Craniosacral Therapy
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Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy involves a massage therapist, chiropractor, or
other person placing their hands on the
patient in order to tune into what they call the
"cranio sacral" rhythm. Supposedly, the bones of the skull can
be manipulated and various health
problems can be cured. There is no medical or scientific evidence that
the skull is moveable or that there is a "cranial rhythm."
(see Wikipedia for more info).
June 2010
We have heard that craniosacral therapy may help infants who
are colicky, and are wondering if anyone has experience with
a local practitioner - esp. one that they would recommend.
Anon.
Hi, craniosacral therapy ABSOLUTELY helped our newborn, who spent 3
hours in the birth canal. He was very sensitive about his head being
touched and hated for us to take off his little cap before the therapy. He
cried a LOT. We were very concerned. The compression on his head was
still hurting him. Luckily, I had prenatal appointments with an incredible
craniosacral therapist who also does amazing work with infants and
children, so we called her. She made a house call to us on his 2nd day of
life, and another follow up a few days later. The difference after the first
session was like night and day. Our lil guy was completely relieved of the
pressure in his head and was so happy and peaceful after that with no
more ultra sensitivity to being touched on the head. We felt blessed to
know this wonderful woman--who has treated our family for the past two
years, and facilitated and brought about multi-faceted healing in all of us.
I have no doubt a session with her could help your child. It is good to note
that follow up appointments are just as important--to track progress--and
to realize that some sessions may not be a cure-all/one-dose, but actually
a good first step to bringing about healing. Her name is Tomi Knutson,
and you can find her at http://www.tomiknutson.com/.
In Health, Another Mama!
There are many craniosacral practitioners around but by far
my favorite and most skilled recommendation is Holly Edson.
She is amazing and the only one I would let touch my infant.
http://www.iahp.com/Holly--Edson/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/holly-edson-rn-san-francisco
Good luck,
Carleigh
yes cranial sacral can help with that as well as tons of other things! we saw rose
stamm and she was wonderful! she has been doing this for years and is also an
OT for kids at the cameron school.
her #215.7615
new believer
Hello parents of a colicky baby,
I know everyone is probably telling you this, but it will
pass, life will settle down, and you will likely end up with
a delightful child. We had a very fussy baby girl until
about 10 weeks and then she snapped out of it (after one
very depressing regression, so hang in there....). One of
the things that I feel helped her most was the CranioSacral
Therapy that she received from Sirena Masket (her office is
on Piedmont Ave in Oakland, but she came to our home to work
with our daughter). Sirena is an Occupational Therapist and
CranioSacral Therapist, and is particularly interested in
and attuned to the needs of babies and children. Our
daughter was noticably calmer during and after her sessions
with Sirena, who brought a soothing presence to the whole
household during her visits. It is subtle work that I don't
begin to fully understand, but I know that it soothed both
our's and our baby's nerves! You can reach Sirena at
510-290-8860. We also had great luck using a homeopathic
remedy called ColicCalm (order online). Best of luck!
Simmin
Wonderful Cranio Sacral practitioner, experienced working with babies and
children (and grownups too):
Nancy Burke
Phone: (510) 236-1007, 237 25th St, Richmond, CA (just off Hwy 80, about 15
mins from Berkeley).
www.nancyburkecst.com/
merry
Kim Lyons is a lovely person and gifted practioner and my
massage therapist of choice. I can't speak from the
vantage point of taking a child to see her (I've only
taken myself) but I seem to remember from her website that
she is experienced in working with all ages. Her phone
number is 510/798-3089 and this is her website:
http://www.movingfromwithin.com
Hilary
For Craniosacral work, I highly recommend Celine Germain.
She is hands down the best massage therapist I've ever been
to (and I've been to a lot of them). She is also the most
educated massage therapist I've ever met - and I mean
educated in massage- she has a gazillion different
certifications, and it shows in her technique. She's also
very comfortable with babies- I know she's done quite a bit
of birth assisting. As to whether she does Craniosacral on
babies, I do not know. Her number is (510) 548-4004.
