Innate Healing

 craniosacral therapy

About Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

Your body is constantly compensating for stressors encountered in every day life. Unfortunately, this can cause body tissues such as muscles, fascia, and organs, to tighten and restrict the Craniosacral System (the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain/spinal cord). These restrictions can then create a barrier to healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) aims to return the Craniosacral System to homeostasis using gentle hands-on techniques. By manipulating the bones of the skull / spine to enhance the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, restoring fascial balance, and regulating the nervous system, CST releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain / dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. A body in homeostasis is free of pain and disease!

CST was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after years of clinical testing and research at Michigan State University where he served as Professor of Biomechanics. Using Dr. Upledger’s biomechanical approach to treatment, CST is effective at alleviating pain and dysfunction across a wide range areas including chronic pain, concussion symptoms, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, emotional trauma, and more.

Offerings

CRANIOSACRAL SESSION - ADULT

For individuals over the age of 20. Please book an Initial Consultation appointment (75 mins) which allows time for intake forms, health history, and questions. Follow up appointments are 60 mins.

60 - 75 mins

$120

CRANIOSACRAL SESSION - CHILD

For newborns - 20 year olds, and their caregiver to share (if desired). Please book an Initial Consultation appointment and we will establish an ideal session length moving forward depending on circumstances.

30 - 60 mins

$50 - $100

About me

Hi! My name is Mckaila. I recently moved to Wellington with my husband from Seattle, Washington. I’m passionate about Craniosacral Therapy and the incredible results it can achieve.

Over twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome after sustaining multiple concussions during sports. This led to chronic headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and persistent pain. After trying countless therapies, Craniosacral Therapy was the only one that provided real relief and a pathway to healing. To this day, I continue to receive regular treatments!

My background is in Neuroscience. I earned my Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Behavioral Neuroscience from Western Washington University and a Master’s degree (MSc) in Neuropathology from the University of Sheffield in England. I then spent several years working as a research scientist at the Allen Brain Institute in Seattle, a non-profit focused on neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Now, I work for the University of Otago at Wellington Hospital, conducting women’s health cancer research.

For over a decade, I’ve been involved in the Craniosacral Therapy community, and a few years ago, I decided to become a therapist myself—to help others the way I had been helped. On my learning journey, I’ve become a licensed massage therapist (LMT) and completed courses in Craniosacral Therapy, Somatosensory Release, and Craniosacral Therapy for Pediatrics through the Upledger Institute, as well as a course in Visceral Manipulation through the Barral Institute.

I deeply believe in patient education, compassionate touch, and the body’s innate ability to heal. I look forward to supporting you on your unique healing journey!

Certificates in Craniosacral Therapy 1 & 2, Somatosensory Release 1 & 2, Craniosacral Therapy for Pediatrics 1, and Visceral Manipulation 1. Member of IAHP (International Association of Healthcare Practitioners). CST Techniques Certification via Upledger Institute in progress.

  • “I had never heard of cranial sacral therapy before until a colleague mentioned Mckaila's work. I suffered from migraines in my younger years, a nasty car crash 20 years ago and multiple ailments that happen through life, I've tried all sorts of treatments and this one blows me away every session, I feel layers peeled off as our sessions have progressed I feel more at peace, calm, collect and my body feels great from a deeper level. With Mckaila’s guidance I'm starting to make small life changes to better my lifestyle. We need more people like Mckaila in this world helping more and more people, truly am grateful 🙏”

    -Tania

  • “I came to Mckaila with a complex hip issue that I had been carrying for years with no resolve. She was instantly able to provide me with the sense of relief that I had been looking for. She was able to carefully and diligently unwind a lot of the pressure that I had been feeling in that area. Her technique and calm bedside manner were able to put me in a deep state of relaxation - providing my nervous system a break from some recent stress. Innate Healing is a must in the treatment of deeper, "harder to reach" health related issues.”

    -Ryan

  • “Mckaila brings a calm presence and curious attention to her sessions that make her an intuitive and effective therapist. She is skilled at deeply listening to your body and noticing the subtle energies at play while staying grounded in her knowledge of anatomy and a practical understanding of the craniosacral rhythm. You can tell she deeply cares about her work. I highly recommend working with her!”

    -Brenna

  • "I've been dealing with chronic hip pain from hip dysplasia my entire life. Mckaila put my nerves and pain at ease. over a series of sessions she skillfully worked to bring mobility and comfort back to my hip. I would recommend her to anyone with chronic pain."

    -Sydney

  • "Being a newbie to CST I didn't know what to expect. Holy cow, it was wonderful. My head and body felt a big stress relief during and after our session. It was an amazing new feeling for me."

    -Frances

  • "Feeling blissed out after my first cranio session. I loved listening to Mckaila explain how she was moving the energy and bones in my head."

    -Anna-Marie

  • “McKaila is a fantastic craniosacral therapist. She listens and has a great healing touch. I always come away feeling relaxed and balanced. I'm seeing McKaila through my pregnancy, which helps me keeping my body in a great physical health. Highly recommend McKaila. She will listen and care for you in the best way!”

    -Camille

Get in touch

Please use this form if you are finding cost a barrier to receiving treatment, if you are a healthcare practitioner and are open to trades, or have any additional questions you would like answered before booking.

Looking forward to connecting with you!