Lauren M. Christman, LMT, CCST, CBSI/ATSI
With over 28 years in practice, my work weaves methods based on osteopathic principles (structural integration, craniosacral, and visceral manipulation—descriptions below). Taken together, my work aims to balance the autonomic nervous system, as well as alignment and mobility of the muscles, bones and organs. I have particular interest and focus on working with infants and children.
Through a short series of session, I hope to create greater client awareness of their own health and well-being. Depending on the needs of each client, I adapt the methods I use to create lasting changes; my work is oriented to problem-solving more than on-going maintenance or general relaxation. I tend to see adults and teens who need focused care for 3-5 sessions, then refer them onward to other skilled practitioners for on-going care.
For a full description of Lauren's background and training, click here.
Hello!
Since the pandemic, I see clients on a slightly limited basis (fewer people in a day), to allow for best sanitation protocols between sessions. Well-fitting masks are now optional for adults and older children; children 3 and under are not required to mask.
Please consider wearing a mask if you have been exposed recently to someone with a contagious condition, are recovering from illness, or are uncertain about the source of your symptoms (e.g., allergies, etc.). If you have more than mild symptoms, no matter the cause, it's best to remain home and let your body rest -- we can reschedule your time.
Parents, please bring your own toys/books for your child's session; I have put mine in storage to make for easier cleaning and decrease lingering germs. Let me know if you need to bring siblings as well (because of child-care logistics). Thank you!
Feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns about your care.
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I see clients in two locations - Seattle & Shoreline
Hours
- Wednesdays in Shoreline
- Thursdays and Fridays in Seattle
- Starting times from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
To schedule an appointment, please email me: lauren@craftedtouch.com.
Preparing for your session
• A health history is required of all clients:
Fees as of January 1, 2023
Teens and adults: $130/hour; sessions are available at 45 or 30 minutes (at a prorated fee).
Newborn - 12 years old: Fees are set on a sliding scale based on gross yearly family income. (Reporting is based on an honor system; no verification needed.)
Up to 40K = $30/hour
40 -59K = $50/hour
60 - 79K = $70/hour
80 - 99K = $90/hour
100 - 119K = $110/hour
Above 120K = $130/hour
Initial sessions generally last one hour. On-going care for children often requires 30-minute sessions; fees are prorated based on the time we use.
My Specialties
Craniosacral
A gentle method that seeks to balance the function of the central nervous system and to relieve stress as a major contributor to chronic pain, skeletal imbalance, and common ailments (headaches, sleep or digestive problems, cognitive problems, and recent shock or trauma anywhere in the body). It may also involve mobilization of the many delicate structures in the cranium, face and jaw.
Structural integration
A fascial approach to balancing skeletal alignment that usually is conducted in a set number of sessions or 'series' (often 3-4, 6-7, or 12). Fascia is the body's organizing tissue. It wraps the muscles, bones and organs and creates tendons and ligaments. Fascia is meant to distribute strain evenly, when we stand, sit or move. Unfortunately, through trauma, injury or daily habits, the fascia can become tight, short or sticky, not allowing for balanced or easy movement. This method frees and lengthens the fascia to restore alignment and ease. (Note: I no longer practice the full 12-session series, though I can refer you to colleagues who do.)
Visceral manipulation
A gentle, yet deep way of releasing the organs, fascially and neurologically, to help them function well. We often don't realize the major role that the organs, blood vessels and nerves play in how our body is organized. Infections, surgeries, traumas (such as whiplash or falls) and even chronic postural problems can effect how well our organs move. This work aims to balance the mechanical strains on the organs, and return the tissue to a balanced position and function.
Emotional integration techniques
Just as our bodies are subject to external stressors, we are subject to internal stressors: how we manage our emotions, thoughts and beliefs. With the body as our anchor and guide, the above methods may be applied as an exploration of the meaning, emotions or beliefs that can underly chronic stress or areas of injury.
