CranioSacral Therapy

Gentle Hands-On Treatment to Help Your Body Heal Naturally

A woman, Diane Chalmers, with red hair applying a gentle cranial sacral therapy technique to another woman's head in a cosy room.

When your body whispers, are you listening?

Sometimes, tension, pain, or fatigue hang around long after the cause has gone. It can feel like your body is holding on to something it can’t quite release — and no amount of stretching or massaging makes a difference.

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) offers a different way in. Using a light, listening touch, CST helps your body unwind restrictions deep within the tissues surrounding your brain and spinal cord — known as the craniosacral system. When this system moves freely, everything else tends to follow.

Many people describe feeling calmer, lighter, and more at ease — often noticing improvements far beyond the original problem area.

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A woman lying on a treatment table receiving cranial sacral therapy to her head from another woman, Diane Chalmers, with red hair. The woman receiving the massage has closed eyes and a slight smile.

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that supports your body’s natural healing processes. It focuses on improving the motion of the craniosacral system — the network of membranes, bones, and fluid that protect your brain and spinal cord.

By releasing restrictions in this system, CST helps reduce tension and improve communication throughout the nervous system. That can mean less pain, better movement, and a greater sense of balance.

Unlike forceful techniques, CST works with your body — not on it. Your body is not told what to do; it is simply listened and responded to, and given the quiet support it needs to restore itself.

How CranioSacral Therapy works

Your craniosacral system has its own subtle rhythm — a bit like the ebb and flow of a tide. During a session, I gently tune into that rhythm to sense where movement feels restricted or out of sync. With light touch, the body is enoucraged to release these holding patterns so it can function more freely.

Because your body is an excellent problem-solver, the area that needs attention isn’t always where symptoms appear. CST respects that intelligence and allows the body to self-correct at its own pace.

CST can influence:

  • The nervous system and pain pathways

  • Movement and coordination

  • The digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems

  • The body’s overall sense of calm and connection

When the nervous system feels supported, everything else tends to work better too.

Sketch image of the craniosacral system

Image of craniosacral system from Upledger Institute International

Who CranioSacral Therapy can help

People often come for CST when they feel “stuck” — physically, mentally, or emotionally — and want a more holistic, gentle approach to change.

CST may support you if you’re:

  • Living with chronic pain or tension that hasn’t resolved through other treatments

  • Recovering from injury, surgery, or trauma

  • Experiencing stress, anxiety, or nervous system overwhelm

  • Struggling with headaches, fatigue, or sleep disturbances

  • Wanting to feel more balanced, relaxed, and at ease in your body

Because CST works through the body’s deepest systems, people often notice shifts in unexpected areas — improved digestion, easier breathing, deeper sleep, or a greater sense of calm.

What to expect in a CranioSacral Therapy session

Sessions are deeply calming and non-invasive. You’ll remain fully clothed, usually lying comfortably on a treatment table. Using light touch at the head, spine, and other key areas, I listen to your body’s rhythms and gently support it to release tension.

Many clients describe feeling a wave of relaxation, warmth, or spaciousness. Others notice a sense of inner stillness or quiet movement within the body. Each session is unique because your body leads the process.

My role is simply to listen, guide, and create the conditions for healing.

Professional background

I practise Upledger CranioSacral Therapy, developed by Dr John Upledger — an osteopathic physician who pioneered research into the craniosacral system.
To explore research and further information, visit the Upledger Institute UK website

 

Ready to experience a gentler way to heal?

If you’ve tried everything and still feel out of balance, CranioSacral Therapy may be the quiet reset your body’s been waiting for.

CranioSacral Therapy FAQs

Is CranioSacral Therapy safe?

Yes. CST is extremely gentle and suitable for people of all ages, including children and the elderly. It uses light touch and never forces movement.

 

How many sessions will I need?

Everyone’s different. Some people notice changes after one or two sessions; others benefit from a series of treatments to support deeper, longer-lasting change.

 

Will it hurt?

No — quite the opposite. Most people find CST deeply relaxing. You may feel subtle sensations such as warmth, pulsing, or gentle movement as your body releases tension.

 

Can CST help if I’ve already tried physiotherapy or massage?

Yes. CST works at a deeper, nervous-system level, often helping when more direct approaches haven’t resolved the issue.

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  • Testimonial

    I've been receiving CranioSacral Therapy sessions from Diane for some time now and I cannot speak highly enough of the experience.
    Diane is not only highly skilled but also deeply compassionate and empathetic. She takes the time to listen to my concerns and health issues and tailors a treatment plan specifically for my needs.

    Diane always greets me with great warmth, a huge smile and is very professional. The facility itself is top-notch, clean, well-equipped and creates a comfortable environment for healing and rehabilitation. Furthermore, Diane goes above and beyond to educate me about my condition and also the benefits of CranioSacral Therapy to enhance my understanding of CST.

    Overall, I highly recommend Diane to anyone in need of therapy, whether it's physio or CST. Her dedication to her patients' well-being is truly commendable, and I am grateful for the positive impact she has had on my life. Thank you, Diane for your outstanding care and support!

    Ada G

  • Testimonial

    I consulted Diane for Physiotherapy Treatment for dual Achilles Tendon Injuries. Diane is a very empathetic, committed and professional practitioner who has helped alleviate the pain and the lack of mobility caused by my injury to the extent that I am pretty much pain free and can walk and stand without discomfort, this has in consequence had a very positive effect on my mental health.

    Diane has also started Craniosacral therapy with me, I must admit to having been a little sceptical in regards to this type of treatment at first, but after a couple weeks of this form of therapy, I have fewer periodic aches and pains, I am sleeping better and my appetite is a lot better, and I do feel that my overall health is greatly improved. Diane has a very positive mind set that is reflected in her treatment of clients and that in turn has a very affirming affect on her clients.

    Alan H

  • Testimonial

    CST was recommended to me as I have been experiencing frequent migraines. Diane was calming and put me at ease; fully explaining CST and what is involved. I would explain the experience as deep relaxation and I am hopeful it will ease my head tension. I will definitely be trying CST again, and would definitely recommend Diane.

    Katy T

  • Testimonial

    I have been seeing Diane regularly for about 8 months now. I had been looking for her for YEARS, going to various podiatrist’s and physios for help with chronic big toe pain and lower leg stress fracture on the left side, but never got any answers that could adequately explained the issues.
    She has completely changed the way I understand the body and how it works. She focuses on getting to the root cause of your problem, which is not a one size fits all selection of exercises. She is so interested and motivated to figure out the puzzle and is constantly adapting and modifying what my body needs as it starts to relearn movements it has lost. She is a marvel and I recommend her CONSTANTLY to my massage clients who have long term niggles or new ones!
    The CST I find fascinating and I often notice a huge difference in my body immediately afterwards.
    As someone who works in a similar line of work I am beyond grateful to have found Diane to help me work on my body and getting it to help heal itself from past traumas and to be able to send my clients to someone who can shine light on frustrating pain.
    Absolutely go and see her!!!

    Anna T