Reiki and craniosacral therapy are both gentle, non-invasive therapies that work with the body at a subtle level — and clients sometimes ask how they differ and which might be more appropriate for them. The answer depends partly on what you’re hoping to address, and understanding the distinctive character of each helps clarify this.
What They Have in Common
Both therapies are extremely gentle — neither involves the kind of physical manipulation or pressure associated with massage or osteopathy. Both work through light touch or near-the-body presence. Both produce deep relaxation and nervous system regulation as consistent outcomes. Both address the body at a level that goes beyond physical tissue. And both are appropriate alongside conventional medical care with minimal contraindications.
What Reiki Is
Reiki is an energy healing system developed in Japan. It works by channelling healing energy (ki) through the hands to support the body’s own healing processes. The hand positions cover the whole body, following a sequence that addresses the major energy centres and pathways. Reiki doesn’t require the practitioner to have knowledge of anatomy or physiology — the energy goes where it’s needed. The experience tends to feel deeply enveloping, warm, and often profoundly restful.
Reiki is particularly suited to: emotional processing and release, stress and anxiety, general energy restoration, supporting the body through illness or treatment, and situations where a gentle, whole-person approach is needed. More on the Reiki page.
What Craniosacral Therapy Is
Craniosacral therapy is a bodywork modality with roots in osteopathy, developed from the work of John Upledger. It works with the craniosacral system — the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord — through very light, specific touch at the head, sacrum, and other points. Unlike Reiki, it requires detailed anatomical knowledge and works with specific anatomical structures. The practitioner is listening to and following the craniosacral rhythm — a subtle physiological motion that can be disrupted by injury, trauma, and stress.
Craniosacral therapy is particularly suited to: headaches and migraines, jaw problems (TMJ), post-concussion symptoms, structural holding patterns with a deep neurological component, trauma and PTSD, and complex nervous system presentations. Full details are on the craniosacral therapy page.
Which Should You Choose?
For emotional wellbeing, stress, anxiety, grief, and general restoration — Reiki is often the more accessible and immediately impactful choice. For structural or neurological issues, headaches, trauma with a physical holding pattern, or conditions requiring work with specific anatomical structures — craniosacral therapy is more targeted.
For complex presentations that have both emotional/energetic and structural dimensions, KORE Therapy integrates elements of both alongside other modalities. I’m happy to discuss which is most appropriate for your specific situation — get in touch or visit the therapies page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both Reiki and craniosacral therapy? Yes — they complement each other well. Some clients have both in the same session; others alternate between them.
Which is better for trauma? Both address trauma effectively but through different pathways. For trauma with significant physical holding patterns, craniosacral is often more precise. For trauma with primarily emotional and energetic dimensions, Reiki may be more directly relevant.
Is one more or less expensive than the other? Check the prices page for current rates — both are similarly priced per session.
I’m based in Wilby, near Wellingborough. Explore the full range of therapies available from my Northamptonshire practice.