Dear friends,
As summer settles in and sessions tend to slow with the languor of the heat, our conversations turn to the subtle yet profound ways we connect with ourselves, with one another, and with the living world around us. These conversations have sparked my curiosity to ask how does the invisible energy of connection relate to the practice of craniosacral therapy?
Today, I’ll explore this question through the lens of current science and lived experience, with insights from intersubjectivity, neurosomatics, and interpersonal neurobiology, and, of course, craniosacral therapy.
Perspective: Intersubjectivity, Neurosomatics, and Interpersonal Neurobiology
Intersubjectivity can be described as the lived experience of what happens between two beings, the shared space of experience. It is a measurable, biological process, studied using heart rate variability, EEG, and functional MRI to demonstrate that when two people are present with one another in a state of attuned attention (such as during a craniosacral session), their physiological rhythms can synchronize.
This co-regulation is foundational to healing, to learning, to development and growth. It allows our bodies to shift from states of vigilance or stress into rest, repair, and expansion. A primary example of this is the coregulation that occurs between caregiver and infant.
Neurosomatics explores the dynamic relationship between the nervous system and our somatic (bodily) experiences. An emerging interdisciplinary framework, it explores the dynamic relationship between the nervous system and lived bodily experience.
Pioneered by developmental psychologist and neuroscientist Dr. Ed Tronick, neurosomatics holds that our nervous systems are interconnected, relying on continuous micro-movements, bodily rhythms, and non-verbal gestures in advance of and in addition to cognitive or verbal communication.
Drawing on insights from neuroscience, developmental psychology, somatic psychology, movement science, trauma research, and manual therapy, neurosomatics asks how our brains, bodies, and relationships continually shape one another throughout life.
Rather than viewing the body as responding to commands from the brain, it recognizes the interplay among sensation, movement, posture, touch, and physiological rhythms and how they are integrated with the nervous system’s organization of perception, emotion, resilience, and health.
Interpersonal neurobiology helps to explain the developmental and neural mechanisms by which relationships shape mind and body. Research (see the work of Dr. Daniel Siegel and others) shows that our brains and bodies are wired for connection: Healing unfolds most fully when our environments promote empathy, presence, and non-judgment.
Gentle, mindful touch, such as craniosacral therapy, activates neural pathways in the brain associated with safety, social engagement, and emotional regulation.
A 2025 review in the journal Bodywork & Movement Therapies highlighted how therapeutic presence and attuned touch can reduce pain, support nervous system regulation, and foster a sense of wholeness. These effects are rooted in shifts in brain activity, hormone levels, and gene expression.
Next, we’ll look at how energy healing and craniosacral therapy are intimately linked, grounded in the science of how we relate and respond to one another.
The Nature of Energy Healing
Energy healing can be described as working with the subtle fields of the body, aspects of our being that are not always visible but are deeply felt. In my practice, and in craniosacral therapy more broadly, this means cultivating a quality of presence and attunement that invites the body’s innate wisdom to arise. We listen with our hands for what is already unfolding and offer gentle support so the system can reorganize in its own time.
While the language of “energy” can sound mysterious, science has begun to shed light on the mechanisms that underlie these experiences. Researchers in the fields of neurosomatics and interpersonal neurobiology have shown that our nervous systems are exquisitely sensitive to the presence, intention, and emotional states of others.
This is the heart of intersubjectivity: the shared space where two or more people co-regulate, connect, and influence one another’s physiology and sense of safety. In craniosacral therapy, this shared field of presence is a felt sense and a physiological reality, as our bodies respond to attuned touch and empathetic connection by shifting toward healing and restoration.
In session, I observe how subtle shifts in breath, warmth, and muscle tone emerge through our shared presence. Neurosomatics teaches us that the nervous system is not isolated: It is constantly in a dialogue with the environment and with those around us. Studies show that even brief moments of genuine, attuned human connection can lower stress hormones, increase heart rate variability, and support immune function.
This is why craniosacral therapy, grounded in the science of the body and the energy of connection, can feel both gentle and profound: It honors the body’s need for safety and belonging while supporting the natural healing processes. The interdependence between science and spirit reminds us that healing is not a one way street or solitary path, but a shared experience shaped by relationship and presence.
Somatic Practice: Sensing the Field of Connection
I invite you to try this simple practice:
- Find a quiet place to sit or lie down. Rest your hands gently on your heart or belly.
- Notice the warmth of your hands and the subtle rhythm of your breath underneath your hands.
- Imagine someone who brings you a sense of safety and ease. Picture them sitting quietly beside you, sharing this moment.
- Allow yourself to sense any changes in your body—perhaps a softening, spaciousness, or gentle pulse of energy.
- Remind yourself: “Healing happens in connection.”
Even a few minutes of mindful presence can invite your nervous system into a state of calm, supporting both individual and shared well-being.
Bringing Science and Spirit Together in Practice
In every Biodynamic Craniosacral Session, we honor the interdependence of science and spirit. Whether you are seeking relief from stress, support for a specific health challenge, or simply a deeper sense of connection, each session is a collaborative journey guided by both research and the subtle wisdom of your own body.
If you are curious about how energy healing and craniosacral therapy might support your path, or wish to explore the science further, I warmly invite you to reach out or schedule a session. You can also find further reflections and resources on my blog. Our work together is always grounded in respect, curiosity, and the understanding that healing is a shared experience.
CURIOSITY CORNER
You have asked about my pricing: I don’t post it on the website because it is subject to change according to my changing costs. However, I do have a base rate, currently $225 for an in-office session, with a discounted package of 3 for $600. I offer this as an incentive for YOU to commit to giving your nervous system a chance to reset. You can direct your questions about pricing to me directly here
What would you like to know about craniosacral therapy, energy healing, or the science of connection? Send me an email and I’ll feature your questions and my thoughts in a future issue.
Thank you for allowing me to accompany you on your path. If you have questions about the science or your own experiences, I welcome your thoughts and stories. Our shared curiosity is what makes this work so meaningful.