Craniosacral Therapy

Gentle Work That Goes Far Deeper Than It Seems

Sometimes you can’t quite explain what’s wrong—you’re just… off. Maybe your mind’s foggy, or your shoulders feel like they’re carrying more than they should. Maybe you’ve been feeling tight for so long it’s become your normal. And sure, you’ve stretched, rested, tried a new pillow—but something underneath it all still feels stuck.

You’re not broken. And it’s not just in your head. Your body remembers stress in ways your brain forgets. Over time, it builds into patterns, into tension, into the kind of discomfort that doesn’t go away on its own.

That’s usually where people find their way to Craniosacral Therapy. Not because they were looking for it, necessarily—but because something about it just feels right. Quiet. Kind. Needed.

And at Shalom Medicine, right here in St. Joseph, MN, it’s become something more than a service. It’s a space people return to when they need to come back to themselves.

What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique that works with the body’s central nervous system to release tension, restore balance, and support the body’s natural healing processes. It focuses on the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord—which plays a vital role in regulating the nervous system and maintaining overall health. When this system gets stuck or restricted, it can throw off sleep, digestion, mood and more…

Using very light touch, CST helps detect and release restrictions in this system, which can develop from physical injuries, emotional trauma, chronic stress, or long-standing tension. These restrictions can contribute to a wide range of issues, including:

  • Headaches and migraines

  • Digestive discomfort or dysfunction

  • Anxiety, depression, and emotional imbalances

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Muscle tension or chronic pain

  • Nervous system dysregulation

By gently calming the nervous system and improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, CST supports the body in moving out of a stressed “fight-or-flight” state and into a more restful “rest-and-digest” state. This shift can lead to improved mood, better digestion, reduced pain, and a greater sense of inner ease.

Though subtle, the effects of CST are often deeply felt—many people experience a sense of lightness, release, and deep relaxation during and after a session. Over time, CST can help the body unwind stored stress and trauma, leading to lasting improvements in both physical and emotional well-being.

It’s the kind of therapy where less really is more. You might not even feel much during the session—just warmth, maybe a soft sense of release. But afterward? A lot of people say it’s like their body finally took a deep breath.

You Don’t Have to Be in a Crisis…

One of the most common things we hear is, “I didn’t know how much I needed that.” And that’s the thing—you don’t need a diagnosis. You don’t need something to be wrong.

Maybe you’re tired but can’t seem to rest. Maybe your jaw’s been tight for weeks. Maybe you just feel disconnected in a way that’s hard to put into words.

Here in Minnesota, people are used to pushing through. We’re hard-working, always busy, always giving. But the body keeps score. And it will eventually speak up—whether through headaches, tension, or that vague feeling of being “off” you can’t shake.

CST doesn’t promise to erase those things overnight. But it does offer something different: a soft reset. A quiet return to balance.

What to Expect in a Session:

You arrive—and that’s the first step. Dr. Jess will take a few moments to connect with you and gently check in about how you’re feeling—physically, emotionally, or anything else that’s been on your heart. Then you’ll lie down fully clothed on a treatment table in a peaceful room with soft music playing in the background. No machines. No distractions. Just quiet presence, and a practitioner who is deeply attuned to what your body needs.

Each session with Dr. Jess lasts about 45 minutes. Her hands will rest lightly on your head, sacrum, or along your spine—offering stillness, not force. There’s no pressure, no adjustment. Just a calm, healing space where your nervous system can begin to unwind.

As your body begins to release stored tension and restriction, you may feel a deep sense of relaxation, warmth, or lightness. Some feel emotional release; others quietly drift into sleep. This is your body receiving a reset—softening, opening, and letting go of what it no longer needs to hold.

After the session, many people notice they move more freely, breathe more easily, and carry a quiet peace that lingers long after they’ve left.

Commonly Asked Questions:

  • Not at all. You can schedule a session directly—no doctor's note or approval needed.

  • Yes. CST is one of the gentlest therapies out there. We’ve worked with babies, toddlers, teens—it helps with anxiety, focus, sensory issues, and even recovery from falls or head bumps.

  • Not typically, but many of our clients use their HSA or FSA funds, and we can give you a superbill if your provider accepts outside services.

  • It’s different for everyone. Some feel big shifts after just one session. Others prefer to come weekly for a while, or once a month as part of their regular wellness routine. There’s no pressure here—just options.

A Quiet Return

If your body’s been asking for something softer… something slower… something real—you might already know it’s time.

We don’t do quick fixes here. We do personal. We do gentle. We do deep listening. Shalom Medicine is a place where healing is personal, spiritual, and completely unhurried.

We’d be honored to hold space for you. Whether this is your first step or your next one—we’re ready when you are.

Come as you are. Let’s begin there.