Dear friends,
I was introduced to Craniosacral therapy by a remarkable Physical Therapist, Shirin Irani, while I was recovering from a knee injury. Craniosacral therapy’s effect on me was profound: Beyond helping to repair my knee, Craniosacral therapy brought a sense of total ease that I’d never experienced before. My knee and my life got better as I was able to engage in and be more fully myself.
It seemed quite natural then for me train in Craniosacral therapy when, in 2007, the opportunity arose to study with Dr. Michael Shea, here in NYC. Over the next 3 years, I immersed myself in learning and practicing the art and science of healing through Craniosacral therapy. Since 2010, I’ve had the honor and privilege to support individuals and families, from newborn to elderly, with this deep and transformative healing.
Now in March, and with hints of Spring appearing, I’m reflecting on how much my “oncology journey” has demanded of me these last 6 months of winter, and how Craniosacral therapy has given me the resilience, purpose, and strength to keep moving, even when feeling Low and Slow.
Whether you are new to this work or just curious about how it supports well-being, I invite you to join me in exploring the essence of this gentle, hands-on approach—and how it may help you and your loved ones.
Exploring Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive form of bodywork that supports our natural ability to heal. Using light, attuned touch, we listen to the rhythms and subtle movements within the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This approach invites the nervous system to settle, helping to release patterns of tension and to restore a sense of balance and ease.
Craniosacral work also engages the body’s fascia, the continuous web of connective tissue that surrounds and interweaves muscles, organs, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. Fascia helps organize the body’s structure while also transmitting movement, sensation, and subtle forces throughout the body. When stress, injury, or developmental strain occurs, fascial tissues will adapt by holding patterns of tension. Through gentle, attentive contact, craniosacral therapy supports the natural hydration, elasticity, and responsiveness of these tissues, allowing the body to reorganize and redistribute tension in a more balanced way.
In my practice, I collaborate with clients of all ages—from newborns to elders—to identify areas of holding and compensation in the body. Instead of imposing change, we create the conditions for the body to unwind in its own time, fostering deep relaxation and a renewed sense of vitality. Many clients report relief from chronic pain, from headaches, stress, and sleep difficulties, as well as a greater sense of connection with themselves.
How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?
The practice of Craniosacral therapy is rooted in the understanding that the body is an integrated whole. Through gentle contact—often no more than the weight of a nickel—the therapist listens for subtle cues from the body’s tissues. This presence allows the nervous system to shift from a state of defense or overwhelm into a sense of safety and regulation. It is in this space that the body’s innate healing intelligence naturally arises.
For infants and children, craniosacral therapy can ease the transition from womb to world, support feeding, digestion, and sleep, and help resolve tension from birth or early developmental challenges. For adults, it can address early maladaptive patterns, the lingering effects of injury, trauma, or chronic stress, and provide a resource for increasing resilience.
How This Work Can Support You
After craniosacral therapy sessions, many clients report:
• A deeply relaxed nervous system — releasing layers of stress and tension the body has been holding.
• Less pain and more ease in the body — especially in the head, neck, jaw, and back.
• Improved sleep and restoration — feeling more rested and resilient.
• A greater sense of calm, clarity, and connection with themselves.
Parents of Babies & Young Children report:
• More settled sleep and easier transitions between rest and wakefulness.
• Greater comfort during feeding and digestion — with less tension or fussiness.
• Freer, more balanced movement as babies explore rolling, reaching, crawling, and standing.
• A calmer, more regulated baby who is easier to soothe and connect with.
Curious how this work might support you or your child? I welcome you to reach out to learn more or schedule a session.
Case Study: Headache Relief Through Craniosacral Therapy
Recently a client came in for relief from persistent headaches and tension at the base of the skull. During our sessions, we focused on releasing patterns of holding that had accumulated over time. As the sessions progressed, we were able to use gentle touch at the head and neck that created a gradual reduction in headache frequency and intensity. The Client described feeling more at ease, with a sense of clarity and lightness that extended beyond the physical symptoms. This is an example of how craniosacral therapy supports the body’s natural movement toward well-being—by listening deeply and allowing the system to find its own path to balance.