CranioSacral Therapy (CST) in Columbia, Maryland

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance.  Using a soft touch that is no more than 5 grams -about the weight of a nickel- practitioners can release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger.  This modality was developed after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University where he served as professor of biomechanics.

How does it work?

Few structures have as much influence over the body's ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system. The central nervous system is influenced by the craniosacral system which is the membranes and fluid that surround, protect, and nourish the brain and spinal cord.

Your body endures stresses and strains every day that it must work to compensate for. These compensations often cause body tissues to tighten which can distort the craniosacral system and create restrictions around the brain and spinal cord. CST uses gentle touch to allow the body to release those restrictions and self-correct. CST has been shown to naturally decrease pain and stress, enhance disease resistance, and strengthen health and well-being.

Simply put, trauma can be physical, emotional, or even both. The body can hold on to this trauma as a way to protect itself and it manifests in the body as restrictions and tension. CST can help the body to release these restrictions.

What to expect during a session:

CST sessions take place while you remain fully clothed, in a calm and quiet setting. Because each person is unique, sessions and their after-effects will vary — you may feel immediate relief, or you may notice the return of an old sensation. Some clients experience a SomatoEmotional Release (SER), where the body processes stored tension through movement or emotion. I may gently support movement of various body parts to facilitate release. Any temporary discomfort typically subsides within 24–48 hours. Please allow yourself time and space to integrate the experience afterward.   

For more information visit:

www.upledger.com

WHAT DOES CST ADDRESS?

Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury

Migraines and Headaches

Stress and Tension-Related Disorders

Motor-Coordination Impairments

Chronic Neck and Back Pain

Autism

Anxiety

Depression

Infant and Childhood Disorders

Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Chronic Fatigue

Fibromyalgia

Scoliosis

Central Nervous System Disorders

Learning Disabilities

ADD/ADHD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Orthopedic Problems

TMJ Syndrome

Pregnancy, Conception, Birth

And Many Other Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our office is located at: 10450 Shaker Drive Suite 108, Columbia MD 21046

    We offer In-Home Consultation for CST clients birth- 3 months within 20 miles of 21045 zip code. There is a $50 travel fee for all in home consultations.

  • If an appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours in advance or a no-show, the client is responsible for paying the full session fee. Excusable cancellations will be charged the full fee and applied to an appointment booked within the following two weeks. If you do not book a follow up appointment within those two weeks you forfeit the funds for that appointment.

    Nettle and Moon Wellness LLC has the right to waive the fee in the case of a significant emergency or at my discretion.

  • The number of sessions varies and is based on the client’s state of health and treatment goals. In our experience when someone comes in with an acute or chronic condition, we recommend 2- 4 sessions close together to focus on relief. Next, we address the root of the cause and may schedule sessions a few weeks apart. Some clients then come in monthly or every other month for maintenance.

    If this is an infant CST session and we are working through painful latch issues, we recommend a follow up session within the same week or as close as possible to get the best relief for the chest/breastfeeding client and baby. After the first two appointments, we can typically space the appointments out to weekly as we address the root of the cause.

  • Unfortunately, we are unable to take insurance at this time for our CST clients.

  • Adult Session 60 min $145

    Pediatric/Infant Session (visit 1-2+) 60 min Session: $145

    Pediatric/Infant 30 min Session: $80

    Twin/Sibling Pediatric Session 90 min: $220

    In-Home (Birth to 3 Months) Travel Fee: $50

  • We can take Flex Spending Account (FSA), Health Spending Account (HSA), and Health Care Flex Spending Account (HC FSA) to pay for your craniosacral or lactation sessions. You are responsible for checking your coverage and eligibility.