CranioSacral Therapy
with Kerstin Tracy
Introduction to Craniosacral Bodywork
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on modality developed by Dr. John Upledger, osteopathic physician and professor of biomechanics at Michigan State University. Using a touch no greater than the weight of a nickel, I assess and release restrictions in the soft tissues surrounding the central nervous system, which allows the body to relax, reorganize, and heal from within.
As a Diplomate Certified CranioSacral Therapist (CST-D) — the highest clinical designation offered by the Upledger Institute — I bring over twenty years of hands-on experience and an academic foundation in biomechanics and exercise science to every session. Whether you are managing chronic pain, recovering from trauma, navigating a neurological condition, or simply feeling stuck in your body, I am here to listen and respond to what your body needs.
CranioSacral Therapy can:
relieve tension in your body that may have come on slowly or fast due to traumatic events
empower you through physical and emotional transformation
help you let go of emotional memories in tissues and cells that are hindering you from complete healing if not addressed
help you connect your body, mind, and heart so you can feel peaceful and calm
help you recover, refocus, and succeed
How do I know if this is right for me?
All the different modalities in alternative health care can be confusing and overwhelming, and it may feel difficult to pick the right choice for you.
You are in the right place and in the right hands if you are:
curious about your body's messages and wisdom
seeking transformation and empowerment
ready to be a partner in your health and well-being
open to go through the layers of restrictions to reach optimal health, and if you
prefer a gentle approach that leads to long-lasting results
What to Expect During Your First CranioSacral Therapy Session
How to Arrive
Please arrive a few minutes early and wear comfortable clothing. CranioSacral Therapy is performed fully clothed, so no special attire is needed. Drinking water before your appointment and allowing yourself a few moments to slow down can help you get the most from your session.
What the Session Feels Like
CranioSacral Therapy uses a gentle, light-touch approach to support the nervous system and the body's natural healing processes. During the session, you will rest comfortably on a treatment table while subtle techniques are applied. Most clients experience deep relaxation, a sense of calm, warmth, gentle body sensations, or emotional release. Every experience is unique.
How You May Feel Afterward
Many clients leave feeling relaxed, lighter, and more balanced. Others notice improved sleep, reduced tension, increased clarity, or a greater sense of well-being in the days that follow. Because the body continues to process and integrate the work after a session, it is helpful to stay hydrated, rest when needed, and pay attention to any changes you notice.
Some concerns respond quickly, while others may benefit from a series of sessions to support lasting change and long-term wellness.
“The Body Says What Words Cannot.”
— MARTHA GRAHAM
CranioSacral Therapy supports the body's natural healing processes and is increasingly used as a preventive wellness approach to promote resilience and overall health. By helping the nervous system function more efficiently, it encourages greater balance throughout the body and may improve the body's ability to adapt to physical and emotional stress. Many clients report feeling deeply relaxed, more connected to their bodies, and better equipped to manage the demands of daily life. It has also been shown to be often helpful to address a wide range of conditions associated with pain, tension, and dysfunction, including:
Migraine Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
TMJ dysfunction, jaw, and dental pain
Central Nervous System Disorders
Orthopedic Problems
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Spinal Cord Injuries
Scoliosis
Learning Disabilities
Chronic Fatigue
Emotional Difficulties
Stress and Tension-Related Problems
Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Surgical Dysfunction
Helps pregnancy and childbirth be a healthy experience for mother and child
This work complements, but does not replace, medical care.
“For the first time in 9 years, I woke up not clenching my jaw or neck and with what feels like 'a little extra space' in my neck now. Wow. Thank you so much!”
-Adrienne Breland, Reno, NV
How does CranioSacral Therapy Work?
CranioSacral Therapy is a very gentle, light-touch approach that releases tensions deep in the central nervous system, allowing every other system in the body to relax and self-correct.
Few structures have as much influence over the body's ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord, which make up the central nervous system.
The central nervous system is heavily influenced by the CranioSacral system, the membranes, and the fluid that surrounds, protects, and nourishes the brain and spinal cord.
Every day, your body endures stresses and strains that it must work to compensate for. Unfortunately, these changes often cause body tissues to tighten and distort the CranioSacral system. These distortions can cause tension around the brain and spinal cord, resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system and potentially every other system it interacts with.
Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses their hands to evaluate the CranioSacral system by gently feeling various body locations to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. This clear fluid, which protects and nourishes the brain and spinal cord, flows with a particular rhythm that echoes via fascia throughout the body.
“I went to see Kerstin after a horse accident that led to a painful lower back issue. Kerstin was able to release not only this injury but also old problems from previous injuries.
Kerstin also helped one of our mares with hind-end issues. She can now stand for the farrier and hold up her feet with ease - something that had been very difficult before.
I recommend Kerstin for both humans and horses. She helped my body heal itself, and for that I am grateful.”
-MARIANNE MERRIAM, RENO, NV
If you are interested in CranioSacral Therapy, please complete the form below.
I look forward to hearing from you.