Gut Feelings: How Craniosacral Therapy Can Support Digestion in Kids
When the belly and brain are both upset
If your child often complains of tummy aches, struggles with constipation, or seems to feel everything “in their stomach,” you’re not alone. Digestion challenges are incredibly common in children and teens — and not always about food.
In many cases, these symptoms are tied to stress and how the nervous system regulates itself. Kids who feel anxious, overwhelmed, or overstimulated often carry that tension in their gut. Craniosacral therapy (CST) helps by calming the nervous system, supporting the connection between the brain and digestive tract, and helping the body find balance again.
The gut–brain connection: what parents should know
Our digestive system isn’t just a series of organs — it’s deeply connected to how we think and feel. The gut and brain communicate constantly through the vagus nerve, which plays a big role in regulating digestion, mood, and even immunity.
When kids experience stress, their vagus nerve activity can decrease, meaning digestion slows down. That’s when you might see:
Ongoing constipation or bloating
Stomach pain without a clear cause
Nausea during stressful times
Frequent trips to the bathroom before school or activities
“Butterflies” that never seem to go away
These symptoms are the body’s way of saying it’s in fight-or-flight — not rest-and-digest.
How craniosacral therapy helps
Craniosacral therapy works gently with the nervous system to restore its ability to self-regulate. By using light touch around the head, spine, and sacrum, practitioners help release tension patterns that may be affecting vagus nerve function or diaphragm movement — two key players in healthy digestion.
For kids, CST can help the body shift into a calmer, more balanced state. Over time, that can support:
Improved digestion: smoother motility and less bloating
Reduced tummy pain: less tension in the gut and diaphragm
Better stress response: body learns to calm itself more easily
Overall wellbeing: improved mood, energy, and sleep
The power of calm in the body
When a child’s nervous system feels safe, digestion naturally improves. That’s why many families notice benefits that extend far beyond the stomach — things like better focus, fewer meltdowns, and more relaxed evenings at home.
CST gives the body a chance to reset. It’s not about “fixing” one symptom; it’s about helping the entire system function with greater ease.
What treatments look like
At Same Stars Wellness, appointments are quiet, gentle, and completely guided by your child’s comfort. Kids stay fully clothed, and the environment is calm and sensory-friendly.
Some children fall asleep during treatment, while others chat or simply rest — all are normal. Parents are welcome to stay in the room and often find the session relaxing, too.
Your practitioner may suggest simple at-home strategies to support regulation between visits — such as gentle breathing, hydration reminders, or small body-awareness exercises to help your child reconnect with calm throughout the day.
When to reach out
If your child’s digestion troubles seem tied to stress, anxiety, or ongoing tension, craniosacral therapy can be a gentle and effective addition to their care plan. It pairs beautifully with nutritional counselling, occupational therapy, and pediatric medical care — all working together to help your child feel better from the inside out.
Further Reading & Resources
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: Digestive Wellness in Kids
Child Mind Institute: The Link Between Stress and Stomach Pain
You can always reach out to our team at Same Stars Wellness to learn how craniosacral therapy can support your child’s digestion, mood, and overall wellbeing.
