FAQs
-
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle hands-on treatment where the practitioner helps the client relax through gentle holds. This can help the client break free from old physical and mental habits, leading to benefits like improved relaxation, less pain, and better overall health. Originally created by a group of Osteopaths, this therapy focuses on providing gentle support rather than force, encouraging the body's natural healing process. We practice and are qualified in the Biodynamic method of Craniosacral Therapy which focuses on gentle techniques without force, stresses, or resistances upon the body and instead utilises the body’s natural healing abilities, it’s gentleness is its strength!
As this is a little different from other forms of physical therapy it is best to try a session to get more of a feeling around it, and first sessions are only £20 to give people the chance to try this out and feel the benefits of this amazingly effective form of physical therapy.
-
Craniosacral Therapy works with the body's inherent healing capacities by supporting what Dr. Sutherland termed 'primary respiration' - the subtle rhythmic movements within the body. Through gentle touch, practitioners help clients access their body's natural ability to find balance and resolution of held patterns.
The therapy works on multiple levels, including:
1. Physical: By facilitating the release of restrictions in the central nervous system and craniosacral system, it can help improve cerebrospinal fluid flow and reduce physical tension patterns. Research has shown benefits for pain and a wide variety of conditions.
2. Autonomic Nervous System: The gentle nature of the work helps shift the nervous system from sympathetic (fight-or-flight) to parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) dominance, promoting deep relaxation and improved stress resilience. Studies have shown positive effects on anxiety and stress-related symptoms. Regular sessions can help build and maintain this improved resilience to daily stressors and illness.
3. Whole-System Integration: Following the biodynamic approach, we work with what is termed the 'inherent treatment plan' - allowing the body's own intelligence to guide the healing process rather than imposing external corrections. This means that areas of your system requiring attention receive the care they need, helping to integrate with the rest of the body's functions in a more balanced and holistic way. This process supports the body in returning to its natural state of homeostasis - the optimal balance of all physiological processes. Achieving and maintaining homeostasis is a prerequisite for the body's natural healing mechanisms to function effectively, as it creates an internal environment where repair, regeneration, and self-regulation can occur optimally. When the body is in this balanced state, it can more efficiently direct its resources toward healing and maintaining overall wellness.
While many clients report improvements in various physical symptoms, emotional wellbeing, and sleep, it's important to note that responses vary individually. This therapy works best as part of an integrated approach to health, complementing rather than replacing conventional medical care.
If you would like to dive deeper in to the wonderful world of Craniosacral Therapy, please refer to the last question in this series 'How can I find out more information?' below.
-
Your session will take place in a peaceful and private room. After a quick introduction and payment (via card), we'll chat about how you're feeling today. Then, you’ll lie on a comfortable massage table, removing only your shoes, and we’ll make sure you’re cozy with blankets and soft music. You can keep your eyes open or closed, whichever feels best.
The session usually starts with gentle holds on the head, shoulders, or feet. As we begin, you might be invited to take a few deep breaths. The holds are tailored to your body’s needs in the moment, focusing on bringing the most balance and relaxation. You can share any sensations or concerns but we encourage you to stay focused on your body and relaxation during the session.
Depending on how your body responds, you might experience just one hold or up to five. The number of holds doesn’t affect the benefits, it's the quality of the experience that matters. We will check in when moving to a new position to make sure you're comfortable. If anything feels uncomfortable, just let us know, and we’ll adjust to ensure your comfort.
At the end of the session we’ll briefly chat about how the session went, and share any thoughts or suggestions. The session lasts 55 minutes, so we have time to reset the room before the next client. If you have any questions afterward, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or Email, and we’ll be happy to help.
-
During a Craniosacral Therapy session, you might notice a variety of sensations, each session is unique and is tailored to your needs. As your body relaxes and releases tension, you may feel more at ease, but it's important to remember that the goal of this therapy is not to create pleasure, but to restore balance and health. This process can sometimes bring up emotions or sensations, especially if the therapy is helping to release past physical or emotional trauma.
The treatment is always gentle and supportive, with no physical manipulation, so the holds should never feel uncomfortable. Please let us know if something doesn't feel right as your comfort is our priority; the goal is to create a safe and calming environment where your body can naturally let go of stress. It's common to experience sensations like warmth, tingling or subtle movements, these are normal and part of the body's natural response. After a few sessions, most clients start to notice a rhythm to how things unfold and find the therapy very nourishing and restorative. Many look forward to their sessions because they find them so relaxing.
