FAQ's


Contents of this Page (alphabetical order)

1). Cold Sock Treatment 

2). What is Hydrotherapy?

3). What is Naturopathic Medicine? 

4). What is Naturopathic Physical Medicine and Naturopathic Manipulative Therapy? 

5). What is the difference between Cranial Osteopathy, Naturopathic Cranial Osteopathy (AKA Craniosacral) and Craniosacral Therapists?

6). Explanation of the connection between sleep apnea (with or without snoring), TMJ (tight jaw), cavities, shallow breathing, headaches, tight neck, bad posture, sunken eyes, hormonal imbalances, compromised head drainage/lymphatic system malfunction (Glymphatic), and cognitive function

7). How many sessions do I need?

8). The Art and Science of Medical Craniosacral Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Osteopathic Medicine 

9). What is the process of Medical Cranial Osteopathy/Medical Craniosacral Therapy

10). The Science Behind Medical Craniosacral Therapy

11). How much does a Craniosacral Therapy Treatment cost? Can I pay for this treatment through Insurance, HSA, or FSA?

12). How to pay Naturopathic Craniosacral Therapy and other services with and HSA 

13. What is the cancellation policy?


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Answers


1). The Cold/Wet Sock Treatment 

The Cold/Wet Sock Treatment is a cold and flu home remedy I frequently recommend because it is incredibly effective and accessible. The Cold Sock Treatment is helpful for regulating body temperature, clearing congestion, and improving sleep. I recommend this DIY home remedy for preventative measure during winter season and as an Autoimmune support  This article explains how the Wet Sock Treatment works and outlines the instructions that I give to my patients.

How Does The Cold/Wet Sock Treatment Work?

This hydrotherapy treatment works by using heat and cold to improve full body circulation. When you first put the cold socks onto your feet, your body automatically responds by dilating the blood vessels in your feet, resulting in more blood being moved to the feet, which warms them (1). This increases circulation throughout your entire body. Once the feet (and socks) warm up, circulation returns to normal. As a result, your feet and socks will eventually get cold again and your body will increase blood flow to warm your feet again. This cycle continues throughout the night and you wake up with warm feet and dry socks. 

This pattern of blood circulation seems to boost the immune system (2). It also causes an overall reduction in body temperature (1). 

When using the Wet Sock Treatment, common cold symptoms and congestion are reduced, and fevers often break during the night. Patients using the Wet Sock Treatment usually report an extremely restful sleep. 

The Cold/Wet Sock Treatment Instructions

The Cold/Wet Sock Treatment can be done anytime cold and flu symptoms are present, no matter how major or minor. It is usually done overnight, but I’ve also done this treatment during a nap. 

Who Should Avoid This Treatment?

This cold and flu home remedy is safe. However, there are a few groups of people who should avoid using this treatment:

People who have known circulatory problems in their extremities (for example, Raynaud’s disease and people with diabetes induced circulatory problems).

People who are unable to identify or vocalize temperature discomfort (for example, people with nerve damage and people with communication difficulties).

Precautions During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid increasing blood circulation to the pelvis region, which may increase the risk of miscarriage. For pregnant mamas, I recommend a gentle version or complete avoidance due to the overall increase in blood circulation in the body as a result of the treatment.  

A gentle version of this could mean socks not quite as cold, a not too warm bath, and perhaps less time with the socks on. Exercise your judgment and check in with your doctor or midwife for personalized instructions before using this treatment while pregnant. 

Precautions For Small Children

If used for young kids and babies, it is important to keep a close eye on them for signs of getting chilled or overheated. If kids appear uncomfortable in any way, stop the treatment and help them regulate their temperature. For example, baths or blankets to warm up or cold face cloth over the forehead to cool down.    

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2). What is Hydrotherapy? 

