Frequently Asked Questions
What is craniosacral therapy?Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on form of bodywork that developed from principles and techniques used in osteopathy. It uses light touch, often around the head, spine, and sacrum, to work with patterns of tension and restriction throughout the body.
My training is in the Upledger approach to CranioSacral Therapy, developed by osteopathic physician Dr. John Upledger. The work is slow and subtle, with very little pressure or movement compared with traditional massage.
Where does craniosacral therapy come from?The roots of craniosacral therapy can be traced to osteopathic medicine and the work of osteopathic physician William Garner Sutherland in the early 1900s. Dr. John Upledger later developed his own approach to this work, known as CranioSacral Therapy, and founded the Upledger Institute to teach it.
I’m trained in Upledger techniques, so this lineage provides the foundation for the CST work I offer in my practice.
What actually happens during a craniosacral session?We’ll start by talking about what brings you in and anything you’d like me to know. You’ll then lie comfortably on the massage table, fully clothed.
I’ll use gentle holds and light touch at different areas of the body, often including the feet, sacrum, spine, shoulders, and head. Rather than applying pressure to make something change, much of the work involves feeling for patterns of tension and restriction at the facial level and responding to what I find.
There may be periods where it feels like very little is happening. That’s normal. CST is intentionally quiet and unhurried.
What is integrative massage?Integrative massage blends traditional Swedish massage with more active, targeted techniques and craniosacral therapy.
Depending on what your body needs, your session may include flowing massage, stretching, muscle energy techniques, trigger point work, or gentle craniosacral techniques. Some parts of the session may feel more active and focused, while others are slower and more restorative.
Is craniosacral therapy spiritual?Craniosacral therapy does not require you to subscribe to a particular spiritual belief or way of thinking about the body. The techniques I practice come from the Upledger tradition of CST, which developed from osteopathic work.
My Christian faith does shape how I personally understand people, healing, and the design of the human body, but you do not need to share my beliefs to work with me. My approach is practical, respectful, and centered on providing thoughtful hands-on care.
What do I need for an in-home session?All I ask is that you have a quiet, private space with an open area of about 5 x 6 feet, plus a chair nearby for me to use for seated work. If possible, have the area cleared before I arrive so we can get settled and make the most of our time together.