July 28th, 2025 —Written By Tally Atkinson
What Is Craniosacral Therapy? A Gentle Path to Deep Healing
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on bodywork technique that works with your body’s craniosacral system — the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. This system plays a major role in regulating the nervous system, and when it's out of balance, the entire body can feel it.
Unlike massage or deep tissue work, CST uses an incredibly light touch (about the weight of a nickel) to listen to the body, release stored tension, and support the body’s natural healing rhythms. CST is deeply connected to helping the body shift out of “fight or flight” (sympathetic) mode and into “rest and repair” (parasympathetic) mode. That’s one of its most powerful and appealing benefits that I have noticed as I have started incorporating it within my own personal health journey.
Why Craniosacral Therapy?
CST can help people who:
By working with the body’s natural rhythms and reducing tension in the central nervous system, CST enhances the body’s ability to self-heal, self-regulate, and deeply rest. It's often referred to as the "polarizer" for the nervous system because it helps bring the body back into electrical and emotional balance.
What to Expect During a Session
Each session is unique. Some clients experience immediate shifts, while others notice gradual improvements in sleep, pain levels, mental clarity, and emotional resilience over time.
Craniosacral Therapy is a quiet, powerful way to reconnect with your body’s own healing intelligence. In a world that moves fast and demands much, CST offers you a place to slow down, tune in, and come home to yourself. Whether you’re navigating stress, chronic symptoms, or just need a nervous system reset, I invite you to experience this gentle yet transformative work.
Unlike massage or deep tissue work, CST uses an incredibly light touch (about the weight of a nickel) to listen to the body, release stored tension, and support the body’s natural healing rhythms. CST is deeply connected to helping the body shift out of “fight or flight” (sympathetic) mode and into “rest and repair” (parasympathetic) mode. That’s one of its most powerful and appealing benefits that I have noticed as I have started incorporating it within my own personal health journey.
Why Craniosacral Therapy?
CST can help people who:
- Struggle with stress, anxiety, or emotional burnout
- Experience chronic pain, fatigue, or headaches
- Feel "stuck" in a hyper-alert or dysregulated nervous system
- Have trouble sleeping or resting deeply
- Are recovering from trauma, injury, or illness
- Simply want to feel more grounded, centered, and at ease
By working with the body’s natural rhythms and reducing tension in the central nervous system, CST enhances the body’s ability to self-heal, self-regulate, and deeply rest. It's often referred to as the "polarizer" for the nervous system because it helps bring the body back into electrical and emotional balance.
What to Expect During a Session
- You’ll remain fully clothed and lie comfortably on a massage table.
- The practitioner will apply gentle, still touch to areas such as the head, neck, spine, and sacrum.
- There is no pressure or force. Instead, the work is based on subtle sensing, holding, and listening to the body’s needs.
- You may feel warmth, a soft pulsing sensation, emotional release, or a gentle unwinding of tension.
- Many clients describe feeling deeply relaxed, even dreamlike or meditative.
Each session is unique. Some clients experience immediate shifts, while others notice gradual improvements in sleep, pain levels, mental clarity, and emotional resilience over time.
Craniosacral Therapy is a quiet, powerful way to reconnect with your body’s own healing intelligence. In a world that moves fast and demands much, CST offers you a place to slow down, tune in, and come home to yourself. Whether you’re navigating stress, chronic symptoms, or just need a nervous system reset, I invite you to experience this gentle yet transformative work.
Testimonials
Here's what some of my clients have to say about their experience of Cranialsacral Therapy:
"This was my first time to experience CST and I loved it. I’m familiar with fascial release, but this was the most gentle release I’ve ever experienced. Forget massages, this is so much more effective! Shoulder pain I’ve been carrying around for 8 years was gone after my first session with Tally. CST was such a kind gift for my physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being and I fully plan to continue utilizing it in my healing journey!"
— Sarah G.
“It was super relaxing, and I had noticeably less tension in my shoulders and upper neck. I also was a little less “reactionary” in my responses when I got home.”
— Erin C.
“I love working with Tally and so appreciate her wholistic approach as well as her ability to consider my individual needs. The Cranial Sacral Therapy she does is a good example of her approach to treat and look at the whole system . I felt results and a system shift even after just one CST session. “
— Carrie P.
"CST was a very calming experience and afterwards I felt the euphoria
similarly to having a massage. I have dealt with sacrum pain since giving birth and while laying on my back at the beginning of the session it was an 8. By the end of CST it was a 1 or 2! Also, during the session I felt a release of different stressors physically and emotionally. Thankful for Tally and to have this resource to support the ongoing balance of my nervous system. "
— Heather S.
Interested in trying out Cranialsacral Therapy for yourself? Head to my services page and request a time to come in. You can also request a 30 min free consultation for more information.
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Questions or Comments?
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