Nature Connected
Craniosacral Therapy (NCCST)
Craniosacral therapy, or cranial sacral therapy (CST), is a gentle, noninvasive and hands-on treatment that may provide relief from pain, like headaches and neck pain, side effects of cancer treatment and more.
Nature Connected Craniosacral Therapy is the modality of healing that Michael Sullivan developed over decades of Upledger, Biodynamic and Functional Normalization Craniosacral therapy practice while also becoming an expert in trauma recovery as a Licensed Professional Therapist.
As a psychotherapist, Michael helped walk many people through the process healing their trauma through a trauma informed lens of psychotherapy. This process included identifying and naming the trauma, learning resourcing to be able to work through the memories and also correct the destructive patterns that arose from not being able to process the deep seated hurts from the past. This is an effective way to heal and grow into our “post traumatic growth” period. However, this method is emotionally painful and most people find it emotionally unpleasant. He wanted something different for his clients.
While practicing as a psychotherapist, Michael was also practicing Craniosacral therapy which is not necessarily taught to be mental/emotional health specific. However, due to his psychotherapy training, he found that several clients were also reprocessing their trauma during these sessions just like they were in psychotherapy, but with much less emotional stress or mental fatigue. At one point, Michael felt it was unfair to lead someone through their trauma memories without the support of Craniosacral therapy supporting the nervous system. From then on he has tried to give all clients some type of to light touch which tracks the craniosacral pulse throughout the body and can still and reset the nervous system. This means that while a client is talking (or just remembering) a traumatic event that might be very overwhelming and send them into fight or flight, they can feel relaxed and comfortable with NCCST helping to keep their nervous system in rest and relax mode. This type of reprocessing works so well with NCCST because of the safety and security created in the nervous system, allowing the human system to build new pathways more resilient to stress than the ones that held the trauma memories.
Michael created Willder Sage as a nature connected wellness business because of the overwhelming need for people to feel a deep connection to nature and attune their nervous systems to nature to heal. His psychotherapy practice evolved into nature connected coaching and also his CST practice evolved into nature connected CST as he learned to bring the healing ally of nature into the healing sessions of CST. Sessions outdoors (when the weather is conducive) have an entire added healing element (the elements of Earth and Sky), but even indoors Michael can help his CST clients connect with nature because we are never really disconnected, even an office is nature with Earth below and Sky above.
For a craniosacral therapy session, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for ease of movement and relaxation. Avoid tight or restrictive clothing, as this can hinder the therapist's ability to assess and work with your body. Think loose-fitting pants or yoga wear, and a comfortable top like a t-shirt or sweater.
Are you a good canidate for CST?
This powerful modality is for those who are on the path of healing their trauma or recovering from grief/loss or recent trauma. Client of Willder Sage are in need of help processing the material they are aware of. If you are not currently working on your mental health / addiction or trauma / grief and loss, I would not recommend this for you. NCCST will bring things up that need to be addressed and if you are not ready or willing to do the work to heal it will only confuse and irritate you. Also, People with the following health ailments or disorders should not get craniosacral therapy: Blood clots. Concussion or other traumatic brain injuries. Brain aneurysm, chair malformation
Any condition that causes cerebrospinal fluid pressure, flow or buildup.
A healthcare provider will let you know if you’re a good candidate for CST.
More Information on Craniosacral Therapy from Cleveland Clinic
What is craniosacral therapy?
Craniosacral therapy, or cranial sacral therapy (CST), is a gentle, noninvasive and hands-on treatment that may provide relief from pain, like headaches and neck pain, side effects of cancer treatment and more. A healthcare provider may recommend CST in addition to other forms of treatment.
How does craniosacral therapy work?
CST focuses on the gentle placement of hands to help release tension in your body’s connective tissue. This is known as “fascia” (pronounced “fash-ee-uh”). Fascia is the Latin word for band. It’s a casing found throughout your body that holds your organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, brain and spinal cord. The fascia forms a body-wide connective tissue network. The practitioner senses the pulse that is given from the flow of cerebral spinal fluid through the spinal cord which is radiated out into the fascia. This pulse informs the practitioner (through their hands) where there are blocks are in the body. This pulse is so subtle it cannot be seen or heard, only felt through CST training.
The human body is interconnected, both structurally and functionally. This means that one area of your body can affect another. The goal of CST is tension relief (fascial clearance). This may help other connected parts of your body function better through:
Self-regulation.
Self-correction.
Self-healing.
What conditions does craniosacral therapy treat or manage?
Craniosacral therapy may help you manage symptoms of the following conditions:
Chronic pain.
Complex regional pain syndrome.
Fibromyalgia.
Headaches like migraines.
Neuralgia.
Post-concussion syndrome.
Scoliosis.
Stroke.
Temporomandibular joint syndrome.
Craniosacral therapy should be a treatment that your healthcare provider recommends in addition to another form of treatment.
Procedure Details
What happens during craniosacral therapy?
A craniosacral therapy session is similar to massage therapy, except you stay fully clothed. To help you relax, you may hear soft music and the room may have low lighting.
The treatment session begins with a consultation with your trained therapist. They’ll ask you questions about your health history, concerns about your health and the goals of the session.
During your session, you’ll lie on a massage table or, if needed due to special circumstances, you may sit in a chair. Your therapist will check in with you during your session to make sure you’re comfortable. They’ll also explain what they’re doing before they touch your body to make sure you know what’s happening. If at any time you don’t feel comfortable, let your therapist know.
Your therapist will use their hands to apply gentle pressure to your head, neck, back (around your spinal column) or on areas of your body where you have symptoms.
It’s normal to feel a sense of deep relaxation during craniosacral therapy.
How long does craniosacral therapy take?
A session of craniosacral therapy may take between 30 minutes to one hour. You may need multiple sessions to achieve your goals.
Can you do craniosacral therapy on yourself?
You can learn how to massage your head and neck on your own to promote at-home relaxation in between appointments with a trained expert. Craniosacral therapy is specifically used only by trained professionals who’ve been educated in this modality.
Risks / Benefits
What are the potential benefits of craniosacral therapy?
Some of the benefits of craniosacral therapy may include:
Pain relief
Relaxation
Improved emotional well-being
Stress relief
Better Sleep
Grief processing
Reduces cravings
Builds resilience
Breaks unhealthy patterns
Reduces pain
Is craniosacral therapy dangerous?
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive and alternative approach to treatment. Therefore, it has minimal risks and side effects that may include feeling:
Dizzy
Tired
Lightheaded
Mild discomfort
Recovery and Outlook
Does craniosacral therapy work?
Studies show that many people see relief of their symptoms after craniosacral therapy. Each person’s situation and reason for the therapy is different and your results may vary. Research is ongoing to learn more about how effective craniosacral therapy is to treat different medical conditions.
How long will it take for me to see results after craniosacral therapy?
Some people feel relief from their symptoms immediately following a craniosacral therapy session. Others may need a couple of days until their body can process how the treatment adjusted their body’s performance. Depending on your goals for the treatment, it could take several sessions over a few weeks to months before you see results.
When To Call the Doctor
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe pain, discomfort or new or worsening symptoms following a craniosacral therapy session. If something doesn’t seem right within your body, reach out to your provider for advice.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Craniosacral therapy is an alternative, noninvasive treatment that may help you relieve symptoms, especially pain. A trained healthcare provider will gently place their hands on your head, neck and back to alleviate tension. After a session, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. Take your time moving and standing up after your treatment to prevent falls. It may take a few sessions before you reach your goals for the treatment. If your symptoms get worse after a session, talk to your healthcare provider.