The Cold/Wet Sock Hydrotherapy Treatment is a great tool to have in your parent toolbox (or sock drawer)! This simple and effective home remedy for colds and flus works by improving circulation in the body, reducing body temperature, and enhancing immune function. Though it is considered safe, remember to use extra caution while pregnant and when using with young children. People with circulatory issues and people who have trouble identifying or voicing discomfort should avoid this treatment. 

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3). What is Naturopathic Medicine? 

One-minute video response by Bastyr University:

(Overview of Bastyr University:  http://bastyr.edu/about/overview)

Response by the American Association Naturopathic Physicians (AANP):

http://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?pl=16&sl=59&contentid=59

Response by Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC):  

https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-medicine/

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4). What is Naturopathic Physical Medicine and Naturopathic Manipulative Therapy? 

Response by the American Association Naturopathic Physicians (AANP):  http://www.naturopathic.org/files/Committees/HOD/Position%20Paper%20Docs/Manipulative%20Therapy.pdf

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5). What is the difference between Cranial Osteopathy, Naturopathic Cranial Osteopathy (AKA Craniosacral) and Craniosacral Therapists?

There are significant differences between indirect osteopathic manipulations covered under Cranial Osteopathy, Naturopathic Indirect/Cranial Osteopathic Manipulation, and Craniosacral Therapy. Cranial osteopaths, DOs, and Naturopathic Medical Doctors (NMDs) are licensed physicians trained in Medical Biology, Physiology, Pathology, Anatomy, Pharmacology, disease states, and all of the medical curriculum courses required to become a licensed doctor. Indirect Naturopathic Manipulation and Cranial Osteopathy in the Cranial Field is a modality provided as part of a comprehensive treatment protocol. As such, it is not merely a 'therapy" but an integral part of a physician's overall management of the patient's health care.

Craniosacral courses are open to anyone with a medical background or not, and the technique can be offered to clients with as little as 4 days' training. Therefore, these therapists, are not able to treat a condition. Furthermore, it is illegal to state that they treat or diagnose diseases even if they hold a health care license such as massage therapist, audiologist, etc.

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6). Correlation between sleep apnea (with or without snoring), TMJ (tight jaw), cavities, shallow breathing, headaches, tight neck, bad posture, sunken eyes, hormonal imbalances, compromised head drainage/lymphatic system malfunction (Glymphatic), and cognitive function

Tight jaw/TMJ is related to incorrect breathing patterns which, in turn, affect cranial bones movement. As such, this is also responsible for cavities, sore throat/neck, jaw  pain, lymphatic and cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid flow.

The way we breathe, especially in sleep apnea/snoring and mouth breathing, this certainly influences our posture, lymphatic and cerebrospinal fluid flow CSF, cognitive function, visual function, adenoids and dental health. For some, mouth breathing can be the root cause of digestive issues as well as debilitating head and neck pain. If our airways are restricted, whether it's because of enlarged adenoids due to allergies, retruded/small jaws due to a low tongue posture (because of a tongue tie), or a combination of these things, our head will tend to move forward in order to open up the back of  our throat and allow more room for airflow. It is also critical to mention that endotoxins and exotoxins are responsible for neck and muscle pain besides the wrong breathing pattern.

With cranial osteopathy, we work to systematically release and balance all bones; unlike other techniques which ignore the whole cranial vault structure and focus solely on the tongue/TMJ. All the cranial bones are a continuum, or a vessel of high hydraulic Pressure system.


Dr.A's Treatment Protocol:

In cranial osteopathy, I begin with muscles related to breath and SBJ release. The sphenoidbasilar joint (SBJ) is often viewed as the key joint in the body. William Garner Sutherland, DO (1873-1954), who is often described as the father of Cranial Osteopathy, felt that all the other bones in the body move to accommodate the SBJ - which is why it is so important to have a functional SBJ. He was interested in freeing the bones and sutures of this area in order to positively affect the rest of the body, including muscles and organs (copy and paste into your browser for further information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7556686/).

Next, I address organs and structures related to breath. My goal is to focus on decompression if compensating for the mouth/wrong breathing pattern.

