Craniosacral therapy is one of those things that's hard to explain before you've experienced it. It's incredibly gentle, non-invasive, and works with the body's own rhythms rather than trying to override them. For me, it's been one of the most consistently helpful therapies in my whole recovery toolkit.

What it is

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that works with the craniosacral system: the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The system has its own subtle rhythm, distinct from breathing and heartbeat, and a trained therapist can feel and work with this rhythm through light touch.

The two poles of this system are:

The therapy works on the relationship and communication between these two centres, which form a major highway of the central nervous system. When this system is restricted or dysregulated, it can affect virtually every other body system.

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CST is non-manipulative and non-invasive. There is no clicking, cracking, or strong physical manipulation. The touch involved is typically no more than 5 grams of pressure, about the weight of a small coin. This makes it particularly well-suited to people with head and neck injuries where stronger therapies may not be appropriate.

What to expect in a session

A typical session runs around an hour. You remain fully clothed and lie on a treatment table. The therapist places their hands gently on your head, back, and sometimes other areas like your arms or legs, listening to the craniosacral rhythm and working with areas of restriction or imbalance.

Many people find it deeply relaxing, sometimes falling asleep. Others notice sensations of warmth, tingling, or a sense of something shifting. It's quite different from anything else and takes a session or two to tune into.

A note on regulation in New Zealand

CST is currently an unregulated practice in New Zealand. It is not recognised in the same way as physiotherapy, osteopathy, or chiropractic care, and ACC does not currently fund it. Sessions typically range from $70 to $120 depending on location and practitioner.

Because it's unregulated, the quality of practitioners varies. A recommendation from someone you trust, or a therapist with formal training through a recognised CST programme, is worth seeking out.

Ally's experience

The therapy I keep coming back to

I first encountered craniosacral therapy after my seventh concussion. I was working with Liz Kirkman at CranioWaves in Wellington, and within a few weeks of regular sessions I felt noticeable improvement. Not a dramatic overnight shift, but a genuine settling, a sense of my nervous system finding its way back toward something more regulated.

Liz has a wealth of knowledge and detail on her website at craniowaves.co.nz if you want to understand the practice more deeply.

Since moving to Hawke's Bay I've seen a few different practitioners and each has been excellent. It's become a regular part of how I maintain my baseline rather than something I only turn to when things are bad.

I'll be honest about the science: the research base is not as robust as for some other therapies, and the mechanisms are still debated. But my experience, and the experience of many people with TBI I've spoken to, is consistently positive. Sometimes the most useful thing is what works for your body, even when the full picture isn't yet understood by science.