Specific Applications
Supporting Infants and Children
Newborns, toddlers and children experience many stressors, such as the birthing process, falls from learning to walk or sports, and common childhood illnesses (chronic ear/sinus infections, allergies, reflux, or cholic). Also, they may have the same stressors that adults do: car accidents, poor postural or movement habits, and emotional overwhelm. My work offers gentle intervention in a relaxed atmosphere.
This work uses gentle touch and movement techniques to release tension patterns in the cranium, skeletal system, organs and other soft tissue (muscles/tendons). Usually, the first visit lasts an hour and includes discussion with parents about the pregnancy, labor and early experiences for the child. After getting a sense of the parent's concerns and doing some gentle assessments, the treatment is usually takes about 35 minutes of the hour. I only work to the degree that the child is able to receive, and can pause the treatment if the child needs soothing, feeding or changing (infants) or a break to play and integrate the treatment (toddlers and older children).
As compared to chiropractic, my work does look at alignment and movement of the bones, but does not use quick forceful adjustments. I work with the inherent movement that is available already in the child, and follow/guide their movement toward greater ease and balance. At any point in the session, I'm happy to explain to you what I'm feeling and doing, so that you can be confident in the care your child's receiving.
Intraoral work
Working the muscles and soft tissue that hold the jaw is an important part of creating balance for the neck and head. Most people hold some amount of tension in the jaw muscles, and are often surprised how much more relaxed they feel after receiving this work. Techniques are applied to the neck, throat, outer jaw and within the mouth; the overall goal is to improve pain-free range of motion, release emotional or muscular tension, and improve the alignment of the jaw, neck and head. This work is particularly useful for people of all ages who are undergoing significant dental work, have chronic headaches or whiplash, and who have digestive problems.
What to expect when you visit
During the first visit, I ask that clients complete a full health history, which I will discuss with you along with your goals for treatment. First sessions generally run an hour, including assessment and treatment.
If, for some reason, we do not need the full 60 minutes (as is often the case for follow up visits with children, or adults toward the end of their treatment cycle), my fee is prorated so that you are charged only for the time we use.
Client Resources
We've put together some videos and handouts to support people's understanding of their body and healing. Feel free to check these out, and ask for more if you don't find what you're interested in.
Click here for our youtube channel.
Lauren has written articles and handouts describing the specialty of working inside the mouth and how to take care of yourself at home:
Certifications/Professional associations
- Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Washington State, since 1994.
- KMI-Structural Integration, with Thomas Myers, Kinesis, 2004.
- Certified Craniosacral Therapist, with Ursula Popp, Natural Health Resources Center, 2005.
- Certification Board of Structural Integrators (CBSI), certified practitioner, since 2009.
- Certified Teacher of Kinesis, teaching short courses and within KMI certification program in the U.S. and Europe, 2005-2013.
- National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB), approved continuing education providers, since 2005.
- International Association of Structural Integrators (IASI), member, 2003; continuing education provider, since 2009.
- American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), member since 1994.
As a practitioner, Lauren is compassionate, adept and intuitive. Her palpation skills are honed and impressive; she listens with her hands and her heart in equal measure, which allows clients to feel fully held in a place of true healing. — Patricia H.
I just wanted to write to you to thank you again so much for the craniosacral therapy you provided me last fall…I have been able to return to college and transition gently back into academics, dance and my normal active life again…I cannot believe how far I’ve come from barely being able to read for a few minutes at a time! — Sonja B
I am so grateful to you and your work. You have given me a way to learn truths about my unfolding through my body. It means so much to me to sand and be able to make up a little 'receiving meditation' by subtle lengthenings and openings in the breath. I've always felt bad I couldn't meditate, well, this feels like meditation. It puts me on track. — S.S.
So many of we women feel shame around our bodies. I feel so accepted in your presence. It is what I long for with myself. You have helped me tremendously in this. — Susan P
Recent blog posts
Administrative IDs:
WA license: MA7042
NPI: 1003993262
NCBTMB: 450788-08
EIN: 20-3223690
Fremont
4000 Aurora Ave N, Suite 114
Seattle, WA 98103
Shoreline
116 NE 194th St.
Shoreline, WA 98155
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