CranioSacral Therapy & Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Midtown Sacramento
Combining Craniosacral Therapy & Manual Lymphatic Drainage to improve circulation, reduce swelling, & address the underlying patterns that keep symptoms returning.
Client Experiences
Heather M. Rugg is an Integrative Practitioner based in Midtown Sacramento, CA, specializing in body-centered care grounded in nervous system regulation & somatic listening.
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 sessions only
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 sessions only
Integrative Somatic Care
Integrative Somatic Care is a personalized, in-office session that allows Heather to draw from multiple approaches according to the needs of the individual rather than working within a single modality. Sessions may incorporate craniosacral techniques, manual lymphatic drainage when appropriate, energy-informed or shamanic practices, and other elements of Heather’s professional training. Each session unfolds responsively, with attention to the body’s patterns, nervous system, and the client’s individual goals.
In-office only
Nervous System Regulation & Energy Work
Nervous System Regulation & Energy Work offer an energy-centered approach for clients seeking support beyond hands-on bodywork. Drawing from Heather’s years of training and experience in energy-informed and shamanic practices, sessions are individually guided and may include imbas, extraction work, soul retrieval, drumming, and journeying, according to the needs and intentions of the client. Sessions may support relaxation, energetic balance, personal reflection, and a deeper sense of connection with oneself. Sessions may be experienced either in person or virtually, allowing this work to be accessible regardless of location.
(*Death Rites are offered separately for those seeking support surrounding death and transition. Please contact Heather directly for information and scheduling.)
Available in-office or virtually via Zoom
Restore
Regulate
Reconnect
Individualized care for the whole person
Areas of Focus
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Nervous System & Stress
Stress
Overwhelm
Sleep -
Pain & Tension
Pain
Tension
Mobility -
Lymphatic Support
Swelling
Congestion
Recovery -
Body & Somatic Awareness
Grounding
Regulation
Connection -
Recovery & Wellness
Pre & Post-Operative Support
Restoration
Wellness
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:
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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.
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If you already know you’re seeking CranioSacral Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Integrative Bodywork, or Reiki & Shamanic Healing, 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.
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For CranioSacral Therapy and most Integrative Somatic Care sessions, comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended. 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.
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Yes. Nervous system & energy work are available both in-office and virtually via Zoom. CranioSacral Therapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and hands-on Integratvie Somatic Care require an in-person appointment at Heather’s Midtown Sacramento office.
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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?
If you’re unsure which session is right for you or you would like to connect before booking, you’re welcome to reach out or book a Connection Call.
Care that
meets you
where you are