CranioSacral Therapy & Head, Neck & Facial Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Midtown Sacramento
Gentle, specialized care focused on the cranial system, nervous system, head, neck, jaw and facial lymphatics.
Client Experiences
Heather M. Rugg is an Integrative Practitioner based in Midtown Sacramento, CA, offering specialized craniosacral, nervous system, and head, neck, and facial lymphatic care. Her work is grounded in nervous system regulation, somatic listening, and advanced body-led training, with an emphasis on gentle, precise, individualized sessions.
With professional experience as a Certified Nurses Assistant & Medical Assistant, Heather brings clinical understanding of anatomy, physiology, & therapeutic environments to her work. Her practice integrates advanced CranioSacral Therapy (Upledger) & Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Vodder) techniques to support stress regulation, chronic tension patterns, post-surgical recovery, & overall balance.
Heather has completed extensive training in Applied Vodder Manual Lymphatic Drainage, including specialized advanced training in Wholistic MLD for the neck and face; advanced MLD for applications for surgery, trauma, and pathology; and head and brain lymphatic work for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and PCS (post-concussion syndrome). She has completed CranioSacral Therapy 1 and continues to advance through the Upledger curriculum.
Heather began working in intuitive & energy-informed healing in 2015 & opened her first public practice in 2019, serving communities across Northern California before establishing her current Midtown Sacramento location. Early mentorship in hands-on energetic work shaped her respect for the body's innate intelligence, a philosophy that continues to inform her approach.
She completed formal Native Celtic Shamanism training in Dublin, Ireland (2019–2022), which deepened her capacity for attuned, body-led presence. Sessions may also draw from Applied Kinesiology principles as an internal assessment framework to support individualized care (not offered as a standalone muscle testing service).
Heather is committed to ongoing professional development in advanced, body-based approaches that support regulation, integration, & a felt sense of safety within the body.
About Heather
My Services
CranioSacral Therapy
CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that works with the body’s subtle rhythms, connective tissues, and nervous system to encourage greater ease and regulation. Using light touch and careful listening to the body, sessions are individualized to support the release of tension patterns, promote relaxation, and create space for those experiencing chronic tension, stress, or sense of being persistently “on guard” within the body.
In-office session only
$295 | 60 minutes or $395 | 90 minutes
Head, Neck & Facial Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, rhythmic hands-on technique designed to support the natural movement of lymphatic fluid throughout the body. Using Vodder-based techniques, sessions encourage healthy lymphatic flow and may be particularly supportive during pre- and post-operative support, when managing swelling or fluid congestion, or as part of overall wellness and restorative care. Each session is adapted to the individual and provided in a calm, unhurried therapeutic environment.
In-office session only
$295 | 60 minutes Standard MLD
Pre-Op & Post-Op Sessions for Head, Neck & Face / packages:
Pre-Op Preparation $295 | 60 minutes
Pre-Op Preparation $825 | Three - 60 minute Sessions
Post-Op Support $155 | 60 minutes
Post-Op Recovery $725 | Five - 60 minute Sessions
Post-Op Intensive $1,400 | Ten - 60 minute Sessions
In-office session only
Integrative Somatic Care
Integrative Somatic Care is an individualized, in-office session that allows Heather to draw from multiple approaches according to what your body and nervous system need that day. Sessions may incorporate CranioSacral Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage when appropriate, somatic tracking, nervous system regulation, and energy-informed support. Rather than following a predetermined protocol, the session unfolds responsively, with an emphasis on gentle, body-led care.
In-office session only
$295 | 60 minutes or $395 | 90 minutes
Distance Nervous System & Energy Support
A virtual session for clients who want supportive nervous system and energy-based work without an in-office, hands-on session. Sessions may include guided body awareness, grounding, energetic support, regulation practices, and intuitive observation as appropriate. The focus is on helping you settle, reconnect with your body, and create greater internal regulation without requiring physical touch.
Available virtually via Zoom
$295 | 60 minutes or $395 | 90 minutes
Foundational Somatic Session
A one-time introductory session for those new to this type of work. Experience a gentle, individualized approach and see whether somatic care feels like a good fit for you.
In-office session only
$125 | 60 minutes
15-Minute Connection Call
A brief call to ask questions, discuss what you’re looking for, and determine which session may be the best fit. The $25 free is applied toward your session if you book.
$25 | 15 minutes
Restore
Regulate
Reconnect
Individualized care for the whole person
Areas of Focus
-
Nervous System & Stress
Stress
Overwhelm
Sleep Support -
Head, Neck & Jaw Tension
Head Tension
Jaw / TMJ Support
Neck Tension -
Head, Neck & Facial Lymphatics
Facial Swelling
Fluid Congestion
Lymphatic Support -
Somatic Regulation
Grounding
Body Awareness
Connection -
Facial Procedure Support
Pre-Procedure
Post-Procedure
Recovery Support
Professional Training & Credentials
✅ Upledger CranioSacral Therapy 1
✅ Vodder Technique Manual Lymphatic Drainage
✅ Medical Assistant
✅ Applied Kinesiology
✅ Honorary Doctorate of Metaphysics
✅ Credentials of Ministry
✅ Native Celtic Shamanism
✅ Board Certification AAMP
Frequently asked questions:
-
Your first session begins with a conversation about what brings you in, your goals, and any relevant history or concerns. From there, your session is tailored to you and the type of care you’ve selected. Heather works at an unhurried pace, paying close attention to the body’s responses and adapting the session as needed. You are always encouraged to communicate about your comfort, preferences, or anything you experience during the session.
-
If you already know you’re seeking CranioSacral Therapy, Head, Neck & Facial Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Integrative Somatic Care, or Distance Nervous System & Energy Support, you may book that service directly. If you’re unsure which approach best fits what you’re looking for, you may schedule a 15-minute consultation with Heather before booking. The $25 consultation fee is credited toward your first session if you choose to schedule care.
-
For CranioSacral Therapy and most Integrative Somatic Care sessions, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended. Head, Neck & Facial Manual Lymphatic Drainage involves direct work with the skin, so appropriate draping is used throughout the session for comfort and privacy. Specific preparation instructions will be provided when needed for the service you book.
-
Yes. Distance Nervous System & Energy Support is available virtually via Zoom. CranioSacral Therapy, Head, Neck & Facial Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and hands-on Integratvie Somatic Care require an in-person appointment at Heather’s Midtown Sacramento office.
-
Heather’s practice is private-pay and does not bill or accept insurance. Payment is due at time of booking. Please contact Heather directly if you have questions about payment or scheduling.
Have a question before scheduling?
Send a message here, or click any Schedule a Session button on this page to view service details, pricing, policies, and to book online. Connection Calls are available there as well.
Appointments: Thursdays & Fridays
By appointment only - no walk-ins.
Prepayment is required at the time of booking.
Care that
meets you
where you are