I do want to caution that I have heard that Craniosacral
work is not appropriate for infants. So I'd recommend doing
a little research before you go that route.
anon
May 2010
Wondering if anyone has had recent cranio-sacral treatment
with Catherine Henderson; I heard she's returned to work
after a short sabbatical, and am curious whether she's
treating adults as well as children at this time.
Andy
Hi there,
We recently took our baby to Catherine Henderson. Catherine
was recommended to us by a lactation consultant to help
resolve our baby's breastfeeding latch issues. We found her
to be a bit cold and stand-offish, but apparently she's
quite respected in the field and has been doing this kind of
work for a very long time. The initial consult was quite
spendy: $160! Because we didn't connect with her and because
her prices were high, we decided not to book a follow-up
appointment. Our lactation consultant also recommended a
more affordable place in San Francisco: More Mojo
http://www.moremojostudios.com/ Our consultant said she's
sent many people there to see Kristine Hicks and they've
liked her and seen good results. Good luck!
Anon
My kids both have seen her several times; she's amazing. Typically she has a
very busy practice and only sees kids, but due to her sabbatical there is now
space in her practice for new clients. I highly recommend jumping on that
opportunity. FYI, she's an osteopath not a cranial sacral therapist, though
perhaps she integrates both.
Local
Aug 2009
I'm looking to try a new Cranial-Sacral therapist after working with
mine for three years. I think she has done a lot of good, but i'm still
having chronic back and wrist pain and would really like to have someone
else's perspective to see if I can't get some relief.
anon
I am very thankful for the work of my wonderful cranial-sacral therapist,
Nancy Burke. She has been an enormous help to my family and me for many
years, for conditions as varied as headaches, irritability,
post-concussion syndrome, stress fracture and anxiety. She is a great
listener, a kind and compassionate person and an extraordinary healer. Her
office is in Richmond. Phone number is (510) 236-1007.
Feeling so much better
Hello, I saw your request for a cranio-sacral therapist. I don't know if
you would be open to seeing someone who does other techniques as well as
cranio-sacral. The masseuse my husband and I have been seeing for the
past four years, Dahlia Silvers does cranial work and also a host of
other techniques and she's fabulous. I have suffered from severe back
pain on and off all my adult life, and I can honestly say, that with the
bodywork I've been having along with exercise, I finally have it managed.
She's done cranial work with me when I have occasional migraines, and it
did the trick. I (and my husband Joe) highly recommend her work. She's
thorough, experienced and will even spend extra time with you if needed.
Don't tell her I said that, but do give her a try.
Dahlia Silvers (510) 759-4250
Jenna
Nancy Burke the best possible therapist out there. Maybe because I am
really young, but in 3 sessions she had me up and running after 3 days of
labor + c-section! 510 236 1007
I can highly recommend Susan Feldman as a craniosacral therapist in
Berkeley. She is very skilled and has years of experience. My own
treatments with her have been very valuable and as a health care
professional and clinician myself, I feel like I am a good judge of
quality work. Susan Feldman can be reached through Back in Action
Chiropractic. 510-8-HEALTH.
Jay Sordean
Hello,
I don't know if you are open or looking for a therapist who does only
cranio-sacral therapy or someone who does a combination of therapeutic
techniques. If you are open to the latter, my massage therapist is
fabulous. I have been seeing her for about three years now. I'm grateful
to have found her after my former massage therapist moved to Australia.
She's been doing massage for over twenty years and is very well versed in
a number of techniques, such as cranio-sacral, deep tissue, shiatsu,
abdominal massage, something called Bowen. She's very thorough and
attentive and leaves no stone unturned. Her name is Dahlia Silvers, and
she's in the Grand Lake area. If you're open to it, give her a call.
(510) 759-4250
Abby
May 2010
Has anyone out there tried to go the route of Cranial Sacral
Therapy for straightening teeth (vrs. orthodonita.) My
childs teeth are actually straight, but she has 3 teeth
comming in next to the baby teeth. She and I would like to
avoid extraction if possible. These teeth have been coming
in for awhile, so I think we've given them enough time.
I ask because a friend of mine has had Cranial Sacral Therapy
done on her son, and I noticed his teeth are noticably
straighter now. She said the person she was working on
that, but they live out of town. Recommendations welcomed or
stories welcomed! -I already have tons of stories about
extractions, just looking to see if there is an alternative.
don't like the pulling!
