Cranio-Sacral Therapy in Minneapolis for Gentle Nervous System Support

A Gentle Invitation to Reconnect with Your Body

At Stockheart Whole Health, Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST) offers a soft, listening-based approach to healing. While conventional care often focuses on symptoms or structure, craniosacral therapy works differently—it invites your nervous system to rest, unwind, and repair itself at its own pace.

This is care grounded in gentleness, safety, and precision. We meet you where you are, honoring the unique way your body holds tension, stress, and old stories.

Curious to learn if CST could help you?

What is Cranio-Sacral Therapy?

Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST) is a technique designed to release restrictions within the craniosacral system—a network of membranes and fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Using gentle, precise touches, CST helps balance this system, alleviating tension and promoting a sense of calm and well-being. Developed by osteopathic physician Dr. John Upledger, CST is especially effective for stress-related conditions and chronic pain, as well as supporting mental clarity and overall relaxation.

At Stockheart Whole Health, our skilled practitioners use CST as part of a holistic approach to help you feel more balanced and connected in body and mind.

Why Choose Cranio-Sacral Therapy at Stockheart Whole Health?

Clients come to Stockheart Whole Health for Cranio-Sacral Therapy because they’re seeking gentle, effective relief from tension and pain. Here’s what makes our CST services unique:

  • Non-Invasive and Gentle: CST uses light touch to encourage the body’s natural healing processes, making it ideal for those seeking a gentle yet effective form of therapy.

  • Addresses Both Physical and Emotional Tension: CST helps release restrictions in the craniosacral system, which can lead to improved physical and emotional well-being.

  • Whole-Body Benefits: By improving central nervous system function, CST can have positive effects on immunity, mood, sleep, and stress resilience.

  • Safe for All Ages: Cranio-Sacral Therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages, from infants to elders.

In Uptown Minneapolis, our clinic provides a calm, welcoming environment where you can experience CST as part of a holistic health plan designed to support both body and mind.


Conditions Cranio-Sacral Therapy Can Help With

Cranio-Sacral Therapy is known for its versatility and can be beneficial for various conditions, including:

  • Headaches and Migraines: CST may help relieve tension and frequency of headaches by improving cranial circulation and reducing stress.

  • Chronic Pain: Many clients with neck, back, and joint pain find relief through CST, as it targets the root causes of pain in the central nervous system.

  • Stress and Anxiety: CST has a deeply calming effect on the body, which can help reduce stress and support mental and emotional balance.

  • Sleep Issues: Improved nervous system function may help promote better sleep, leading to enhanced overall wellness.

  • TMJD and Jaw Tension: CST can alleviate discomfort in the jaw and related areas, promoting relaxation and improved jaw mobility.

What to Expect During Your Cranio-Sacral Therapy Session

Your first visit begins with a conversation. We’ll explore your health history, your goals, and how your body has been adapting. During the session, you’ll rest fully clothed on a comfortable table while your practitioner uses light touch to encourage softening and release.

The environment is intentionally calm and grounding—soft lighting, gentle sound, and a space where your nervous system can truly settle.

🌿 Craniosacral Therapy: 45 minutes

Gentle stillness. Deep release.

A subtle, hands-on therapy that works with the rhythms of your craniosacral system—the membranes and fluids surrounding your brain and spinal cord. This deeply calming session supports nervous system regulation, unwinds tension patterns, and restores balance throughout the body.

Perfect for clients dealing with headaches, TMJ, chronic stress, post-concussion recovery, or those simply seeking a state of profound rest and integration.

Dr. Stephen Thompson DC DACM

Dr. Michele Renee DC, MAc

Dr. Brenna Erickson DC

Benefits of Cranio-Sacral Therapy

Clients who receive CST at Stockheart Whole Health often experience:

  • Enhanced relaxation and stress relief

  • Reduced muscle and joint pain

  • Improved mental clarity and mood

  • Better sleep quality

  • Greater resilience to everyday stressors

Whether you’re managing a specific condition or simply seeking a path to enhanced wellness, Cranio-Sacral Therapy offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to holistic health.

Cranio-Sacral vs Massage Therapy

Pressure

Moderate to heavy pressure

Focus

Primarily muscle and joint manipulation

Experience

Can feel intense or forceful

Approach

Practitioner-driven

Pressure

Gentle, light touch

Focus

Nervous system regulation

Experience

Subtle, often deeply relaxing

Approach

Body-led and integrative

Cranio-Sacral Therapy FAQ

  • Soft, comfortable clothing that allows you to relax fully.

  • Yes. CST uses extremely gentle techniques and is safe for most people—including children, pregnant individuals, and those living with chronic illness.


  • Every body is different. Some people feel changes after one session; others benefit from ongoing care to support deeper regulation.


  • Cranio-Sacral Therapy may be reimbursed if it is covered out of network. Ask your physician, including your chiropractor, if they can write you a prescription and call your insurance to inquire about coverage.