Most people enjoy this type of gentle touch, but for a few, it might feel a little unfamiliar, especially if there’s a history of disconnection from physical touch. That's why the first session is just £20 – a small way to see if this therapy is a good fit for you.
If you find that Craniosacral Therapy isn’t quite right for you, that’s completely okay! There are plenty of other therapies available that might be a better match. But for many people, this work is deeply relaxing and unlike anything they've experienced before.
-
Single Session
£40 for a single 55 minute session (or just £20 for your first session)
A £10 non-refundable deposit is required when booking to cover the room fee. The remaining balance is paid by card during your session. If you're unable to pay by card, please reach out to us via email or WhatsApp before your session to arrange an alternative payment method, as we currently don’t accept cash.
Discount Packages (available through the booking page)
5 Sessions for £175 (£35 per session)
10 Sessions for £300 (£30 per session)
We’re committed to providing the best care at affordable rates. This is a low-cost clinic, designed to help as many people as possible access Craniosacral Therapy. While other practitioners may charge between £50 and £120 per session (not an indication of quality of treatment), our pricing is intentionally lower to make treatment more accessible for those with limited income. We believe everyone should have the chance to benefit from this healing therapy.
-
No need to stress about preparing! Just come as you are, but aim for comfort. Loose, relaxed clothing is best, as you’ll be lying on your back on a massage table. It’s a good idea to avoid tight belts or jeans, but if you’re coming straight from work in your uniform, don’t worry—we can work around it.
To feel your best, try to avoid a heavy meal right before your session. A light snack is fine if you’re feeling hungry.
It can also help to take a little time to unwind before your session—reading a book (not social media!), going for a short walk, or listening to calming music are great options. This isn’t required, but it may help you feel even more relaxed during your session.
If you have any questions before your appointment, feel free to send us a WhatsApp message or email and we will be happy to help you prepare!
-
Craniosacral Therapy supports the body’s natural healing process by helping restore balance and release old patterns of tension. By bringing the body into a state of balance (or ‘homeostasis’), this therapy can help improve overall health and well-being. It’s important to know that Craniosacral Therapy isn’t a substitute for seeing a doctor. If you have medical concerns, it’s always a good idea to get advice from your GP first. Craniosacral Therapy works gently alongside any ongoing care or other forms of treatment.
This type of therapy works with the whole body, not just specific areas of pain or discomfort. While we can focus on areas that are causing you discomfort (as long as the touch doesn’t cause pain), the benefits of the therapy might show up in unexpected ways. For example, if you’re dealing with digestive issues, you might first notice your shoulders feel less tense, or you might wake up feeling more refreshed and energised. These shifts are signs that the body is finding balance, and this often leads to deeper healing.
Craniosacral Therapy can be particularly effective for reducing tension, pain, stress, anxiety, trauma, chronic fatigue and many other health conditions by supporting the body's natural ability to heal and find balance. We will never guarantee that the therapy will cure any condition, and you should be particularly sceptical of anyone who makes this claim. This is a very effective therapy which can support a wide variety of physical and mental conditions and it is common for people to experience huge benefits even when the client has tried many other ways of working in the past that did not provide results.
The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to try it. That’s why your first session is just £20 — it’s a great way to get a feel for the therapy and see if it’s something you’d like to continue. There’s no pressure to continue after your first session. If you decide it’s not for you, that’s perfectly okay. If you have any questions or would like to chat more about how Craniosacral Therapy might help you, feel free to reach out to us via WhatsApp or Email, where you can also request a complimentary video or phone call to discuss how we might help with your specific situation.
-
The number of Craniosacral Therapy sessions you’ll need really depends on your individual situation. Everyone’s body is starting from a different place and many people’s health goals differ (from light relief to deep connection). That said, many people find significant benefits after around 10 sessions. While there's no guarantee, it's quite rare that someone wouldn’t feel some improvement after that many sessions (I’ve personally never seen it happen!).