Mouth breathing compensation----->This compensation often comes with a price. Because of the forward head movement, the rest of our body will alter its position in order to keep us upright and not fall over. Muscles tend to become tired and nerves, arteries, and veins become sore and tender, out of order, and can lead to headaches, irregular blood pressure, and irregular heart rate.

Have a look at this video (find it at the end of the article) as it explains the link between airways, jaw disorders, posture and head/neck pain.  The position of the tongue isn't explained in the video, however - it is vital in keeping the orofacial complex in a relaxed state. The tongue needs to stay slightly suctioned to the roof of the mouth during rest with the tip of the tongue slightly back from the front upper teeth. 

Typically, I release the tongue in my practice, as it is a very important organ for overall mental, physical, hormonal (related to thyroid) issues, orientation/changing direction, balance, and structural health. The soft patty of flesh we call the tongue is not just one muscle, it's a conglomeration of eight separate muscles. Unlike other muscles, tongue muscles do not develop around a supporting bone. In consideration of all of this, I work on mouth structures one by one including teeth and to support release of the diaphragm.

How the skull moves to enhance mental, endocrine, structural health:

The skull has very complex patterns of movement. There are at least two different rhythms to which the skull moves. One is the breathing cycle and the other is the cranial pulse as described in Medical cranial osteopathy.

 These rhythms act to expand the cranial bones and then return them to their resting state.  For instance, when we breathe in, pressure is applied to the front of the sphenoid bone (butterfly shaped bone behind the eyes housing the command center for all the hormones in the body.  This pressure subtly rotates this bone forward while indirectly rotating the base of the occipital bone (base of the skull) upward.  This movement 'opens' the SB junction and allows for proper inhalation and proper balanced, harmonious function of the nervous and hormonal system.

 When we breathe out, the pressure is released and the sphenoid and occipital bone return to their resting position.  The SB junction 'closes' which allows for proper exhalation.

watch for cranial bones movement  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVxlL_lMces&t=12s,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfKG9J9DiCw&t=10s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVxlL_lMces&t=12s Airway and TMJ English

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7) How many sessions do I need?

How many sessions I need: The frequency and number of treatments differ from person to person. Some people experience dramatic relief  and see results in the first two treatments. For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, one to two treatments per week for 6-10 weeks may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, usually eight to ten visits in total. An individualized treatment plan that includes the expected number of treatments will be discussed during your second visit.

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8). The Art and Science of Medical Craniosacral Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Osteopathic Craniosacral

Osteopathic Beginnings

Craniosacral therapy has its origins in the field of Medical Osteopathy.

Osteopathy was developed by Andrew Taylor Still, DO. During the Civil War he was first trained as a “hospital steward.” By the time the war was over he was a fully trained surgeon. Arriving back home after the war, he discovered that his children had passed away in a meningitis epidemic. As Still sought to derive meaning from his personal tragedy, he discovered that most of the people who died had been treated by the doctors with very toxic medication. He also discovered that in the counties where there were no doctors and toxic medications, the people did not die. He came to believe that the human body had a healing capacity of its own, and that if there were no “restrictions” within the body, it would usually heal itself. Still went on to found the first school of osteopathy, which still exists today in Missouri. He sought to teach his students how to remove restrictions in the body.

One of Still's early students, William Garner Sutherland, DO, went on to study in great detail how to release restrictions in the human skull. His work became known as Cranial Osteopathy. Sutherland's work came at a time when the American Medical Association used the money of some of America’s great tycoons to lobby the government to outlaw Osteopathy and Naturopathic Medicine which had grown up in the same period of time. Both professions spent much of the twentieth century reestablishing their right to practice under the law. Medical naturopathic Doctors are licensed. https://aanmc.org/Licensure/

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9). What is Cranial Osteopathy and Medical Craniosacral Therapy?