As a craniosacral therapist I know that teeth can be re-shaped and
children are more 'fluid' so they will respond well to this
treatment; but I just got set up by my dentist for invisalign
(braces). After spending all day with my hands in my mouth and not
getting the results I wanted I opted for the braces. Sorry I can't
give any solid recomendations here.
AA
I recommend Ursulal Ferreira who does great Cranial Sacral work.
She can be reached at (510) 333-4721 or anahata.bhakti@gmail.com
Sept 2008
I am looking for recommendations for an east bay cranial- sacral
practitioner. Thanks
micky
I highly recommend Anasuya Batliner in Berkeley
(www.mybodywisdom.net/pages/craniosacral.html). I experienced a
wonderful session with her. Or - in Lafayette - Robyn Scherr
(925-788-9298), also an exceptional practitioner with a lot of
experience. I felt cared for and so much better afterwards. Both
Anasuya and Robyn have many years of experience with
craniosacral therapy.
rosie
My infant son had cranial-sacral work done by Nancy Burke in
Richmond. She is truly magic. I would highly recommend her to
anyone. Her phone number is 510-236-1007.
I know that my chiropractor also does cranial-sacral work. I
haven't tried it with him, but he's an amazing chiropractor, so
I would trust him. His name is Elon Bartlett and he's in
Berkeley. http://www.bartlettchiropractic.com/
A believer in cranial-sacral methods
I highly recommend Alberta Fischer. She's located in Berkeley
and I think she has an office in Walnut Creek. She's fantastic
and is really knowledgeable. Here is her contact information:
510-421-0485. Her e-mail is albertafischer@yahoo.com
Ronna
Sirena Masket is a wonderful Cranio Sacral Therapist and a
delightful person.
I recommend her wholeheartedly.
J
May 2008
I'm looking for a craniofacial massage therapist in Oakland/Berkeley or
downtown S.F. I've been in physical therapy for tightness in my jaw (TMJ) and
neck, and I'd like to continue with a craniofacial massage specialist to help
me keep things loose and stretched out. Anybody know someone?
Anon
I can highly recommend Dr. Elon Bartlett DC, for CST. He's gentle,
sweet and really good at CST (and a good chiropractor).
His office is at 2509 Milvia Street between Blake and Dwight in
Bkly. Office number is 843-1234. I'm a massage therapist in the
same office as Elon. Good luck finding someone to help you.
June
I highly recommend Julia Boudikian 525-4422. She is a former
Dentist, who's been doing Cranio- work for years. Highly
experienced. She's really helped me
Sepha
March 2008
Hi there,
Wondering if anyone has had their child undergo Cranio-Sacral
work and if so, if you have any recommendations. We actually
live in the city so would prefer someone here but we'd be
willing to go to the East Bay. It's for our daughter, who's 9
month's old. Thanks!
Lisa
Cranio sacral is wonderful for babies, and adults. We've taken both of
our sons, 3 1/2 and 6 weeks, and I receive it myself. Can help all
kinds of things, like constipation, ear infections, skeletal
misalignment, the list is long. Call Michael Lande 415-252-9338, he's
in The Mission. He's amazing! Get yourself a session while you're there
too.
Lynnsey
Barbara Golden is a wonderful Berkeley cranio-sacral therapist who does
a LOT of work with babies. She's been doing this for more than 20 years,
so I expect she'll know if there's a competent practitioner in SF she
can refer you to. Her number is 510.835.1731.
Terry
I continue to highly recommend Dr. Chinabear Joseph. She is a
chiropractor who specializes in cranial sacral work on infants and young
children. Chinabear treated my colicky 3 month old and I noticed an
immediate effect. Our whole family has been seeing her for the past 10
years. Chinabear is a gentle, intuitive bodyworker and a wonderful
person. Her office is off of Grand Lake in Oakland (near 580) and her
number is 510-272-9019.
Ariel
Dr. Elon Bartlett (chiropractor) does CST on babies. His practice
consists largely of pre-post natal care for mom's and babies. CST is
VERY safe for babies adn in fact, if you look at teh Upledger website
you will find a lot of info about CST for babies with varying conditions
from simple colic all the way to severe birth conditions. Elon's office
number is 843-1234. He's in Berkeley on Milvia Street. Good luck,(I'm a
massage therapist and I work with Elon).