However, the number of sessions you book is entirely up to you. There’s no pressure to commit to a certain number of sessions. You can schedule as you go and decide what feels right for you. Here are a few examples of how different people might approach their treatment:
Client 1 – Back Pain & Sleep Issues
A client with chronic back pain and sleep troubles started therapy after trying various treatments with limited success. Over several months, they gradually reduced their pain and were eventually able to sleep through the night. They now come in for occasional sessions when needed, like after overexertion, but no longer need regular sessions.Client 2 – Anxiety & Mental Wellbeing
A client came to therapy feeling anxious and overwhelmed after a difficult divorce. After about 8 sessions, they felt much lighter, more optimistic, and in control of their life again. They decided they no longer needed regular sessions and were able to continue their progress on their own.Client 3 – Stress & IBS
A client struggling with a busy career with stress and IBS found relief over 10 sessions. She felt her energy levels rise and her symptoms decrease, and now sees Craniosacral Therapy as a regular part of her self-care routine, coming in weekly to maintain balance and well-being.As you can see, every story is different. Some people might need only a few sessions, while others might find it helpful to continue longer. The beauty of Craniosacral Therapy is that it’s very individualised – you’ll always be supported in making the choices that feel best for you.
If you’d like to chat more about your specific situation, feel free to reach out via WhatsApp or email. We’re here to help guide you on your healing journey!
-
After your session, there’s nothing specific you need to do, but the effects can continue for a few days. It's helpful to stay relaxed, give yourself space to rest, and be present with whatever comes up. Drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep can support your healing.
Discovering Your Resources
A key part of the therapy is identifying what helps you feel supported, known as your ‘resources’. This could be simple activities that make you feel good, like spending time with friends, enjoying a relaxing bath, or dancing. Building a collection of personal resources is important for your overall well-being. Below are some ideas to inspire you, but remember, everyone’s resources are different—find what works best for you, and take it one step at a time!
Mindfulness Practices
Meditation:
A meditation practice helps to increase your awareness, which in turn changes your relationship with your thoughts, creating more space and less compulsive reaction or inner turmoil. This is why ‘mindful-based practices’ are now some of the most common treatments being recommended by GPs to those with mental health issues. Finding an experienced teacher from a meditative tradition can be the most fruitful way of developing a meditation practice, however, it is something you can certainly start by yourself. The ‘insight timer’ app includes many free audio meditations suitable for beginners, the ‘Sadhguru’ app has an ‘Isha Kriya’ meditation, and this ‘Just Be’ meditation is also a really worthwhile practice. Body awareness meditations are also particularly helpful for Craniosacral Therapy as they help to train a level of embodiment and awareness whilst calming the mind. Many people enjoy the ‘Calm App’, although this is more oriented around falling asleep rather than becoming more aware so will yield different results to a traditional meditation practice.
Breathwork:
Working with the breath can calm the mind. When the breath is slow, relaxed, and deep, the mind takes on a more relaxed pattern. The ‘one deep breath’ app offers slow, relaxed breathing practices – the basic free relax, focus, and sleep breathing styles are the best ones to try. While more exertive breathing exercises exist, starting with relaxed breathing is a safe and effective way to begin.
Yoga:
Yoga is a rich tradition that works with the body to impact the mind. As physical tensions are released, the body moves with more gentle fluid ease, and the mind reflects this calm. Trying different styles and teachers can help you find a practice that resonates with you. The Sadhguru app includes exercises for the spine, neck, and breath that are very helpful.
Reading or Audiobooks:
If you're not into any of the above methods, engaging in any slower activity can be like a mindfulness practice and help reduce stress. Reading or listening to audiobooks helps you unwind and step away from the fast pace of social media. Try books that focus on uplifting fiction or calm and contentment, like Solve for Happy or The Power of Now.
Looking After Your Body
Exercise:
Regular movement is important for your health. Gentle walking, swimming, or stretching can do wonders for your well-being. Practices like Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung/Qi Gong, and general joint work (such as intuflow are also very helpful along with practices like Yoga and Pilates. The main message is to get moving doing something you enjoy and can get into a regular practice.
Nutrition:
Eating well helps fuel your body. Focus on fresh, whole foods like vegetables, and avoid heavily processed foods. It's about finding balance and nourishing your body appropriately.
Herbs and Supplements:
Traditional practices like Ayurveda or Chinese medicine use gentle herbs that support health. They can complement other treatments and bring balance to your body.
Fasting:
Fasting has been used for centuries to improve health. A good book exploring the science behind this is Eat Stop Eat, which recommends a 24-hour water fast once or twice a week for health. Intermittent fasting is another common practice, where a daily eating window is assigned; eating windows lasting between 8 and 10 hours are common. This shorter form of daily fasting is safe for the vast majority of adults, but you can check with your doctor if you have any specific health conditions or concerns.
Salt Therapy:
A timeless natural remedy that has been cherished for thousands of years, offers a wealth of benefits for your well-being and is particularly beneficial for respiratory health, sinusitis, persistent coughs, and even snoring. One of the many reasons we partnered with Salt Revive with our location is the wonderful benefits that this therapy can bring, which can work hand in hand with Craniosacral Therapy.