I used the term interchangeably. They are a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. But what exactly does it entail, and how can it help you? Let’s delve deeper into this unique therapy.

The History of Craniosacral Therapy / The Origin of Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy has its roots in the early 20th century, with the work of osteopath Andrew Taylor Still. Later his student William Sutherland elaborated the osteopathic principles and he was the first to perceive subtle movements within the craniosacral system, which consists of the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

The Role of Dr. John E. Upledger in Craniosacral Therapy

The therapy as we know it today was developed by Dr. John E. Upledger, an osteopathic physician featured in TIME magazine as one of America’s next wave of innovators. He was working with Dr. William Sutherland. From 1975 to 1983, Dr. Upledger and a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists, and bioengineers at Michigan State University studied and tested the concept, leading to the establishment of Craniosacral Therapy.

The Different Fields of Craniosacral Therapy

In the late 1970’s, Upledger brought Craniosacral Therapy (CST) out from the field of Medical Osteopathy, and began to teach it to physical therapists. Over the last thirty-plus years, the Upledger Institute has taught his “biomechanical” approach to CST to many professionals around the country and around the world. Other ideas blossomed into other schools of thought around CST. William Sutherland’s ideas became the “biodynamic” approach; another approach is a “visionary” approach, developed by Hugh Milne, DO, in California.

My work is based in the traditional Dr. Still’s principles, Dr. Upledger’s biomechanical approach, bio dynamic approach, however I am blending all these with other approaches over time, as I explore this amazing field and I tailor treatment plans for my clients.

Understanding the Craniosacral System / The Components of the Craniosacral System:

The craniosacral system is a physiological body system like the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It involves the cranium (skull), sacrum (a triangular bone in the lower back), and a system of hydraulics and membranes in between, housing the cerebrospinal fluid.

The Function of the Craniosacral System

The craniosacral system plays a crucial role in maintaining the environment in which the central nervous system functions. It directly impacts every aspect of central nervous system performance, from motor function to emotion.

Dr. John Upledger

Dr. Upledger’s Theory of How Craniosacral Motion Works

In the mid-1970’s, Dr. Upledger, was assisting in a surgery to remove a growth from the membrane wrapping the spinal cord. His task was to “steady the cord” so that there would be no movement, which could cause a slip of the surgeon’s blade in this delicate area. Dr. Upledger became aware of a rhythmic wave of fluid motion that would sweep up and down within the membranes.He went on to study this motion in great detail.

Dr. Upledger’s explanation for the wave motion, is one of several theories about the origins of the waves of motion felt in the human body and around the central nervous system. It focuses on a hydraulic motion created by the filling and emptying of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord within the membranes. It also describes the motions of the bones of the skull as a result of the filling and emptying.

The motions of the skull and membranes are spread throughout  the entire body via a tissue called “fascia.” Fascia is also known as “connective tissue” and is present throughout the entire body, from the walls of individual cells, to wrappings around groups of cells, to the tendons and ligaments which hold us together, much like the rigging on a sailboat allows the sail to capture the wind and to move. Without the lines on a sailboat, the sail would be useless. This form of structure is known as tensegrity.

At a microscopic level, fascia is exquisitely beautiful. Its fibers are actually tubules, with droplets of fluid traveling through them. These fibers are in constant motion, coming together, moving apart, creating and recreating new designs. It is through this fluid matrix that there is an exchange of information, an exchange of nutrients and waste…all of which lead to the health of the body.

When there is an injury to the body, the healing process can lead to “restriction” within the fascia. An easy to understand model is scar tissue. While fascia has no one pattern of cells, and shapes and forms are constantly dancing, scar tissue is, on the other hand, static, immobile, with all the fibers aligned and “stuck.”

Restriction can happen for many reasons, not just an overt injury. Restriction can occur with disease processes, inflammatory processes, or chronic conditions, or with immobility created by habitual patterns of posture, or habitual positioning created by bracing, such as orthodontia . It can occur as a result of emotional trauma. With restriction in the fascia, the original problem is compounded, exacerbated. Without the normal function of the fascia, and the normal circulation in the tissue, healing is difficult, or sometimes impossible.


