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Craniosacral Therapy vs. Energy Work: What’s the Difference?

By Sharon Hartnett, CST-D, Upledger Diplomate-certified craniosacral therapist | Last updated: [date]

Is craniosacral therapy energy work? No. They are two different approaches, though they can complement each other. Craniosacral therapy (CST) focuses on the craniosacral system: the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Energy work focuses on the body’s energy field and levels of consciousness.

People ask me this almost every time they call, so here is the answer in plain language. I’ve studied and practiced both for many years: more than 30 years in healing work [confirm], including the last 15 focused on CST through the Upledger Institute and 8 years at the Barbara Brennan School of Healing, where I also taught.

CST vs. Energy Work at a Glance

CST in Brief

CST is a gentle, hands-on therapy that works with the central nervous system and the fascia, the web of connective tissue throughout the body. Cerebrospinal fluid (sometimes called craniosacral fluid) is made in the brain’s ventricles, circulates around the brain and spine, and is reabsorbed into the venous system. For a full explanation, see my Craniosacral Therapy page.

Energy Work in Brief

Energy work is based on working with the vibrations of different levels of consciousness. The idea is that energy runs through everything and that each kind of energy shows up in its own way.

We know this from everyday life. When we kiss our children, we move energy through our own systems and then touch another person, and sometimes it creates a response in them. An athlete running down a football field is using the body’s energy. Lasers use energy and are part of medicine in many ways. Energy work uses this idea intentionally, for healing and for awakening. To learn how I work with it, see my energy healing sessions.

Is Craniosacral Therapy Energy Work?

The short answer is no, but there are similarities.

The difference is the focus. In CST, the intention is on the craniosacral system, the nervous system, and fascia. In energy work, it is on the energy field and consciousness.

The similarity is connection. Everything is made of energy, and when two people connect, something passes between them. In my experience, prayer, meditation, and focused intention affect others as well. So energy is moving between therapist and client during a CST session, just as it does whenever two people connect.

If a craniosacral therapist is also trained in energy work, it can be woven into a session. But the intentions differ, and I think it’s important to be clear about which one you’re receiving.

How to Choose Between Them

• If you want a gentle, physically focused approach, CST is the place to start.
• If you’re drawn to emotional, spiritual, or consciousness-based work, energy work may appeal to you.
• If you’re curious about both, they can go hand in hand, even though the focus is different.

Still unsure? I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to talk through what you’re looking for. See my craniosacral therapist in Columbus page for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is craniosacral therapy the same as Reiki or energy healing?
No. CST focuses on the craniosacral system and fascia. Reiki and other energy modalities focus on the body’s energy field.

Can craniosacral therapy and energy work be combined?
Yes. If a practitioner is trained in both, energy work can be incorporated into a CST session, though the intentions of the two approaches are different.

Does CST replace medical care?
No. CST is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for medical care.

Energy work uses this idea intentionally, for healing and for awakening. If you’d like to learn more, see my approach to energy healing.