Connecting with the World Around You
Nature:
Spending time outside can help you feel grounded and peaceful. Whether it's a walk in the countryside, a visit to the beach, or a forest walk, connecting with nature often leads to better sleep and feeling more balanced.
Group Activities:
Connecting with others through group activities, like a hobby class or sports, can be a great way to feel supported and uplifted. Find a group that resonates with you and make time for it. Meetup.com is a great resource to find these groups.
Helping Others:
Volunteering or caring for others can be healing for you as well. It shifts focus and often brings a lighter outlook. If you have free time, volunteering with a local charity or caring for a pet can be a fulfilling practice.
Embracing Your Journey
Remember, the most important thing is to be kind to yourself and nurture your well-being in ways that feel good. Take your time to explore these resources and find what works best for you.
-
Absolutely, we are fully trained to work with infants and children and this can be particularly effective!
Craniosacral Therapy can be wonderfully beneficial for babies, as they respond beautifully to gentle, nurturing touch, which helps them relax and feel safe and comforted. Sessions with babies are specially adapted and may include gentle movement, with parents or caregivers actively involved in the process to provide that extra layer of comfort, security, and familiarity.
Children and young adults can also greatly benefit from this therapy. While it's helpful if they can lie still for short periods, it's completely understandable if they need to move around a bit. We adapt the session to their needs and comfort level.
For anyone under 18, a legal guardian must be present throughout the session to ensure the child feels safe and the treatment is appropriate for their specific needs.
If you’d like to explore how Craniosacral Therapy could support your infant or child, you can request a free video consultation via WhatsApp or Email. It’s a great chance for both you and your child to ask questions and decide if this therapy is right for you!
-
Love Your Sessions? Share the Experience!
Sharing the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy with friends and family is a wonderful way to spread the joy of healing. If you've found value in your sessions, why not invite others to experience it too?
Here's how it works:
1. Tell Your Friend: Tell your friends about the positive impact Craniosacral Therapy has had on you. If they're interested, suggest they book their first session with us.
2. Friend Mentions You: When your friend arrives for their first session, they'll complete our onboarding form where they can select "Friend" in the "How did you hear about us?" section. We'll ask them for your name at this point.
3. Immediate Discount: Your friend will receive a £10 discount on their first session, making it just £10 instead of the usual £20 for new clients!
4. You Benefit Too: As a token of our gratitude, you'll also receive a £10 discount on your next session.
We're grateful for your referrals and delighted to welcome new clients into our community. Sharing the healing benefits of Craniosacral Therapy is a gift that keeps on giving, and it's even more special when experienced with friends. Thank you for helping us grow and for being part of our journey in wellness!
-
We understand that as a new clinic, we may experience high demand, especially in the early months. Please know that we are committed to accommodating as many clients as possible. If you find it challenging to secure a spot, we encourage you to join our priority list to be the first to know when new sessions become available, please feel free to reach out to us via WhatsApp or email.
Thank you for choosing our clinic. We are excited to embark on this journey with you and look forward to supporting your path to wellness.
-
Social Media
You can follow us on social media (links below) for educational content, tips, and fun updates that will keep you inspired and informed.
Educational Resources
For the more intrepid, the following resources are a great place to learn more about the fascinating world of biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy:
Body Intelligence - We have trained with many Body Intelligence tutors and they have a great approach to Craniosacral Thearpy which you can learn about on their website and video gallery.
The Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America (BCTA) - visit their website for a great introduction to Craniosacral Therapy, perfect for beginners.
Franklyn Sills: - A renowned teacher in the field, Franklyn’s website and books offer a wealth of information on Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy.
The following books/audiobooks are recommended if you're interested in the most up to date scientific research on the huge efficacy of touch based therapies like Craniosacral Therapy on both physical and mental health issues and trauma:-
- Bessel Van der Kolk - The Body Keeps the Score
- Peter Levine - In an Unspoken Voice
- Babette Rothschild - The Body Remembers
For those who want a more accessible format which explains the most recent research around touch, pain, trauma and anxiety, the 'really strange' series by Steve Haines is a great ‘comic book’ style series of books. Helping to understand how the biology works can be very helpful in bringing your own system to an increased state of balance.
Reaching Out
We’re here to support your journey, whether it’s through a session, a conversation, or simply providing resources to help you understand more about this powerful therapy. Feel free to reach out to us via WhatsApp or email if you have any further questions. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to connecting with you!