Craniosacral Therapy FAQ
What do I wear?
Comfortable clothing is appropriate. Blankets and sheets can be provided for your comfort. Appropriate draping will be maintained if you prefer to disrobe.
Do you take insurance?
I am not currently taking insurance other than VA insurance exclusively through the Zeel Medical Massage program.
If it isn't painful like deep tissue massage, how do I know anything is happening?
Pain is not always gain. Especially if a body has already been traumatized, an aggressive approach to relaxation, besides being somewhat ironic, can actually trigger a strong reaction in the muscles and nervous system, leaving the client even more tense than before or causing the window of benefit to be short--even only a day or two before symptoms return. Craniosacral therapy goes very deep by working with the nervous system and fascia at their own pace, building trust until the tissues open up themselves. The general relaxation often resolves many "issues in the tissues"; for the ones that remain, more focused work and possibly some deeper emotional components may need to be addressed.
Is this energy work, like Reiki?
No. Craniosacral therapy is an osteopathic modality, developed by Dr. John Upledger through clinical research at Michigan State University. It is practiced by trained, licensed touch professionals and has no historical connection to Reiki.
My experience with you is not like the one other time I had craniosacral therapy. I liked yours better, but why the difference?
I have been trained through intensive seminars and many hours of mentorship and practice using the Upledger Institute International program. There are other schools of craniosacral therapy and also online one-hour Continuing Education Units which massage therapists can take, after which they will call their massage "craniosacral massage/therapy." Because craniosacral therapy has only recently been expanded to non-doctors of osteopathy, there is no standardization of testing or practice that ensures what level of experience you are receiving. The Upledger Institute has a rigorous but optional certification process with two levels; these certifications are not yet recognized by any state boards.
In my condition I am too fragile to be touched. Will CST work for me?
Yes. Some people are extremely sensitive and I have successfully worked with clients who could not initially handle direct touch.