What Is Craniosacral Therapy—and How Can It Help All Ages, from Babies to Adults?

Whether you're a new parent looking for gentle support for your baby, or an adult struggling with chronic tension, pain, or stress, craniosacral therapy (CST) offers a calming, hands-on approach to healing that works with the body's own rhythms and intelligence.

Though it may sound complex, craniosacral therapy is one of the most gentle and non-invasive forms of bodywork available—yet its effects can be profound. It's used by people of all ages, from newborns to older adults, to support wellness, relieve discomfort, and restore balance in the nervous system.

What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy is a light-touch manual therapy that focuses on releasing tension in the body by gently working with the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Developed by osteopathic physician Dr. John Upledger, CST is based on the idea that the body has its own subtle rhythmic movements, and that imbalances or restrictions in this system can affect our physical, emotional, and neurological health.

Using subtle palpation (often with no more pressure than the weight of a nickel), a trained practitioner listens to the body's rhythms, releases restrictions, and supports the body's natural healing mechanisms.

How Does Craniosacral Therapy Help?

CST works by calming the nervous system, improving circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, and releasing fascial restrictions throughout the body. This can lead to:

• Decreased pain and muscle tension

• Improved sleep and relaxation

• Relief from headaches, migraines, and TMJ dysfunction

• Nervous system regulation (especially after trauma or stress)

• Better digestion and reduced colic

• Enhanced immune system function

• Recovery from injury or surgery

• Greater sense of calm and body awareness

• 
  

The beauty of CST lies in its ability to work with the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—without force or manipulation.

Who Can Benefit from Craniosacral Therapy?

One of the most unique aspects of CST is that it is safe and effective for all ages:

👶 Craniosacral Therapy for Babies

Newborns can experience strain from birth (even a smooth vaginal delivery exerts pressure on the head and spine). CST for infants can help with:

• Latching and feeding issues

• Colic and digestive discomfort

• Tongue/lip tie recovery support

• Torticollis and head shape asymmetries

• Excessive fussiness or sleep struggles

• Sensory processing concerns

  
  

The touch is incredibly gentle and calming, often helping babies settle quickly during sessions.

🧒 CST for Children

As children grow and become more active, they may benefit from CST to support:

• Sensory integration

• Emotional regulation and anxiety

• Sleep disturbances

• Behavioral concerns

• Recovery from injury or illness

  
  

CST helps kids feel more at ease in their bodies and can support developmental and neurological balance.

🧑‍🦰 CST for Adults

For adults, CST can be an excellent tool for managing stress, chronic tension, or recovering from past physical or emotional trauma. It is commonly used to support:

• TMJ dysfunction

• Neck and back pain

• Migraines and chronic headaches

• PTSD and emotional trauma

• Nervous system dysregulation (burnout, anxiety, etc.)

• Post-surgical recovery

• Pelvic floor imbalances and chronic fatigue

  
  

CST helps adults reconnect to their body in a way that is grounding, deeply restorative, and pain-free.

👵 CST for Older Adults

In aging bodies, CST can improve quality of life by enhancing:

• Mobility and joint comfort

• Nervous system function

• Memory and clarity

• Emotional well-being

• Recovery from falls or hospitalization

  
  

Because CST is non-invasive and low-impact, it is an ideal therapy for older adults seeking gentle support.

A Gentle, Whole-Body Approach to Healing

Whether you're navigating a developmental concern with your infant, managing stress and tension as a parent, or looking to maintain wellness and resilience as you age, craniosacral therapy meets you where you are—quietly working with the body to unwind what no longer serves and restore natural flow.

Experience the Healing Power of Craniosacral Therapy at Wisco Integrative Therapies

At Wisco Integrative Therapies, our experienced craniosacral therapist provides compassionate, holistic care for clients of all ages—from infants to adults. Using CST along with multiple modalities of bodywork, we tailor each session to your (or your child’s) unique needs.

Whether you're seeking support for feeding issues, chronic pain, trauma recovery, or just a calmer nervous system, we’re here to help.

👉 Book an appointment today at our Milwaukee or Mequon office and discover the power of gentle, whole-body healing.

Your body already knows how to heal. Craniosacral therapy helps it remember.

Book Now!