It was this idea, of restriction, that started Andrew Taylor Still on the path that led to osteopathy. It was the concept of the alteration of the fluid/wavemotion from the cranium to the sacrum, created by these restrictions, that caused John Upledger to name the work of releasing restrictions “Craniosacral Therapy.”

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10). The Process of Medical Cranial Osteopathy / Medical Craniosacral Therapy

The Initial Consultation

A Craniosacral Therapy session begins with a thorough consultation. The Doctor either DO, or NMD, will ask about your medical history, current health issues, health goals, and they will perform a Physical Exam. This information helps the doctor tailor the therapy to your specific needs.

The Hands-on Method

The Therapy involves light touch – generally no more than the weight of a nickel. The therapist uses their hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord.

The Role of Gentle Touch in Therapy

Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system involving the upper and lower body. By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct, Medical Craniosacral Therapy can alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment, ADHD, Autism, Concussion, Migraines, and many more!!!

The Benefits of Medical Craniosacral Therapy / Craniosacral Therapy for Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be debilitating, but Medical Craniosacral Therapy may offer relief. By releasing tensions deep in the body and improving the functioning of the central nervous system, CST can help alleviate conditions like back pain, migraines, and fibromyalgia.

Medical Craniosacral Therapy for Migraines

Migraines can be incredibly disruptive, but there’s hope. Some people have found relief through Craniosacral Therapy. By improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and reducing tension in the neck and head, CST may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

Medical Craniosacral Therapy for Stress and Tension

In our fast-paced world, stress and tension are all too common. Craniosacral Therapy can help. By promoting relaxation and improving the body’s ability to self-correct, CST can help alleviate stress and tension, promoting overall well-being.

The Science Behind Medical Craniosacral Therapy / The Role of Cerebrospinal Fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid plays a crucial role in the functioning of the craniosacral system. This fluid, which surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord, has a rhythmic flow. DOs, and NMDs believe that disruptions in this flow can lead to health problems and that restoring the natural rhythm can promote healing.

The Impact on the Central Nervous System and the Endocrine system

The central nervous system is fundamentally linked to the craniosacral system. By improving the functioning of the craniosacral system, CST can positively impact the central nervous system, potentially improving a wide range of physiological functions and regulation of hormones. The endocrine system is linked to the nervous system by effects of the hypothalamus on the pituitary gland. https://www.khanacademy.org › science › high-school-biology › hs-human-body-systems › hs-the-ne

The Influence on Physiological Body Systems

Medical Craniosacral Therapy doesn’t just impact the craniosacral system. By improving the body’s ability to self-correct, Medical CST can positively influence other physiological body systems, from the respiratory and circulatory systems to the digestive and musculoskeletal systems.

Medical Craniosacral Therapy and Other Therapies / The Difference Between Craniosacral Therapy and Other Therapies

While Craniosacral Therapy involves touch,it’s not traditional massage therapy. Medical CST focuses on the craniosacral system, using light touch to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. This makes it different from other massage therapies, which often focus on relieving superficial tension in the muscles, without affecting the organs or educating the nervous system to compensate and bounce back from the dis-ease state!

The Complementary Nature of Medical Craniosacral Therapy

Medical Craniosacral Therapy can complement other therapies. Whether you’re undergoing physical therapy for an injury, psychotherapy for stress, Acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, cancer chemotherapy, massage therapies for relaxation, adding Medical CST to your regimen can enhance your overall well-being.

The Efficacy of Craniosacral Therapy / Scientific Studies Supporting Craniosacral Therapy

While more research is needed, some scientific studies support the efficacy of Craniosacral Therapy. For example, a randomized sham-controlled trial found that CST could be effective in treating chronic neck pain. Another study suggested that CST could help improve the quality of life for people with fibromyalgia.

