Craniosacral Therapy

FAQs

  • Safe for ALL ages (even infants), CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord (the Dura Mater).

    Listening to the craniosacral rhythm in various parts of the body will indicate to the doctor where the system is operating normally or abnormally, and the treatment will be tailored based on the abnormalities found during the assessment. 

    Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more.

    CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety.

  • For the hands-on work to be most effective, you should wear loose, thin clothing. This way, the practitioner can better sense what’s going on in your body. You’ll be asked to lie on your back on a massage table.

    Hydrate before and after your appointment.

    Schedule enough time before and after your appointment so your not feeling stressed or rushed by any other obligations.

  • You will be asked to lay on your back on a padded table, your loose fitting clothes remain on.

    By quietly resting the hands on your skull and sacrum, the therapist evaluates your craniosacral rhythms. This in itself can create a shift in energy. Sometimes, the therapist’s hands become aware of places along the column where energy is stuck or heated. She then uses the bones of the sacrum and cranium as “handles” to manipulate the deeper layers of fluid and membranes. No instruments or devices are used.

    The therapist waits and listens. You might feel a quieting down, a sinking in, and a deeper awareness. The whole idea is that the practitioner works with such gentleness and subtleness that the body itself can do the healing and necessary adjustments.

  • Sessions last 50 minutes, or an extended 80 minutes.

    Children’s sessions are 25 minutes.

  • See our Services page for details.

  • Craniosacral treatment uses light touch, is safe for all ages, from newborns to their great grandparents.

    Craniosacral therapy can be beneficial a number of ailments and symptoms, including:

    • Migraines, Headaches

    • Chronic Pain

    • Motor-Coordination Impairments

    • Central Nervous System Disorders

    • Orthopedic Problems

    • Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions

    • Alzheimer's

    • Spinal Cord Injuries

    • Scoliosis

    • Conception, Pregnancy, Birth

    • Pediatric Challenges

    • Learning Differences, ADD, ADHD

    • Autism and Sensory Processing

    • Chronic Fatigue

    • Emotional Difficulties, Depression

    • Stress and Tension-Related Problems

    • Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders

    • Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) and Dental Challenges

    • Tongue Tie/Lip Tie

    • Immune Disorders

    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • Post-Surgical Dysfunction

    • Sleep Challenges

Craniosacral Q & A with Dr. Hillary Lim, N.D.

How long have you been practicing Craniosacral Therapy?

I have been a Craniosacral Therapist for close to 10 years. I have performed CST at least 4,500 times and have loved every minute of it!

What led you to become a Craniosacral Therapist?

I first chose to learn this modality from the Upledger Institute as I was looking for a gentle way to work on babies and small children that was different from the high velocity manipulations that we learned in medical school. I didn’t fully understand the vast benefits that Craniosacral can provide when I first started. We were of course introduced to the many conditions that benefit from this type of work, but it wasn’t until I started the work in my own practice that I fully understood the changes that Craniosacral Therapy can bring about.

What are your favorite conditions to treat?

That’s a hard one! I love treating common physical ailments like migraines, TMJ, vertigo, back pain, and constipation. But I also love working on the nervous system in individuals with anxiety, insomnia and PTSD.

What should people expect at their first session?

This varies based on the condition and age of the patient, but generally people feel very relaxed during and after their session. Some people may feel more emotional that day as the body is clearing things, some people feel tired and want to take a nap, and others feel lighter and more energized. This can also vary from session to session, based on what happened on my treatment table that day! I always encourage people to drink extra water after the session to help to clear any toxins (physical and emotional!) that may have been released that day.

Can you share a recent success story?

Of course! I’ll tell you two that just came to mind! One was in regards to an infant who was waking every 2 hours at night and crying (mom and dad were VERY tired!). He was also only having a BM once every 7-10 days! Poor guy. He started having more frequent BM’s even after the first treatment and now is sleeping well, is having BM’s 1-3 times daily, and is an overall happier little guy (and mom and dad are finally getting some rest!)

Another story is in regards to a young woman who suffers from PTSD. While we were doing Craniosacral Therapy she had some old trauma come to the surface and she was able to release some of the fear and anger that she had been storing inside of her. After the session she felt lighter and more relaxed and left my office with a big sigh of relief.

Learn more about craniosacral therapy:

Schedule your craniosacral therapy session today!