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Rio de Ki · Montréal

Craniosacral Therapy in Montreal

Gentle hands-on work that helps your nervous system settle, release, and find its way back to ease. In-person in Montreal, virtual anywhere.

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Rio performing craniosacral therapy on a client in Montreal
Rio, somatic naturotherapist in Montreal

Meet Rio

I'm a Montreal-based somatic naturotherapist with over 17 years of experience in body-based healing and nervous system regulation. Craniosacral is one of the core modalities I integrate — alongside somatic therapy, myofascial release, reflexology, and bioenergetic work — to support your system in releasing what it's been holding.

Learn more about Rio →

Who This Is For

Your body is holding more than you can think your way out of.

Craniosacral techniques work at a level beneath conscious awareness — supporting release, regulation, and restoration for people who feel stuck in their nervous system.

  • Chronic headaches or migraines
  • Neck, jaw, or back tension
  • Anxiety, hypervigilance, or a system stuck "on"
  • Difficulty fully unwinding or sleeping
  • Post-concussion recovery
  • Trauma held in the body
  • Fatigue, burnout, or chronic stress
  • Feeling overstimulated by deeper bodywork
Craniosacral therapy session with Rio de Ki in Montreal

Release

Instead of holding.

Regulation

Instead of overwhelm.

Restoration

Instead of depletion.

The Approach

What is craniosacral?

Craniosacral work is a gentle, light-touch bodywork technique that works with the craniosacral system — the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Developed from osteopathic principles, it focuses on the subtle rhythmic movement of this system throughout the body. When tension or restriction is present in this rhythm, it can affect everything from pain and headaches to sleep, concentration, and nervous system regulation.

Through very light contact on the head, spine, and sacrum, craniosacral techniques support the body in releasing these patterns and returning to a more balanced state — without force, without overwhelm.

Craniosacral therapy session with Rio in Montreal — light touch on cranium
Rio with a client during a craniosacral therapy session in Montreal

Our Approach

What to expect in a session

Craniosacral sessions at Rio de Ki take place fully clothed, lying on a treatment table. There is no force, no manipulation — just precise, attentive contact.

1

We establish safety and presence

Before any hands-on work, we settle your system — letting your nervous system orient and begin to downregulate.

2

Light contact follows the body's rhythm

Rio makes gentle contact with your head, sacrum, or spine — listening for where restriction is held and supporting release through presence, not pressure.

3

Integration and rest

Sessions close with time for your system to integrate. You may notice shifts during or after — in breath, tension, mood, or clarity.

What It Can Support

Craniosacral therapy can help with

  • Chronic headaches and migraines
  • Neck and back tension
  • Jaw tension (TMJ)
  • Post-concussion recovery
  • Nervous system dysregulation
  • Anxiety and hypervigilance
  • Trauma held in the body
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Burnout and fatigue
  • Sensory sensitivity and overwhelm

I specialize in working with highly sensitive, neurodivergent, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Sessions are tailored to your nervous system — not a fixed protocol.

Integrated Approach

How craniosacral fits into session at Rio de Ki

Craniosacral techniques are integrated into a somatic approach — not a standalone protocol. Sessions draw on what your system actually needs.

Craniosacral Therapy

Light touch on cranium, spine, and sacrum to support cerebrospinal fluid rhythm and nervous system regulation.

Somatic Therapy

Body-centred trauma work, parts work, and somato-emotional release — woven in when deeper processing is present.

Bioenergetic Support

Myofascial release, reflexology, and reiki to support tissue release, circulation, and energetic balance alongside the craniosacral work.

Not sure which modality is right for you? A somatic therapy session is the best starting point — Rio will follow your system from there.

Where to Find Me

In-person in Montreal, virtual everywhere

I see clients across several Montreal neighbourhoods, with virtual sessions available anywhere.

  • Petite-Patrie / Rosemont — 6 min from Jean-Talon Metro
  • Villeray — 9 min from Castelnau Metro
  • Mile End — 12 min from Laurier Metro
  • Virtual — anywhere in Québec, Canada, or internationally

Insurance receipts available as a member of the ACNN — confirm naturopathy coverage with your provider.

Map of Rio de Ki's Montreal service areas — Petite-Patrie, Villeray, Mile End

What Clients Say

From people who've done this work

Craniosacral therapy session at Rio de Ki in Montreal

"I've been getting reiki, reflexology & craniosacral from Rio for years — always very relaxing and informative. You can tell she's passionate about educating. I experienced a deep release of emotions I didn't know were there. Unwinding the fascia was a highlight."

— A.M. · Google Review ★★★★★

"I've had the privilege of attending a few workshops and healing sessions with Rio. She is incredibly knowledgeable and transports me to another realm each session. The craniosacral session was one I will never forget."

— J.W. · Google Review ★★★★★

"I've had 3 sessions with Rio so far — 2 bioenergetic with myofascial release and 1 somatic therapy. I feel instantly in a trance when she works on me as if she has magic healing hands. A gifted healer."

— E.B. · Google Review ★★★★★

"Rio is amazing! Her somatic session helped me feel grounded and more connected to myself. The mix of bioenergetics and Reiki was powerful, and she creates such a calm, supportive space. Highly recommend!"

— E.T. · Google Review ★★★★★

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is craniosacral therapy evidence-based?
Research on craniosacral therapy is ongoing. Many people experience significant relief from headaches, tension, and nervous system dysregulation — particularly when combined with somatic work. It is best understood as a complementary modality, not a replacement for medical care.
What does a session feel like?
Most people describe it as deeply relaxing — sometimes profoundly so. The touch is subtle, never forceful. You may feel warmth, pulsing, or a shift in your breathing. Some people notice emotions arise. Others simply drift into deep rest while the nervous system settles.
Do I need to have done somatic therapy before?
No. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle entry point and works well as a standalone or alongside somatic therapy sessions. We'll assess together what makes sense for your system.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies. Some people notice a shift after one session; others benefit from a series over several weeks. We check in after each session and go at your system's pace.
Are sessions covered by insurance?
Yes — Rio issues naturopath receipts through ACNN accreditation, which are accepted by many private insurance plans. Confirm naturopathy coverage with your provider.

Ready to let your nervous system settle?

In-person in Montreal · Virtual anywhere

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