June
We, husband, me, 4 yr old, and 6 mo old, see Laura Sheehan in
the Inner Sunset. She is a chiropractor who also does Cranio
Sacral. Just this week, we took our 6 mo old in for sleep
issues related to teething and such. She did 10 mins Cranio.
We came home and she took a 3 hour nap! It always happens.
The rest of her sleep has also improved. Anyway, Laura's great
and specializes in children. Let me know if you have any
questions.
http://www.laurasheehan.com/
cindy
Tomi Knutson is a massage therapist and cranial sacral
therapist that works with infants. She is wonderful and I work
with her regularly. Her telephone # is 510-502-5799. Hope this
helps.
Jill
May 2007
Postings look oldish and saw few recommendations for the Oakland
area. Anyone have a great craniosacral therapist - ideally for
headaches, ADD, depression? Thanks! anon
I highly recommend Celine Germaine (510) 548-4004 at 1064-45th st in emeryville. I
loved my previous cranio sacral therapist but she went on to pursue her studies, and
she recommended me to Celine, who was her practioner. Celine is great at her craft
and art, and is very warm and sweet. I feel very safe with her when I am typically
very leary.
A more balanced person
I'd highly recommend Kim Lyons. She gave me some great prenatal massages close to a
year and a half ago and my husband also got a wonderful massage from her around that
same time.
http://www.movingfromwithin.com/massage.htm
She's great and my body really felt different after one of her massages.
anon
I highly recommend chiropractor Chinabear Joseph (510-272-9019)
for craniosacral work. She is highly experienced, gentle, and compassionate. Her
cranial work had a huge impact in reducing my daughter's colic as an infant, and
nine years later, our whole family still sees her for a variety of stress related
issues. I am sure she can help you. Her office in on Grand Ave. across from
Fairyland. Ariel
I know you're looking in Oakland, but would you consider a trip to El Cerrito? It
isn't too far to go, and the therapist I'm thinking of lives very close to the 80
freeway, just off the Carlson Avenue exit.
Ellen Mossman is by far the most skilled craniosacral therapist I've ever met. And
yes, her work absolutely addresses headaches, depression and the like. She's a
delight to work with: perceptive, sensitive, funny, kind. I love going to her and
wouldn't dream of seeing anyone else.
Her number is 510-527-7968. She also often has convenient late afternoon and early
evening appointments, and while she tends not to work on Fridays, she almost always
takes clients on those frequent monday holidays when no one else is working.
anne
April 2007
Looking for someone, preferably a woman, who practices both
Rosen Body & cranial sacrum work.
dogspirit
You can't do better than Peggy Dey: 510-233-4086,
peggydey@pacbell.net. She is skilled in a number of different
bodywork modalities, including cranial-sacral.
.
Jane
June 2005
Any recommendations for therepists who are experienced in
working with special needs infants (in this case a baby with
down syndrome). I am thinking acupuncture, massage, yoga,
nutrionist type stuff but open to other recs. In North bay,
East Bay or SF. Thanks!
Kim Lyons was great with my son, as well as my personal massage
therapist for the last two years. My son was grinding his teeth
at night during a big life-transition time and after two
sessions of cranio-sacral work with Kim, he stopped. I would
highly recommend her and her work.
Tora
I strongly recommend Kim Lyons for support with both healthy children and
children with health issues.
She was a coordinator for an early intervention center and is now in private
practice offering classes, massage, craniosacral therapy and yoga for children
and families.
Her website has a lengthy bio which shows her extensive experience and
descriptions of her work including yoga for children with special needs.
http://www.movingfromwithin.com
She is also a wonderful massage therapist for mothers and women and I say
this from personal experience.
Sherry
June 2004
I have seen the recent postings recommending
craniosacral therapists. Had anyone had any luck with this
therapy for treating fibromyalgia in an adult? If so, is there
anyone specific that you could recommend? Perhaps a
physical therapist with craniosacral
training? Thank you.
an
Cranialosacral bodywork has helped my mother with her
fibromyalgia tremendously. Most chronic illnesses respond
to more than one type of treatment at the same time. If you
can find an osteopath in your hmo, that might be worth
looking into.
