Craniosacral Therapy for Trauma & Nervous System Regulation
What is Craniosacral Work & How Can It Help You?
Craniosacral Work is a non invasive, light touch, hands on therapy, which originates from Osteopathy. As a gentle somatic therapy, it enhances the body's own ability to heal by working on the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level at the same time. The therapy induces a deep, most often a REM (Rapid Eye Movement) state relaxation.
Craniosacral Therapy can help with all sorts of trauma as it restores calm and peace to the system. Clients can experience a deep inner peace.
A dysregulated nervous system can result in anxiety, depression, chronic pain, insomnia, digestion issues, and more, Craniosacral Therapy can help to reset the nervous system.
The Craniosacral System:
This system is comprised of the membranes (meninges) and fluid (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. CST practitioners can detect a subtle, rhythmic motion—the craniosacral rhythm—caused by the production and reabsorption of CSF.
The Full-Body Connection: Understanding Fascia
This is why it's a full-body therapy. The innermost membrane (dura mater) that houses the craniosacral system is considered the "core" of the body's fascial system. Fascia is the body-wide network of connective tissue that wraps around every organ, muscle, nerve, and blood vessel from head to toe. Tension or restriction in the craniosacral system can therefore be transmitted anywhere in the body via the fascial network.
The Power of Light Touch:
CST is non-invasive and uses light, gentle pressure. This subtle touch is used to "listen" to the body's rhythms and encourage the release of deep restrictions in the fascia and related tissues.
Supporting Self-Correction and Healing:
The primary goal is not to fix or force the body, but to facilitate its natural, self-corrective mechanisms. By releasing restrictions, the central nervous system (CNS) can function optimally, which in turn supports overall well-being.
The Full-Body Experience
During a session, a practitioner may apply a light touch to many areas, not just the head and lower back, including:
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The feet and legs
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The shoulders and arms
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The diaphragm and chest
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The pelvis and hips
They are following the lines of tension in the fascial system, which often lead them far away from the head and spine to address the root cause of a distant symptom.
How can Craniosacral Therapy help?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) uses a light, full-body touch to release tensions in the fascial system, optimize the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and promote the body's natural capacity for self-healing and nervous system regulation.
Here’s how it can help:
1. Supports your Nervous System
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Encourages the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) response.
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Reduces stress, anxiety, and hyperarousal.
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Improves sleep quality and overall sense of calm.
2. Releases Physical Tension & Pain
By working with the fascia rather than just the muscles, we can address the root of long-standing physical discomfort.
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Gently addresses tightness in muscles, fascia and joints.
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Helps with chronic pain, headaches, jaw tension, and back or neck stiffness.
3. Promotes Emotional and Somatic Release
Trauma and stress are stored in the body as physical tension patterns. During a session, you may experience "somatic releases"—subtle movements, sensations, or emotional shifts—as your body finally feels safe enough to let go. This process is particularly supportive for:
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PTSD & Overwhelm: Allowing the nervous system to move out of "freeze" mode
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Grief & Emotional Holding: Providing a gentle space for the body to process what words cannot always reach.
4. Improves Circulation and Fluid Flow
The rhythmic flow of this fluid provides essential nourishment and detoxification for the central nervous system, which is fundamental for healthy brain function and a resilient immune response to support:
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Brain Function & Clarity: Reducing "brain fog" and mental fatigue.
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Immune Response: Assisting the body’s natural detoxification and defense systems.
5. Enhances Body Awareness and Grounding
Craniosacral Therapy is a practice of presence. It increases your internal mindfulness, helping you feel more connected to your physical self.
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Finding Safety: Essential for trauma recovery, helping you feel "anchored" and safe within your own body.
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Clarity of Mind: Building a clearer dialogue between your mind and your physical sensations.
6. Complementary Support
Works alongside other therapies like psychotherapy, physiotherapy, osteopathy, counselling or medical treatment to enhance recovery and wellbeing.
The conditions listed below are some of the most common reasons people seek Craniosacral Therapy. However, every person is unique—I encourage you to get in contact if you would like to discuss a specific concern not mentioned here.
ADHD and Autism
Anxiety, stress
Arthritis
Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic Pain
Colic, Reflux
Concussion
Depression
Digestive problems
Diverticulitis
Dizziness
Fibromyalgia
Headaches and Migraines
IBS
Insomnia
Jaw Disorders
Lethargy / Low Mood
ME and MS
Meniere's Disease
Nervous System Disorders
Neuralgia
Panic Attacks
Plantar Fasciitis
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD and C-PTSD)
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Sinusitis
Tinnitus
TMJ and Jaw Disorders
Ulcerative Colitis
Vertigo
Whiplash
Children sessions
Before booking a session for your child, I invite parents to experience craniosacral therapy themselves. Feeling calm and settled in your own session helps your child feel safe and supported during theirs. To find out more about this approach and how it can benefit both you and your child, visit:
Why choose Edina as your Craniosacral Therapist
Choosing the right therapist is about feeling safe, understood and genuinely supported.
An Integrative & Intuitive Approach
My work is grounded in deep listening, gentle presence and a respectful approach to your body’s natural ability to heal.
I work intuitively, tuning in to what your body needs in the moment. While my foundation is Craniosacral Therapy, I may gently integrate specialised techniques from extensive training to provide the most effective support for you:
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BEMER Physical Vascular Therapy
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Fascia Unwinding
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TMJ & Visceral Techniques
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Buteyko Breathing Techniques
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Sharon Wheeler’s ScarWork
I create a calm, nurturing space where your nervous system can settle, allowing your body to release long-held tension and restore balance at its own pace.
With a holistic perspective and trauma-informed awareness, I meet you exactly where you are — whether you’re seeking relief from pain, stress, emotional overwhelm, or simply a greater sense of ease and connection within yourself.
Every session is tailored to your unique journey, honouring you and supporting your wellbeing in the gentlest, most effective way.
Craniosacral Therapy Appointments
For the best results, I recommend an initial course of one session per week for 4–6 weeks. This consistent weekly rhythm allows your body to fully integrate the therapy and leads to the most significant improvements.
I offer Craniosacral therapy sessions at my Barton Seagrave Clinic, Saturdays at the Podiatry Plus Clinic in Corby and in Leicester at the Heath Suite on Mondays.