Acupuncture, Craniosacral Therapy, & Integrative Medicine

Cheryl’s integrative protocol: craniosacral therapy applied during acupuncture treatment, followed with Taoist visceral manipulation (chi nei tsang), trigger point/myofascial release, Thai yoga facilitated stretches and manual lymphatic drainage. If appropriate, herbal medicine and nutrition guidance.

Acupuncture

Insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific anatomical and functional points to stimulate peripheral nerves, connective tissue planes, and microvascular networks. From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture modulates autonomic balance, influences pain signaling pathways, reduces inflammation, and supports neuroendocrine regulation.

From a classical East Asian medicine framework, points are selected to regulate the flow of Qi and Blood through the channel system, harmonize organ networks, and restore adaptive capacity across interconnected physiological systems.

Treatments are tailored to the individual and often produce a deeply calming yet clarifying effect—supporting the body’s ability to shift out of stress patterns and into a state of repair, regulation, and internal coherence.

Craniosacral Therapy

A gentle, hands-on approach that works with the subtle mobility and tone of the cranial sutures, dura mater, and sacral attachments. This system directly influences cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, parasympathetic regulation, and central nervous system integration.

Through light touch and attentive listening, areas of restriction are identified and invited to release, often resulting in a sense of deep stillness, unwinding, or internal reorganization. This work can be especially supportive for those recovering from concussion, chronic stress, headaches, or nervous system dysregulation.

Taoist Visceral Manipulation (Chi Nei Tsang)

Manual techniques applied to the abdominal and thoracic organs to improve organ mobility, fascial glide, vascular and lymphatic flow, and viscerosomatic reflex patterns.

This work recognizes that the organs are not only biochemical structures but also dynamic, responsive tissues that influence posture, breath, emotion, and systemic function.

By restoring natural movement and reducing tension within the organ systems, clients often experience improvements in digestion, breathing, structural alignment, and a greater sense of internal ease and groundedness.

Myofascial & Trigger Point Release

Targeted techniques addressing fascial restrictions and hyperirritable muscle fibers that contribute to pain, stiffness, and dysfunctional movement patterns.

By reducing nociceptive input and restoring tissue hydration and glide, this work helps normalize neuromuscular firing patterns and improve coordination across the body.

Sessions may include sustained pressure, slow fascial unwinding, and integrative movement cues—supporting not just symptom relief, but more efficient and resilient movement patterns over time.

Thai Yoga–Assisted Therapy

A dynamic, interactive bodywork modality combining facilitated stretching, joint mobilization, and rhythmic compression to enhance range of motion and circulation.

Often described as “assisted yoga,” this work supports proprioceptive feedback and coordinated movement across myofascial chains while allowing the client to remain relaxed and supported throughout.

It can feel both grounding and energizing—helping to restore fluidity, improve posture, and reconnect the body’s natural rhythm and flow.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

A gentle, rhythmical technique designed to support lymphatic circulation and the movement of interstitial fluid.

By encouraging the flow of lymph, this work assists immune function, reduces congestion and swelling, and supports the body’s natural detoxification and metabolic processes.

Clients often report a lightness or clarity following treatment, as the system shifts out of stagnation and into more efficient fluid exchange and cellular communication.

Herbal Medicine & Nutrition

Individualized botanical and dietary strategies designed to support the body at both a biochemical and energetic level.

Recommendations are informed by an integration of modern nutritional science, Chinese herbal medicine, and Ayurvedic principles—addressing patterns such as inflammation, depletion, stagnation, and dysregulation.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, protocols are tailored to the individual’s constitution, current state, and long-term goals—supporting sustainable changes in energy, digestion, resilience, and overall vitality.
Individualized botanical and dietary strategies selected to support biochemical pathways involved in inflammation, detoxification, tissue repair, and systemic resilience.

Commonly Treated Conditions

Neurological & Nervous System Regulation

  • Post-concussion and traumatic brain injury recovery

  • Headache and migraine disorders

  • Autonomic nervous system dysregulation (stress, anxiety, sleep disturbance)

  • Cognitive fatigue, brain fog, and focus or memory concerns

  • Neuralgia and nerve irritation

Pain, Injury & Structural Conditions

  • Neck, back, hip, and spinal pain with or without radiating symptoms

  • Myofascial pain and movement restriction

  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), jaw, and facial pain

  • Joint pain and soft tissue inflammation (shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle, foot)

  • Arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and edema

  • Sports injuries, overuse syndromes, and postural imbalances

  • Pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical rehabilitation support

Women’s & Reproductive Health

  • Menstrual cycle irregularities and premenstrual symptoms

  • Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cysts, fibroids, and endometriosis (supportive care)

  • Hormonal and endocrine-related imbalance

  • Fertility support for women and men

  • Pregnancy-related nausea and trimester-specific wellness support

  • Postpartum recovery and physiological restoration

  • Perimenopausal and menopausal transition support

Digestive, Visceral & Pelvic Health

  • Functional digestive disorders (bloating, reflux, motility imbalance)

  • Abdominal and pelvic tension or discomfort

  • Post-infectious or post-surgical digestive recovery

  • Food sensitivities and complex digestive patterns (supportive care)

Lymphatic, Immune & Recovery Support

  • Lymphatic congestion and fluid retention

  • Post-viral and immune system stress

  • Chronic fatigue and low stamina states

  • Recovery following illness, injury, or medical treatment (adjunctive care)

Stress, Trauma & Systemic Regulation

  • Chronic stress and burnout

  • Trauma-informed nervous system support

  • Mood instability related to physiological dysregulation

  • Sleep disruption and circadian imbalance

Adjunctive & Specialized Care

  • Lyme disease and tick-borne illness support

  • Post-viral and long COVID recovery

  • Sports medicine and performance recovery

  • Acupuncture facial rejuvenation

Care is individualized and may support complex or overlapping conditions not listed above.

Center for Acupuncture and Cranial-sacral Therapy: 3100 Brown Station Rd, St D Columbia 65202

& alternating Mondays between:

Kirksville Specialty Clinic: 1108 E. Patterson St Suite 10, Kirksville, MO 63501

Shrum Health and Wellness: 514 E. Briggs Dr, Macon, MO 63552