Osteopath's are Md's that also include alternative
medicine/practices in their work. You get the best of both
worlds. Unfortunately, even in the East Bay, finding an
osteopath that is covered by health insurance isn't easy.
There is a good osteopath on Telegraph and Prince (I think).
Her office is parallel to the Blue Oak Therapy center. You
could call or stop by and ask them what health insurance
they take.
One more thing, a friend of mine that has fibromyalgia has
been taking tai-chi for a year now. It's helped her body, mind
and soul, without causing her any pain.
beth
I don't have fibromyalgia myself but I asked my cranial-sacral practioner, Michelle Reddel, D.C., about it. In her opinion,
fibromyalgia is best treated by an integrated treatment protocol including bodywork, nutrition, and physical activity, and
CS technique is ideally suited to the fibromyalgia client b/c of its systems approach of balancing muscular and neurologic
dysfunction. In addition, because of its slow and relaxing components (which I can attest to!), it tends not to be as
overwhelming and arousing as other techniques (which is a critical aspect for the fibromyalgia client who is in a constant
state of sensitivity.) If you want to talk further about it, you can call her office at 649-9169.
Janet
June 2004
While there are some cranial-sacral previous recommendations
they are pretty dated and I was hoping for some current
suggestions.
I am very interested in some cranial-sacral work for my infant
and myself. She was a vacuum assist birth and I want to address
anything that may have been injured. For myself, I have had a
few head injuries and I am curious if it will address headaches,
sinus pain and depression. I would appreciated any feedback and
recommendations.
Thank you.
I highly recommend Michele Reddel, D.C., for cranial-sacral work. She's a very gifted practioner, knowledgeable and
intuitive, and a great listener. I know she treats infants and children as well, so I think she would be a good fit for you.
Her office is the Parker Plaza building at 2560 Ninth Street (btn. Parker and Dwight), in Berkeley. Her number is 649-
9169.
Janet
I would highly recommend Michelle Reddell in Berkeley.
She helped me through some very intense pain. I know she has worked
with many children. She is very open, kind and generous. The office
number is 649-9169.
Good Luck.
Elyse
One resource for cranial work is our office,the ChiroCranial
Center, in San Rafael. Dr. Strasser has twenty years of
experience treating adults and children and cranial therapy is
one of his primary approaches. Dr. Strasser uses a gentle
approach that combines osteopathic ''cranio-sacral'' with
chiropractic craniopathy and Cranial Release Technique. Please
see our website at www.chirocranial.com. Dr. Strasser is always
available for questions.
Susan at Dr. Strasser's office
I highly recommend Nancy Burke, who works with adults as
well as children. She helped my infant born with vacuum
extraction, and I believe she really benefitted from the work.
Nancy is highly trained in cranial-sacral work and has
excellent rapport with children. Her office is in Richmond
and her phone number is 236-1007.
Yvonne
You can't beat Catherine Henderson --she's an osteopath, but I understand that it's
similar to Craeo-sacral work--for infants. She helped our (then 2 month old) son
out immesurably after a fall. I understand she has a huge waiting list,
but I also know she will see infants fairly quickly if there has been a birth (or other)
trauma. Good luck!
Abby
When my son was first born, he had a lot of problems with
breastfeeding and the lactation consultant referred us to a
cranio sacral therapist who we liked a lot. I think that the
work she did on our baby really helped. She also did some work
on me a few times when I was there, and it felt great. Her name
is Nancy Burke, and her office is in Richmond (a haul from our
home in Oakland, but well worth the commute). I thought her fees
were reasonable- she has a sliding scale. Her # is 236-1007.
Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
milli
My daughter also had a vacuum assisted birth and was an
extremely intense infant. She received cranial sacral therapy
when she was 1-3 months old from Elon Barnett (11/02-1/03 he
was working at Back in Action in Berkeley, although I'm not
sure if he's still there). It's very difficult to tell if it
helped or not. The therapy itself is so mild and it's difficult
to ''read'' a 2 month-old. Her response was random, some visits
she'd be smiling and others fussy. She has grown up to be a
very happy (although still prone to intenseness) 20 month old,
so maybe it helped. Elon was very patient and kind, even
through yelling and poopy diapers. He had a nice manner and
appeared to know what he was doing. I always trust
practitioners who tell you when they've done *enough* and Elon
was one of those. We went until he felt as though the therapy
had done what it could. I'd probably do it again, since it
definitely didn't hurt and maybe it helped, but it was one more
thing that made me feel like I was helping my daughter get
through some tough times.
Kim
Kim Lyons has done some very effective cranio-sacral work on me, and she's also a
specialist in infants and children. She's great. Contact her at:
Kim Lyons-Stuart, M.Ed., CMT (birthmate@yahoo.com)
Letitia
We took our son to a wonderful cranio-sacral chiropractor in
Santa Rosa named Dennis Hertenstein. I can't speak to his work
with adults, though I would expect that it would be excellent,
but we felt that he did help our son with his asthma. Dr. H.
feels very strongly that the birth experience can be directly
related to health problems, such as asthma, and he actually
aims to re-create aspects of the birth experience during
treatments. Our son did have a difficult birth (long, stalled
labor, pitocin, back labor, vacuum extraction, and cord around
neck), and he felt this was all very directly related to his
asthma. Of course we were seeing traditional western doctors
as well, and using lots of medications, so it is very hard to
say what exactly is responsible for the vast improvement we've
seen, but we do feel that Dr. H was at least partly responsible
for the improvement. The treatments were for the most part
very subtle and gentle, but it was sometimes a little weird and
disturbing (especially for me as the mom) when he would talk
about and re-create the birth experience. It's a little out
there, and the doctor himself was very upfront about the fact
that any number of factors could have contributed to the
overall improvement (meds, age, etc.), but we felt it was well
worth the drive up there once every 8 weeks or so. I'm really
giving you a very nutshell description here, so if you are
interested please email me and I'd be happy to call you. I'm
pretty certain he would be of help to you as well as your
child, but I can only speak to his work with children (our son
was probably about 2 when we started going). I also can't find
his phone # at the moment, but I'm sure he's listed, and I
could dig it up if you want to contact me.
Best of luck to you!
Tracy
October 2001
Can someone recommend where I can get a
craniosacral massage?
Tamara
Julia Boudakian is hard to get a hold of (she's semi-retired), but it
is worth pursuing an appointment with her. I went elsewhere for
craniosacral therapy treatments (to Back-in-Action on MLK) when I
couldn't get an appointment with her and was really disappointed.
Craniosacral therapy is very subtle work. When it's done well, it's
amazing; when it's not, it feels like nothing. Dr. Boudakian is
located on the Alameda near Solano Ave in Berkeley. Her number is:
510-525-4422
Ilana
Betty Segal in N. Berkeley does craniosacral (in addition to Swedish
massage and lymph drainage treatments). Her number is 526-8685.
J
I highly recommend Chris Iosbaker, a massage therapist in Oakland.
I've been seeing Chris since the birth of my daughter 2 years ago and she is
a miracle worker. I suffer from occasional TMJ and seeing Chris regularly
has kept it in check. She works with each patient to determine "hot spots"
and tailors her time with you to reflect your needs.
Chris has her own studio, attached to her home off of Oakland Avenue;
lovely, light filled and warm. Her number is 510 444 7997.
Alexandra
There are 2 people in this area who are masters of Cranio/sacral Therapy
Susan Feldman at Back in Action Chiropractic Center in Berkeley works wonders
with her hands. She's sensitive, intuitive and really good at what she does
(and a wonderful person too). The number at Back in Action is 843-2584. I've
never seen Susan myself for Craneo/Sacral but I work with her at Back in
Action (I'm a massage therapist) and she and I have worked together on
patients there.
The other person is Nancy Burke, in Richmond. Nancy is master of masters in
my opinion. She can work miracles. If something can be helped with
craneo/sacral therapy, Nancy can do it. Her number is 236-1007. I highly
recommend both people.
I've seen Nancy myself and have taken my 6 year old son to her.She works with
all kinds of problems. She works with kids and animals too. I'd call them
both to get a feel for what they each do. Good luck.
June
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