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CranioSacral Therapy at Touch of Nature Healing
- Briana Pontius
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
In New Castle and Pittsburgh, PA
A Gentle Path Back to Balance
If you’re searching for CranioSacral Therapy and wondering whether it’s the right fit for you, you’re in the right place. At Touch of Nature Healing, CranioSacral Therapy is offered as a gentle, supportive way to help your body unwind, regulate, and reconnect with its natural ability to heal.
I’m Briana Pontius, CST-T, founder of Touch of Nature Healing, and CranioSacral Therapy is now the primary focus of my practice. This work is subtle, precise, and deeply effective, particularly for those dealing with chronic pain, stress, trauma, or nervous system overwhelm.
Clients travel to my studio from New Castle, Pittsburgh, and surrounding Western Pennsylvania communities to receive care that is attentive, trauma-informed, and tailored to the individual.
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on modality that works with the CranioSacral system - the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect your brain and spinal cord. Using a very light touch, the practitioner listens for subtle rhythms in the body and helps release restrictions that may be contributing to pain, tension, or nervous system overwhelm.
CST was developed by osteopathic physician Dr. John E. Upledger in the 1970s and is based on a simple but profound idea: your body already knows how to heal. Sometimes it just needs the right support. Dr. Upledger’s work resonates deeply with me, and I received my certification at the Upledger Institute.
In my practice, CranioSacral Therapy isn’t about “fixing” anything. It’s about creating a safe, regulated space where your system can soften, reorganize, and return to balance in its own time. This work is gentle enough for people of all ages, from infants to seniors.
About Briana Pontius, CST-T
I recently completed a rigorous CranioSacral Therapy training and certification process, earning my CST-T (CranioSacral Therapy–Techniques) designation. This extensive training involved hundreds of hours of coursework, hands-on practice, and advanced study of the nervous system, trauma physiology, and SomatoEmotional processes.
CranioSacral Therapy is now the foundation of my work. However, during sessions, I may also integrate:
SomatoEmotional Release® to support stored emotional or stress-related patterns
Myofascial Release to address connective tissue restrictions
Reiki to support energetic regulation and deep relaxation
These modalities are used thoughtfully and only when appropriate, always guided by what your system is ready for. Each session is unique, and no two bodies or healing journeys are the same.
How CranioSacral Therapy Can Support You
CranioSacral Therapy can provide relief from a number of issues, including:
Chronic neck, back, or pelvic pain
Migraines and tension headaches
TMJ and jaw pain
Nervous system dysregulation
Anxiety, burnout, and chronic stress
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Sleep issues and fatigue
Because CST works directly with the nervous system, many people experience a deep sense of calm and grounding during and after sessions. Some notice physical changes right away; others experience more subtle shifts over time: better sleep, less reactivity, or a greater sense of ease in their body.
What a CranioSacral Therapy Session Is Like
Sessions take place in a quiet, nurturing environment. You’ll remain fully clothed and rest comfortably on a treatment table while I use a light, listening touch - often no more pressure than the weight of a nickel.
A session usually begins with a brief check-in so I can understand what’s present for you physically, emotionally, or energetically. From there, the work unfolds organically. Some people feel warmth, gentle movement, or deep relaxation. Others simply notice a sense of stillness or safety.
CranioSacral Therapy is not about “doing” more. It’s about allowing the body to feel safe enough to shift.
CranioSacral Therapy Near Pittsburgh & New Castle, PA
Curious whether CranioSacral Therapy is right for you? Please feel free to reach out for a phone consultation. I welcome questions and conversations. Sometimes the first step is simply listening to what your body has been asking for.
With Love and Light,
Briana
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