How Craniosacral Therapy Helps Restore Balance in the Body and Nervous System
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that works with the body’s natural rhythms to release tension and restore balance. At its core is the craniosacral system made up of the cranial and spinal bones, membranes, connective tissue and fluid that protects and nourishes the central nervous system (CNS).
When this system moves freely, the brain and spinal cord can function with ease. When restrictions build up — whether from stress, injury, or illness — the body may struggle to regulate itself, and symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or heightened stress can arise.
The craniosacral system: what it includes and why it matters
Cranial bones and sutures
The skull is not one solid structure. In the adult, it’s made up of 22 bones — eight cranial and 14 facial — that interlock like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. These bones connect at joints called sutures, which allow for subtle movement. In cranial osteopathic and craniosacral models, this natural movement supports nervous system health and development. When the cranial and facial bones are able to move freely, there is less tension around the brain and cranial nerves.
Spinal column and sacrum
The spinal column consists of 33 vertebrae, grouped into cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal sections. In adulthood, several of these fuse, leaving 26 distinct bones that can be palpated. The fused bones, the sacrum and coccyx, are located at the base of the spine and play a central role in the craniosacral system. As anchor points, they influence the mobility of the entire spine and the meningeal membranes that protect the spinal cord.
Meningeal membranes
Three protective layers — the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater — wrap around the brain and spinal cord. Together, these meninges safeguard the central nervous system and help maintain the circulation and integrity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They also connect into the outer membranes that protect the cranial and peripheral nerves. When the meningeal membranes become restricted, they can influence not only the brain and spinal cord, but also nerve communication throughout the body.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
CSF cushions the brain and spinal cord while carrying nutrients and removing waste. Traditionally, it was thought to remain confined within the craniosacral system. However, recent research (Frontiers in Neurology, 2024) has shown that CSF also extends into the peripheral nervous system, surrounding nerves as they travel through the body. This finding supports what craniosacral practitioners have long observed: that restrictions in tissues far from the head or spine may still influence the nourishing and protective role of CSF, and with it, overall nervous system function.
Fascial tissue
Fascia is a dense, continuous connective tissue network that wraps around every muscle, bone, nerve, and organ. Richly innervated, fascia plays a key role in proprioception (our sense of movement and position), coordination, and nervous system regulation. It also responds to stress. When the body perceives threat, the sympathetic nervous system may trigger fascial tightening as a protective response. Importantly, fascia is also closely connected with the vagus nerve — the main parasympathetic nerve — which helps promote relaxation, balance, and resilience.
How CST supports balance and wellbeing
By gently releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system, CST helps improve the natural rhythm and flow of CSF, supporting healthy brain and nervous system function. Work with fascial issue can also ease physical tension, reduce protective holding patterns, and invite the body back into a state of balance.
Clients often describe the effects of CST as:
a deep sense of calm or grounding,
release of long-held tension,
improved sleep quality,
better emotional regulation, and
more resilience to daily stress.
While no therapy is a cure-all, craniosacral therapy offers a safe and supportive environment for the body to rest, restore, and re-organise itself.
Finding the right approach for you
There are many ways to manage stress and support the nervous system. From exercise and yoga to tai chi, meditation, and breathwork, each has its place. What makes CST unique is its stillness and gentleness. For those who feel overwhelmed, depleted, or simply need a quiet space to reconnect with themselves, CST may be an effective complement to other wellbeing practices.
If you would like to experience CST, book an initial consultation with me today or get in touch.
References and further reading
Skull: EBSCO Research Starter — link
Spine Institute of North America: 14 Spine Facts Everyone Should Know — link
Schleip et al. (2024). Fascia as a regulatory system in health and disease. Frontiers in Neurology. — link
Cranial Osteopathy and Craniosacral Therapy: Current Opinions — link
Understanding the process of fascial unwinding. PMC. — link