By the end of this course, you will (1) assess and treat craniosacral imbalances using gentle, precise touch and (2) apply integrative techniques to support self-correction and healing. Led by Kelly Saxton, ATC, this course introduces the anatomy and physiology of the craniosacral system and guides learners through practical applications.

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Craniosacral Therapy Essentials: Theory and Application
This course is part of Integrative Bodywork Techniques for Practitioners Specialization

Instructor: Niel Asher Education
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
How to identify and release craniosacral restrictions through gentle palpation
How to integrate craniosacral methods into rehabilitation and performance care
Skills you'll gain
- Intravenous Therapy
- Orthopedics
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Patient Communication
- Patient Evaluation
- Rehabilitation
- Patient Treatment
- Respiratory Therapy
- Mental Health Therapies
- Medication Therapy Management
- Exercise Therapy
- Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy
- Clinical Assessment
- Manual Therapy
- Patient Education And Counseling
- Patient Positioning
- Athletic Training
- Neurology
- Anatomy
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December 2025
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There are 3 modules in this course
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.
What's included
9 videos4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
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.
What's included
11 videos1 reading1 assignment
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.
What's included
1 video1 assignment1 discussion prompt
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To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
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