Craniosacral Therapy for Vertigo: A Healing Remedy

Vertigo can be a frustrating and debilitating experience, leaving you feeling off balance and uncertain. One great option for relief is craniosacral therapy, an approach that has gained attention for its gentle yet effective impact on vertigo symptoms. So, let’s explore craniosacral therapy for vertigo and uncover how it might provide the healing you’ve been searching for.

Woman suffering from vertigo

Understanding Vertigo and Its Impact

The Cleveland Clinic describes vertigo as a condition that makes you feel as though your surroundings are spinning, even when you are standing still. It’s often accompanied by dizziness, nausea, or a general feeling of imbalance. Vertigo can stem from many causes, including inner ear issues, migraines, or even stress-related tension in the neck and head.

For many, vertigo is a recurring condition that can affect their quality of life. Everyday tasks become challenging, social engagements feel overwhelming, and the feeling of being out of control can be exhausting. Traditional treatments often focus on medication, exercise, or even surgical intervention for more severe cases. However, these methods don’t always address the root causes of the imbalance. 

That’s where craniosacral therapy for vertigo comes in. By addressing underlying physical and energetic imbalances, cranial therapy provides a gentle path toward balance, healing, and relief. 

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on therapy designed to assess and enhance the functioning of the craniosacral system. This system includes the membranes and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can directly influence the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapists use a light touch to help release restrictions in these areas, encouraging the body’s natural healing abilities. 

Craniosacral therapy works to relax deep-seated tensions that could be contributing to issues like vertigo. The techniques used are non-invasive, allowing your body to make adjustments at its own pace, which is especially useful when working with conditions related to balance and sensitivity, like vertigo. 

Craniosacral Therapy and Vertigo: How It Works

The correlation between craniosacral therapy and vertigo lies in the unique approach the modality takes. Unlike other therapies that focus only on the ear or vestibular system, craniosacral therapy views the entire body as an interconnected network. When vertigo occurs, it may be linked to an imbalance in pressure or tension along the craniosacral system. By focusing on realigning and releasing restrictions in the system, craniosacral therapy can directly affect the symptoms of vertigo. 

During a craniosacral therapy session, a certified therapist will use light touch to examine the craniosacral rhythm–the subtle movement of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Any disruptions or restrictions in the movement of this fluid can point to areas where tension is held. The therapist then applies gentle techniques to help release these restrictions, promoting a sense of balance and well-being throughout the body.

Because craniosacral therapy is holistic, it also considers the role of physical trauma, stress, and emotional blockages in triggering or worsening vertigo. Many people with vertigo report an increase in symptoms during times of stress. Craniosacral therapy helps to release these tensions, addressing both the physical and emotional components that contribute to vertigo, creating a comprehensive and lasting remedy. 

Can Craniosacral Therapy Help Vertigo? 

If you’re wondering if craniosacral therapy can help vertigo effectively, the answer is often yes. Many individuals have experienced significant relief from vertigo symptoms through CST. Here are 4 key benefits of craniosacral therapy for those with vertigo:

1. Gentle Approach: 

Vertigo is already disorienting, and the last thing you need is aggressive or painful treatments. Craniosacral therapy’s gentle approach allows the body to relax, and for many people with vertigo, this can be a welcome change from more invasive treatment methods. The light touch used by therapists encourages the body to make its own adjustments, reducing pressure and tension that may be causing the vertigo in the first place. 

2. Promotes Balance and Fluid Flow:

Vertigo often occurs due to an imbalance of fluid in the inner ear or issues related to pressure in the head and spine. Craniosacral therapy helps heal vertigo by encouraging the free movement of cerebrospinal fluid, which can contribute to relieving pressure imbalances that lead to the illness. By improving circulation and promoting balance, CST can help bring a sense of steadiness and relief from symptoms. 

3. Stress and Emotional Relief: 

Stress is often a trigger for vertigo episodes. Craniosacral therapy not only focuses on the physical aspects but also targets the emotional and psychological stressors that may exacerbate vertigo. Through relaxation achieved during sessions, many people feel that their overall sense of well-being improves, which can reduce the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes.

4. Long-Term Healing:

Unlike medications that often mask symptoms, craniosacral therapy works to address the underlying root cause of vertigo. Craniosacral therapy offers a path to longer-term healing rather than just short-term relief by releasing tension within the craniosacral system and promoting balance throughout the body. 

What to Expect During a Craniosacral Therapy Session for Vertigo

If you’re considering craniosacral therapy for your vertigo, it’s natural to wonder what a session looks like. Typically, a session will last between 45 and 60 minutes. You will lie fully clothed on a comfortable treatment table while the therapist uses gentle touch to assess the craniosacral rhythm. 

The therapist will focus on various areas, such as the head, neck, spine, and even the feet, to release pent-up tension. Each touch is intended to feel soothing, with an emphasis on creating a sense of comfortability and relaxation. CST is an extremely safe and soothing healing practice. 

It’s important to understand that craniosacral therapy works with your body’s natural healing mechanisms, which means that progress may occur gradually over multiple sessions. Some individuals notice improvements after the first session, while others may need several treatments before experiencing significant changes. 

Finding a Certified Craniosacral Therapist

It is crucial to locate a licensed therapist if you want to try craniosacral therapy, and relieving vertigo is your primary concern. Craniosacral therapy is a specialized practice, and working with someone trained and experienced in CST ensures that you receive safe and effective care.

When searching for a therapist, look for those who have training from a recognized organization, such as the Upledger Institute, and who have experience specifically with treating vertigo or similar conditions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their training, experience, and approach to see if they align with your needs. 

Is Craniosacral Therapy Right for You?

If you’re dealing with vertigo, craniosacral therapy can be a powerful option for healing, particularly if you’re seeking a natural and holistic approach. Craniosacral therapy for vertigo can help address the physical, emotional, and neurological components of vertigo, providing a comprehensive path toward healing. 

Because CST is gentle and non-invasive, it’s suitable for individuals of all ages, including those who might be sensitive to other forms of treatment. Whether your vertigo is due to an inner ear issue, stress, or a combination of factors, craniosacral therapy can offer a new approach to healing and relief. 

Choosing Craniosacral Therapy for Vertigo Relief

Living with vertigo can be overwhelming, and finding the right treatment often involves a journey of exploration. Craniosacral therapy offers a gentle, holistic solution that not only helps with the symptoms of vertigo but also works to address its underlying causes. By promoting balance, releasing tension, and supporting the body’s natural healing abilities, craniosacral therapy, and vertigo relief go hand-in-hand for many individuals seeking a gentle yet effective answer. 


If you’re tired of feeling unsteady and are looking for a natural approach that respects both the body and mind, craniosacral therapy is worth exploring. I have devoted my life to assisting my clients in their healing process and have decades of experience using the gentle technique of CST to heal patients in northern Utah. Reach out today to see how craniosacral therapy can help you reclaim balance and well-being.

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