About Julie
You may hear it referred to as Cranial Sacral Therapy or CranioSacral Therapy—both describe the same gentle, hands-on approach to supporting the body’s natural ability to heal.
I am currently studying with the Upledger Institute, founded by osteopathic physician Dr. John Upledger, whose pioneering research revealed a subtle yet powerful rhythm within the human body—the craniosacral rhythm. This pulse, generated by the movement of cerebrospinal fluid, can be felt throughout the entire body and is as essential as the heartbeat or breath.
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) focuses on the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—the clear, life-nourishing liquid that cushions, protects, and sustains the brain and spinal cord. This fluid resides in the subarachnoid space, between the pia mater and arachnoid membrane, all encased within the dura mater, a strong sheath that extends from the cranial bones down the spine.
CSF is produced in the choroid plexus of the brain’s four ventricles, where blood plasma is filtered into a pure, refined form of liquid life. It moves in rhythmic tides—rising, falling, circulating—carrying nutrients, clearing waste, and maintaining a delicate internal balance for the entire nervous system.
But this rhythm doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s housed within the architecture of the cranial bones themselves. The human skull is not one solid structure but a living mosaic of 22 bones that subtly move in relation to one another, expanding and contracting with the craniosacral rhythm.
When we experience injury, stress, birth trauma, or emotional strain, these bones can become restricted or misaligned. Since the cranial bones are continuous with the dural membranes that travel down through all 33 vertebrae of the spine and anchor to the sacrum, a restriction in one area can ripple throughout the entire system.
In other words, what happens in the head can echo in the hips—and what happens in the hips can influence the head. The body is a continuous dialogue of structure and flow. CST listens to this conversation and gently helps the body restore balance from the inside out.
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Physiologically, the craniosacral fluid allows the brain to float within the skull, protected yet dynamic. Spiritually, it can be seen as a river of life—a sacred current moving through us, animating our being from within.
“The Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.” — Genesis 1:2
“A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.” — Genesis 2:10
These ancient words mirror what many experience in this work. The four ventricles of the brain, where CSF is born, could be seen as those headwaters—sacred springs of consciousness. The fluid flows outward like the river from Eden, traveling through the thirty-three vertebrae, nourishing the body’s landscape, cleansing what has become stagnant, and restoring life wherever it travels.
“Water was flowing from under the threshold of the temple… and wherever the river flows, everything will live.” — Ezekiel 47:1, 9
In this way, the body becomes the temple, and the craniosacral fluid, the holy water within it.
CranioSacral Therapy is about listening to that sacred current. Through light touch, no more than the weight of a nickel, the therapist supports this internal tide, helping to release restrictions and invite balance.
When this river flows freely, the entire being can begin to reorganize—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Clients often describe the sensation as if something deep within them has begun to breathe again.
How It Helps
When this inner river moves freely, the whole body begins to recalibrate. The nervous system softens, muscles let go, and the mind grows quiet enough to listen. CranioSacral Therapy helps bring the body back into its natural state of balance—where healing can happen without force, effort, or control.
Clients often describe feeling as though time slows down, as if their body is gently reorganizing itself from within. Some experience warmth, subtle waves of motion, or emotional release; others simply feel a deep, peaceful stillness. Whether the work unfolds quietly or profoundly, it always honors the same intelligence—the sacred current that flows through the brain, down the spine, and into every cell.
CranioSacral Therapy may help with:
- Stress, anxiety, and emotional tension
- Chronic pain and fatigue
- Migraines or headaches
- TMJ or jaw tension
- Nervous system disregulation
- Trauma and somatic memory
- Sleep disturbances
Every session unfolds differently. Sometimes the body releases with quiet subtlety; other times, through deeper waves of emotion or spontaneous breath patterns. Each is an expression of your body’s own healing wisdom.
My Approach
In my sessions, I blend traditional massage techniques with CranioSacral Therapy for a more integrative, holistic experience. This allows the body to unwind both muscularly and neurologically—supporting deep rest, balance, and embodied awareness.
As someone who has personally experienced trauma and profound nervous system healing after a near-death experience, I hold this work with reverence. CranioSacral Therapy has not only supported my own recovery—it’s become a language of compassion and curiosity that I now share through touch.
If you have any questions or would like to know whether CranioSacral Therapy is right for you, please reach out to me at contact@homebodybyjulie.com — I’d love to hear from you.
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