Many people call me asking for craniosacral massage. The first thing I do is listen to why a person wants to come in. People speak about their health issues, and often say they have heard about craniosacral massage—yet they don’t really know what it is. It’s important to me to take the time to explain the foundational basics, and then to make sure they understand whether this work is a good match for what they are looking for.
Craniosacral “Massage” Is Not Actually Massage
So I do want to start by clarifying: Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is not massage. Instead, it is a light-touch manual therapy with a very different focus. It’s based on the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord—and how that system relates to the nervous system.
In massage, the therapist works the muscles. In craniosacral therapy, the therapist uses about five grams of pressure—roughly the weight of a nickel—to listen to the subtle rhythm of the craniosacral system and support the body’s own ability to release restrictions and come back into balance. Nothing is forced. The touch is so light that many people are surprised anything is happening at all, until they notice how different they feel afterward.
People search for “craniosacral massage,” “cranial massage,” “cranial sacral massage,” and “sacral therapy”—they’re all the same thing, and the proper name is Craniosacral Therapy. Whatever you call it, you’ve found the right place.
Who Craniosacral Therapy Can Help
Just to name a few, it’s great for people dealing with:
- Chronic pain, including chronic neck and back pain
- Headaches, migraines, and concussions
- Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
- TMJ and jaw tension (see intraoral craniosacral therapy)
- Scoliosis and orthopedic problems
- Stress, anxiety, and tension-related disorders
- Body-centered help with trauma release and PTSD
- Brain and spinal cord injuries
- Infant and childhood issues, including motor-coordination and learning difficulties
Because the touch is so gentle, craniosacral therapy can be used with almost everyone, from babies to seniors. There are a few contraindications—recent skull fracture, acute intracranial bleeding, or aneurysm—which we discuss before any session.
You can read more at the Cleveland Clinic or the Upledger Institute.
What a Session Is Like
You stay fully clothed—wear something comfortable and loose—and lie on a padded table. A session normally lasts about 75 minutes. I begin by listening with my hands to the craniosacral rhythm, usually starting at the feet, sacrum, or head, and follow what your body shows me. Sometimes the whole session is quiet. Sometimes, when you’re ready, we talk about what’s coming up. Most people drop into a deep relaxation and leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more connected to their body.
How many sessions? It depends on the person. Many people feel a shift after one session; for a chronic issue, weekly sessions for a period of time tend to produce the lasting change. It took months or years to get out of balance, so patience pays off on the way back to center.
Practitioner vs. Therapist: Why It Matters
There is a big difference between practitioners and therapists. Practitioners may have taken a class. Therapists who go through the rigorous certification process at the Upledger Institute are much more thorough and deep in the work. While the touch of craniosacral therapy is very light and simple in a way, there is a lot of complex anatomy and technique to learn, as well as experience to gain in order to become a skilled and helpful therapist. So if you are looking for a qualified person to meet your needs, ask about their background and specialties. I’ve written more about how to find the best craniosacral therapist for you.
I am an Upledger Diplomate-certified Craniosacral Therapist (CST-D), the highest level of certification the Institute offers, with nearly 30 years of hands-on practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is craniosacral massage the same as craniosacral therapy?
Yes. “Craniosacral massage” is what many people call it, but the correct name is Craniosacral Therapy. It is a light-touch manual therapy, not a massage, and does not involve kneading or deep pressure on muscles.
Does craniosacral therapy hurt?
No. The pressure used is about five grams—extremely light. Most people find it deeply relaxing. Occasionally old tension or emotion surfaces as it releases, but the touch itself never hurts.
How long is a session and what do I wear?
About 75 minutes. You stay fully clothed, so wear something comfortable and loose.
How many sessions will I need?
Many people notice a change after one session. For chronic issues, weekly sessions for a period of time usually bring the deepest and most lasting results. We’ll talk about what makes sense for you.
Where are you located?
My office is at 6797 N High Street, Suite 333, in Worthington, Ohio, serving the greater Columbus area. I also offer long distance energy healing sessions by phone or video.
Find Out If Craniosacral Therapy Is Right for You
I love craniosacral therapy because it can help almost everyone. It is attentive and gentle—yet profound. It nudges the body into self-healing and deeper awareness. If you would like to find out more about craniosacral therapy (not craniosacral massage!), please contact me. I offer a free 10-minute phone consultation.
Warmly,
Sharon Hartnett CST-D
Lighten Up Therapies
6797 N High Street Ste 333, Worthington, Ohio 43085
www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com