Overview

AI, Data Science & Cloud Certificates from Google, IBM & Meta — 40% Off

One plan covers every Professional Certificate on Coursera. 40% off Coursera Plus Annual.

Stress, pain, posture, tension, and nervous system overload can all affect how the body feels, moves, and recovers. Craniosacral therapy uses gentle, precise touch to assess subtle restrictions and support the body’s natural ability to regulate, release tension, and restore balance. By the end of this course, learners will understand the foundations of craniosacral therapy and how it may be applied to support comfort, mobility, posture, and overall well-being. Led by Kelly Saxton, ATC, this course introduces the anatomy and physiology of the craniosacral system, including cranial rhythms, fluid motion, tissue restriction, and the role of gentle palpation. Through practical demonstrations and case discussions, learners explore how to listen through the hands, identify areas of restriction, apply integrative techniques, and support self-correction through subtle manual work. Healthcare, bodywork, rehabilitation, and performance professionals will gain an accessible framework for adding craniosacral concepts to practice, while general learners will better understand how gentle touch therapies may support pain, stress reduction, and functional improvement.

Syllabus

Introduction and Overview to CST

In this module, instructor Kelly Saxton introduces Integrative Craniosacral Therapy and explains what makes this modality unique in clinical practice. Students learn that craniosacral therapy is a slow, light-touch manual therapy focused on influencing the central nervous system by working with the cranial bones, fascia, membranes, and cerebrospinal fluid rhythm. The course traces the origins of the work from Dr. William Sutherland in the early 1900s to Dr. John Upledger’s later contributions, including research and clinical applications with athletes, military programs, and neurological conditions. Kelly emphasizes that craniosacral therapy is grounded in anatomy and physiology, not mysticism: practitioners use bone movement, fascial relationships, and neurological responses to guide treatment. This module prepares learners to feel subtle rhythmic motion, understand the connection between cranial structures and the rest of the body, and begin thinking beyond symptom-based treatment toward whole-system assessment.

CST Treatment

Module 2 focuses on treatment application and hands-on craniosacral methods. Students are guided through positioning, palpation, and techniques that influence structures such as the cranial membranes, ventricular system, dura mater, venous sinuses, and key cranial bones including the sphenoid, occiput, temporal bones, and hard palate. Kelly explains how to work with embryological sutures, the cranial base, TMJ, the hyoid system, and intraoral components that affect breathing, airway tension, and cervical mechanics. The module demonstrates how to sense different qualities of tissue—vascular, neural, fascial, or bony—and how to follow the system rather than force direction. Students learn how rhythm changes (“drop into the system”), subtle shifts, and intuitive tactile awareness guide treatment decisions. The module concludes with clinical reasoning strategies, patient communication, and ways to integrate craniosacral work with other modalities to become a more confident, perceptive, and effective therapist.

Course Summary and Exam

This final exam is designed to assess your understanding of the key concepts presented throughout the course. Please review all video lessons and written materials before beginning. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to successfully complete the course and earn your CE certificate. You may reference your notes during the exam. Once you pass, your certificate will be available for immediate download.