Some clients report reduced anxiety, better focus, and an improved sense of well-being after just a few sessions.
Supports Trauma Release and Emotional Healing
CST can help release stored emotional tension from the body in a gentle, non-verbal way. For individuals working through trauma, CST offers a safe space to allow the body to reset and return to balance without reactivating stress responses.
Common Conditions Supported by CST
Craniosacral Therapy may be helpful for:
Chronic headaches or migraines
Neck and back pain
TMJ dysfunction
Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
Post-concussion symptoms
Stress and anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Sensory processing issues
Nervous system dysregulation
Emotional trauma and PTSD
What to Expect During a Craniosacral Session
CST sessions are designed to be relaxing and restorative. You’ll remain fully clothed, lying comfortably on a treatment table in a quiet, calming space. Your practitioner will use gentle hand placements to assess and release areas of restriction, focusing on the skull, spine, pelvis, and other key areas of tension.
Unlike more physically intensive therapies, CST works deeply by calming the nervous system and allowing the body to unwind at its own pace.
What to Wear:
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to relax completely. No oils, lotions, or undressing is required.
Standalone or Add-On Option
After your initial CST consultation, this therapy can be booked as a standalone service or seamlessly incorporated into your massage session. Whether you're looking for a full CST experience or want to combine its benefits with therapeutic massage, we tailor each session to your needs.
Initial CST Consultation – $200
Your first visit includes:
A physical assessment and evaluation to understand your specific needs and goals
A full 90-minute Craniosacral Therapy session
Time to discuss any medical history, symptoms, or concerns
Total appointment time: Up to 2 hours
This comprehensive intake ensures we deliver the most personalized, effective care possible.
A Look Into the History of CST
Craniosacral Therapy was developed by Dr. John Upledger, an osteopathic physician, in 1978. While working at Michigan State University, Dr. Upledger developed the “PressureStat Model” to explain the role of the craniosacral system and cerebrospinal fluid in supporting brain and spinal cord function.
His work helped establish CST as a legitimate manual therapy used to evaluate and treat dysfunction in the central nervous system. Today, CST is practiced worldwide by trained healthcare professionals and has become a trusted approach to managing a variety of health concerns.
Want to read more?
Check out this Cleveland Clinic article for additional insights into the benefits of CST.
Why Choose Lotus in Bloom Healing for Craniosacral Therapy?
At Lotus in Bloom Healing, we create a safe, supportive environment for deep healing. Our experienced practitioners bring compassion, presence, and advanced training to each CST session, helping you feel heard, held, and healed.
Whether you’re recovering from physical trauma, managing chronic pain, or simply seeking a gentle path to stress relief, CST offers a nurturing and effective solution.
Experienced Practitioners: Trained in CST and trauma-informed care
Customized Sessions: Every session is tailored to your unique needs
Peaceful Setting: Relax in a serene space designed to support nervous system healing
FAQs
Is Craniosacral Therapy safe for everyone?
Yes! CST is extremely gentle and safe for people of all ages—including infants, pregnant individuals, and seniors.
How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your specific goals. Some people feel significant relief after one or two sessions, while others benefit from regular CST to manage chronic or ongoing conditions.
Can I combine CST with other therapies?
Absolutely. CST pairs well with services like massage, Reiki, or sound therapy. Many clients find the most benefit in a customized, integrative approach.
What does CST feel like?
Most people experience deep relaxation, a sense of warmth or pulsing, and occasionally an emotional release. Some even drift into a meditative state or light sleep during the session.
How to Book Your Craniosacral Therapy Session
Ready to discover the healing power of Craniosacral Therapy? Here’s how to begin:
Book Your Initial Consultation: Start with our comprehensive intake and 90-minute CST session for $200.
Schedule Follow-Ups: After your first session, you can book CST as a standalone or add-on service.