** What conditions can Medical Craniosacral Therapy treat?

Medical Craniosacral Therapy can help with a wide range of conditions, including migraines, chronic pain, stress and tension, and neurological impairment, Somatoemotional release (add-on), Multiple Sclerosis, Birth challenges, neurodevelopmental issues as an adjacent tool to the holistic approach

** How many Therapy sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some people may see improvements after three sessions, while others may need multiple sessions to see the full benefits. We offer introductory packages of five sessions, then we evaluate and we delve into deeper healing; incorporating other modalities Vagus nerve education/support, trauma therapy (somatic, structural, biochemical, emotional Trauma), if necessary. and upon request we add Lymphatic -Glymphatic drainage, movement therapy, neuroeducation, visceral manipulation (abdominal and digestive issues management).

** Is Medical Craniosacral Therapy safe?

Yes, Medical Craniosacral Therapy is generally considered safe. It’s a non-invasive therapy that uses a light touch, and it’s suitable for people of all ages from newborns, adults and senior citizens.

It is safe and many Hospitals in Europe, and integrative Oncology hospitals incorporate this modality with other cancer therapies to enhance the positive outcomes of the therapy.

** Who can perform Craniosacral Therapy?

Naturopathic/osteopathic Craniosacral Therapy should be performed by a trained NMD (naturopathic Medical Doctors) or DO (osteopathic physician), DC practitioner, who can take a detailed medical History and perform physical Exam. Chiroparactors, PT, massage therapist need additional training. Chiropractors, PT, massage therapists are not Medical doctors because they don’t have medical training. 

 Be aware that anyone can attend Craniosacral 2-3 days courses, because they are open to anyone, without any requirement or medical training!!!  

** More Exploration of Dr. Areti’s Modalities and services

If you’re interested in exploring more about different modalities/techniques, we’ve got you covered at Dr. Areti LLC. You can learn about various techniques like neurovascular and Total Body fascial release, Somatoemotional Release, Trauma, PTSD , Cranial sacral AcuPressure to balance the Meridians, Craniosacral for Cancer Patients, Pre and Postsergury Naturopathic Lymphatic and Glymphatic Drainage, Visceral manipulation, Nutrition/supplement, Neurodevelopmental challenges, Pediatric and Newborn Craniosacral, Movement therapy, Personal training, Neuroeducation. Dr. Areti's services cover everything that can help with skeletal muscle, organ mobility and motility, tissue-arteries-nerves extensibility, biochemistry, trapped emotions immobility and pain. Or perhaps you’re just curious about non-invasive therapeutic treatment with mechanical lymphatic drainage that uses light pressure with ligaments, and muscles movement to stimulate lymph flow.

If you’re expecting, our guide on Craniosacral for healthy pregnancy could be of interest, providing insights on how supporting the whole craniosacral and the musculoskeletal system can help alleviate some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy.

Conclusion : The Future of Medical Craniosacral Therapy

As more people seek out non-invasive, holistic therapies for health and wellness, the future of Medical Craniosacral Therapy looks bright. With ongoing research and a growing number of success stories, medical oriented CST is poised to become an even more recognized and respected therapy in the years to come.

The Role of Medical Craniosacral Therapy in Holistic Health can be used alone or with other therapeutic modalities.

Medical Craniosacral Therapy plays a crucial role in holistic health. By addressing the body’s craniosacral system and improving the functioning of the central nervous system, CST can help promote whole-body health and wellness. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, stress, and tension, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, Craniosacral Therapy may be worth considering.

If you’re in or around Pittsburgh area, or planning to visit, why not experience the healing power of Craniosacral Therapy for yourself? At That’s the Dr. Areti LLC, we offer a range of services to help you achieve your neuro-somato-emotional goals. Whether it’s Cranio-Neurovascular release or other therapeutic techniques, we’re here to guide you on your wellness journey. So, what’s your goal? Let’s explore that together. Book your appointment today and let’s start your journey to wellness!

