Ignition in the cranial system is a deep topic and will require more than one post. And if I ramble, please forgive me as I am also going to first reflect on our industry or maybe our education system in general, especially in the USA. Although I have been practicing cranial for years, the amount of hours sitting and listening to the systems of many clients is dwarfed by those giants that came before me like Doctors, Fulford, Becker, Mangoun, Jealous and others. Its humbling! Our education system and many of our massage schools as well, encourages mediocrity. Sorry if that stings, I am not singling out anyone. Just look at the claims of graduating students who offer multiple disciplines on their business cards as soon as they graduate! Now, I know that in order to keep a licensure that isn’t supported by the ruling medical system, one is supposed to do continuing education in order to be considered legitimate. Unfortunately, that is often the driving factor, and not the actual knowledge of the work itself! I know this to be a fact, because I receive lots of emails through our website. Often times they will not buy the dvds we offer because they can’t get their CEU’s in time. There is the assumption that an online course should be quick and easy. And there in lies my entire point. When I was studying at the Rolf Institute, many of my teachers were practicing cranial sacral therapy as well and visceral work in addition to the foundational work taught by Dr. Rolf. When I asked why those disciplines were not being taught alongside Dr. Rolf’s work, the answer (which didn’t make much sense at the time) was get a Rolfer’s hands for 5 years and then move on. I totally get it now after 30 years of practice. It pays to play in “the fields of a discipline” for awhile before adding yet another. [Read more…]
The Importance of Stretching Knowledge in our Bodywork Practices: Part 1
Have you ever noticed that many of the patterns of dysfunction that are brought to our practices repeat themselves regardless of how many sessions we might perform with them? I am going to propose how using stretching, in its many approaches, can change that pattern and create lasting healing in our clients.
I don’t care if someone has come to you for Cranial Sacral therapy, Rolfing, Feldenkrais, Alexander technique, myofascial release, acupuncture, chiropractic and on and on. Most have come because they are suffering a painful condition. In many or even most cases, stretching in some form would have either helped to prevent the condition or accelerated its healing. [Read more…]
What Is the Difference Between The Mechanical and The Biodynamic Models of Craniosacral Therapy?
I am often asked by students, what is Craniosacral Biodynamics and how does it differ from the “mechanical” approach? My answer is that one is the path of the Shaman, and the other is that of the mechanic. Both are very rewarding and effective, but the Biodynamic model will change who you are as a human being and how you walk on this water planet.
I know because I practiced the mechanical approach for ten years, and then the Biodynamic aproach for the last 13. Of all the disciplines whose knowledge I have drunk from, including my start at the Rolf Institute in 1989, the Biodynamic model of craniosacral therapy has been the greatest gift and the most transformative and magical of all the disciplines I have learned.
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Building a Massage & Bodywork Practice: Part 2
Well, I hope you have gained a wee bit of insight into building an ongoing practice that fulfills your expectation and needs from the first part of this blog post. I left you with the idea of referrals, or as I call it “planting of the seeds“ for a bountiful bodywork practice. It doesn’t matter what discipline you practice. I am a Rolfer and and Cranial Sacral therapist, but it doesn’t matter what you practice. Let me give you an example. Let’s say you are a member of a local gym where you regularly take care of the most important aspect of your health. Now, in the one I was recently a member of, every discipline that you can imagine is represented. I’m talking yoga, Pilates, weight training, swimming, running, tennis etc. Pick one or all and have a very simple attitude, what I do is of benefit to each and every one of you! Do you think that your work would have a benefit on every one of those disciplines? Of course it would!
Your Work as Its Own Advertising
Now you can spend your money on print advertising. I have done this, but have gained very limited benefit from my efforts. What I have found a much more successful strategy is to simply give services away with a smile knowing that your “advertising” efforts will continue to reap you benefits well beyond the initial “costs”! Its very much like creating residual income. Your consistent efforts sharing what you do in a hands on way is much more powerful than language used to describe its benefits. [Read more…]
Building a Massage & Bodywork Practice: Part 1
So, you have your newly acquired Certificate from an accredited massage school and its time to fill the coffers with the steady flow of economic support that you dreamed of when you first decided to embark on the bodyworker’s journey. Or you have been at it for awhile and things aren’t going quite like you expected and you are wondering why? There is no “how to” blueprint that will apply to everyone and all their needs. There are obviously too many variants in goals and desires for that to be accomplished in one template.
So let’s explore the one question that was posed to me as a teacher of deep tissue massage and cranial work in the three schools where I taught. “How do I get my practice built?” And for the seasoned players, “How do I turn up the heat a little bit on my my tepid practice?” There are many underlying thoughts flying under the “conscious radar” which I believe need to be addressed.
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