Pediatric CranioSacral Therapy

CST for Infants:

As humans, it is common for us to have skeletal and muscular abnormalities that can create an irregular infant position in utero. These irregular infant positions in utero can result in abnormal muscle tension and compression in the body much like a stiff neck or muscle soreness from lying in a strange position at night. During the birth process, the infant’s cranial bones will shift while they gradually descend through the birth canal. If the birth process is particularly fast, traumatic, and/or requires intervention, the additional stress can create tension in the infant’s body. This stress and tension can affect the infant’s function and can show up as feeding issues, digestive discomfort such as reflux, and increased fussiness. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) uses gentle non-invasive touch to release tension and promote overall calm and wellness.

CST for Children:

As children grow and develop, CST can help children while they go through a lot of emotional and physical changes. Additionally, illiness, injury, or trauma can leave tension in the body. CST can help to release the tension and create a more regulated nervous system.

What to expect:

On our first visit, I will ask questions about your pregnancy, birth, and your child's symptoms and habits. I will observe your child and make visual assessments on symmetry, mobility, and patterns. Your child will remain fully clothed and can take place on a padded table, caregiver’s lap, while breast/chestfeeding, and on the floor.

Please feel free to breast/chestfeed during the session if your child would like, as that often can be a helpful assessment tool and create comfort for the child. I often encourage parents to receive treatment themselves as the child co-regulates with the parent’s nervous system.  

Reactions may vary as some children may sleep through the session, while others may be alert and even crawling or moving around.  Toys and snacks come in handy for those who would like to explore the space.  Children may be silent or vocal, and sometimes cry.  I will work with your child to help them feel secure and relaxed.

Through gentle touch, I will use techniques to release restrictions in the child’s body and head, which will improve the function of the central nervous system.

 The Upledger Institute website includes more information and case studies on what others have experienced.

What CST can address:

Anxiety

Atlas / Occiput Compression

ADD/ADHD

Autism

Behavioral Problems

Birth Trauma 

Cerebral Palsy

Colic/Reflux

Developmental Delays

Down Syndrome

Gastrointestinal Disturbances 

Chronic Ear Infections 

Eustachian Tube Problems 

Feeding Challenges

Headaches and Migraines

Head Banging / Pulling of the Hair

Hydrocephalus

Inconsolable Crying

Occlusion & Dental Problems

Orthopedic Conditions

Plagiocephaly (Flat Head)

Sinus & Breathing Problems

Sleep Disorders

Tongue and Lip Ties

Torticollis (turning head to one side)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our office is located at: 10450 Shaker Drive Suite 108, Columbia MD 21046

    We offer In-Home Consultation for CST clients birth- 3 months within 20 miles of 21045 zip code. There is a $50 travel fee for all in home consultations.

  • If an appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours in advance or a no-show, the client is responsible for paying the full session fee. Excusable cancellations will be charged the full fee and applied to an appointment booked within the following two weeks. If you do not book a follow up appointment within those two weeks you forfeit the funds for that appointment.

    Nettle and Moon Wellness LLC has the right to waive the fee in the case of a significant emergency or at my discretion.

  • The number of sessions varies and is based on the client’s state of health and treatment goals. In our experience when someone comes in with an acute or chronic condition, we recommend 2- 4 sessions close together to focus on relief. Next, we address the root of the cause and may schedule sessions a few weeks apart. Some clients then come in monthly or every other month for maintenance.

    If this is an infant CST session and we are working through painful latch issues, we recommend a follow up session within the same week or as close as possible to get the best relief for the chest/breastfeeding client and baby. After the first two appointments, we can typically space the appointments out to weekly as we address the root of the cause.

  • CST at Nettle and Moon Wellness is a cash pay service and that's intentional. It means every minute of your session stays focused entirely on you and your body, without the constraints of insurance protocols or required documentation pulling my attention away from your care.

    Most insurance plans don't cover CranioSacral Therapy, and practitioners who do submit superbills or accept insurance are required to follow specific charting and procedural guidelines to withstand an audit. In practice, this limits the actual CST work that can be done in a session.

    By keeping CST cash based, I can offer you a session that is truly guided by what your body needs. Nothing more, nothing less.

    I understand this may feel like a barrier for some families. If cost is a concern, please reach out directly. A sliding scale may be available.

  • Adult Session 60 min $145

    Pediatric/Infant Session (visit 1-2+) 60 min Session: $145

    Pediatric/Infant 30 min Session: $80

    Twin/Sibling Pediatric Session 90 min: $220

    In-Home (Birth to 3 Months) Travel Fee Per Session: $50

  • We can take Flex Spending Account (FSA), Health Spending Account (HSA), and Health Care Flex Spending Account (HC FSA) to pay for your craniosacral or lactation sessions. You are responsible for checking your coverage and eligibility.