Neuro-somato-emotional: a term coined by Dr. Areti, which addresses challenges of the nervous system to heal and communicate with the body (somato) and the emotional/mental self.

from Greek sōmat-, sōmato-, from sōmat-, sōma body, the biological and physical body.

Citations:


Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial


You’ve read about the gentle power of  cranial osteopathy,  Naturopathic Craniaosacral or craniosacral therapy, to change pain patterns, restore function and reduce stress. But maybe you’re wondering: what is craniosacral therapy going to cost?  I use the term craniosacral interchangeably. I am referring to medical doctors who practice and offer craniosacral therapies.

Of course, the short answer is: it depends. But let’s walk you through the various scenarios and what the cost might be for each, as well as explain our centers rates and payment options.


First Question: What Are Your Goals and Needs?

The total cost of craniosacral therapy depends on what you’re hoping to achieve. Perhaps you’re just looking for an hour to recharge. Maybe you have specific chronic pain or a symptom you’d like to address, such as hip pain or migraine headaches. Maybe you’re seeking treatment for an infant or child with a tongue tie, torticollis or plagiocephaly. Or maybe you want to use Naturopathic craniosacral therapy as a continuous touchstone, helping you decrease chronic physical, emotional, chemical, structural stress, improve your fitness level and performance and achieve your goals.


Short-Term Goal: Relax and Recharge

A lot of clients look to craniosacral therapy as a therapeutic way to get in touch with their body, manage every day's challenges, respond to stress and anxiety instead of reacting, and recharge. Craniosacral can provide a wonderfully calm reset to your mind and body. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, or if you’re looking to try craniosacral therapy and learn more about what it can do for you, you can book a free consult and an intake appointment. We highly recommend booking at least three sessions to get a good idea of what Naturopathic craniosacral therapy is like for you and how your body responds.


Approximate Cost:

If you have a specific condition you’d like to address, such as chronic pain or dysfunction in the body, one single session isn’t going to get you where you’d like to be. More often, you’re going to need a series of treatments to fully address the problem and keep it from returning, changing the pain/emotional pattern, or persisting. At the  Dr. Areti LLC Craniosacral Center we’ve found that it often works best for clients to front-load their treatment by scheduling weekly or twice a week treatments for the first three months and then reduce the frequency of treatments as your condition improves. This gets a body into “healing mode” and helps gain momentum toward resolving chronic issues. However, we have take under consideration what is practical doable and if the client includes other modalities to support structural, physical, emotional and mental well-being.

For example, a client with migraines might come twice a week for two to three weeks, weekly for the following two weeks, then every other week for a month or more, with a follow up monthly treatment as needed. We tailor the treatment to each individual and base it on what they’re experiencing and how their body is able to sustain the work we do within a treatment, rather than a set timescale or program.

At the Dr. Areti  Craniosacral Center, an intake session includes a client history and assessment, as well as your first treatment. After that, our therapist can help you create a treatment plan to address your specific issue, tailored to your needs.

Most clients will start see progress within one or two sessions, but to fully resolve an issue so that it doesn't keep returning, longer treatment is needed.

For certain conditions that we treat often, we offer packages of support to bundle your treatment. For example, for families dealing with a kiddo with ADHD, Autism, learning disabilities, or  with a senior citizen with dementia, we offer a package of as-needed support and access to our comprehensive self-care and DIY course.

Long Term Goals and Continuing Needs:

Many of our clients are busy professionals and entrepreneurs with full lives and complex, dynamic goals. These clients use our services as a weekly or bi-monthly touchstone to help them increase their margins, handle stress, augment their creativity and help them reach financial, business, personal or professional goals. These clients recognize the financial benefit of supporting their health, understanding that we each only get one body and see their health and well being as their most valuable resource.

Of course, our regular weekly clients can simply book regular weekly sessions after their intake session, either at 60-minutes ($110), 75-minutes ($130), 90 minutes ($150), but we also offer unique VIP packages to serve the needs of these clients (especially clients who are traveling long distances to receive treatment here).

Our VIP packages include morning and afternoon craniosacral therapy and coaching sessions with a nice lunch. 

 The Cost of Not Getting Treatment

When considering cost, it’s also important to note the sometimes tangible and intangible costs of not getting treatment for a chronically stressed nervous system. The impact of not receiving treatment can take a huge toll on your everyday life.

Client have told us they’re able to travel where they weren’t before or have a better relationship with their family because they have more energy to offer.Their children are more expressive and they communicate their thoughts with coherence. Athletes have improved their performance and keep up with their scholarships.

Clients with severe debilitating illnesses have found themselves able to work again after receiving craniosacral therapy. For them, the cost of treatment pales in comparison to what they would have lost, both in terms of income and quality of life.

Teenagers with braces, scoliosis, flat feet and many other physical challenges they experience structural integrity, and less tension.

Many of our clients are moms and babies. For these families, the postpartum period is a precious once-in-a-lifetime period that is worth the investment to make it the best it can be. Transforming a colicky, screaming baby to one that’s calm and able to connect with their caregiver has a lifetime of implications for parenting and family relationships. For babies or young children with a tongue tie, the cost of not getting treatment - later issues with speech and oral development, torticollis and plagiocephaly requiring treatment with a helmet, etc. Investing in wellness, rather than compensating and tolerating illness, is a strategy that makes the most sense long term.

Overwhelmingly, clients find the effectiveness of our Naturopathic Craniosacral protocols and the outcomes they experience to be well worth the investment. The time saved by pursuing expert care creates exponential opportunity in other areas of life.

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11). Does Insurance Cover Craniosacral Therapy? Can I Pay with My HSA, FSA or Health Care Cost Sharing Plan?

Unfortunately, most medical insurance companies will not cover craniosacral therapy. However, Dr. Areti Craniosacral Center is a Naturopathic authorized medical expense for  Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). You are able to use your HSA or FSA debit card at our practice. remember to ask for your invoice. Some of our clients are members of health care cost sharing programs, and are able to get reimbursement for some or all of their craniosacral therapy through these programs, depending on their plan’s rules.

Why Does the cost of Craniosacral Therapy is affordable at Dr. Areti as this  compared with massage or other therapies?

Dr. Areti LLC prices aim to include more people in her therapeutic tribe cycle than excluding those with limited or fixed budgets. Dr. Areti LLC affordable prices don't  reflect her immense experience patience, expertise, medical education, background and position within the healing community. 

At the Dr. Areti Craniosacral Center, we offer treatment with highly-trained manual therapists with years of medical experience helping clients meet their goals. Our therapists include internationally-sought-out experts in their field who are thought leaders and trailblazers in the area of somatic practices and the mind-body connection. We also provide a humble yet wonderfully therapeutic, healing, quiet  treatment-environment. Every room has its own air purifier besides the central office high rate air purifier.  We also set our prices in alignment with other highly-effective therapies that produce similar results.

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12). How to pay Naturopathic Craniosacral Therapy and other services with and HSA 

Example letter of medical necessity for Naturopathic craniosacral therapy and other services.

If you're a doctor or other medical professional and you need a letter of medical necessity for naturopathic craniosacral therapy for one of your patients, you can use the template below as a starting point and customize it as you see fit.

If you're a patient and need a letter of medical necessity, send this page to your doctor so they can begin filling it out today.






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13. Appointment Cancellation Policies As Of August 1st 

Your appointment time is set aside specifically for you. If you cancel your appointment late or no show, it disrupts your practitioner's schedule, affecting their income and other clients who could have scheduled that time. To avoid cancellation fees, please notify us as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule by calling/texting 412-419-1537.

If we are able to book another patient at the time of your appointment, we will waive the fee.