Testimonials

Intractable Seizures Testimonial

I treat a 2-year old who has suffered from severe and often intractable seizures. She has developmental delays because of the seizures themselves and the heavy medication they use to treat them. She was doing quite well with CranioSacral Therapy, gaining vocalization, walking, hand-eye coordination and eating semi-solid foods. She had a new bout of seizures this summer but before she was hospitalized again mom brought her in for a session. Poor thing was just inconsolable, plaintively crying. I held her tight to my chest as I bounced with her on my physioball. With my hand on her head and back I asked into her system, finding myself ticking through the different structures and functions from Tad Wanveer’s glial class. All of a sudden I got “ephaptic coupling”. I confess I had not remembered anything about ephaptic coupling but I trusted the intention asked for from her system. Within seconds of connecting with her on this level (while we were still bouncing by the way) she fell completely asleep. We then clicked over to the extracellular space and treated on this level. When I looked up ‘ephaptic coupling’ on Wikipedia I found the following entry. 

“Epileptic seizures occur when there is synchrony of electrical waves in the brain. Knowing the role that ephaptic coupling plays in maintaining synchrony in electrical signals, it makes sense to look for ephaptic mechanisms in this type of pathology. One study suggested that cortical cells represent an ideal place to observe ephaptic coupling due to the tight packing of axons, which allows for interactions between their electrical fields. They tested the effects of changing extracellular space (which affects local electrical fields) and found that one can block epileptic synchronization independent of chemical synapse manipulation simply by increasing the space between cells.[15] Later, a model was created to predict this phenomenon and showed scenarios with greater extracellular spacing that effectively blocked epileptic synchronization in the brain.” 

During her hospitalization she lost all her motor control. She was discharged with a nasal gastric feeding tube since she could not swallow. After 2 CST sessions she regained the ability to suck and swallow, narrowly avoiding G-tube surgery. She is now working on her cross-crawl skills and vocalization again. Mom is convinced it is the CST that has helped her more than any of her many other interventions. 

~Lori Leitzel Rice L.M.T, CST-D 

www.upledger.com www.iahp.com 

 

 

An inspiring story about a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder Mild/Moderate

Emily interviewed Mariann Sisco for her upcoming book "The Body Heals Itself" and also took her CST2 class a few months ago.

Emily's daughter was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Mild/Moderate and this is her short story:

Well...we have been continuing with CST every month and I do very little in between for maintenance. We went back to our Developmental Pediatrician who diagnosed her and has done her re-evaluation each six months and yearly. At this year's appointment, the doctor removed her diagnosis completely!!! She said her daughter no longer meets the criteria for Autism Spectrum on any level. And although she barely tests out of it, she is in fact off the spectrum. The doctor said to me: "You need to know that this rarely to never happens. You need to take your miracle and know that everything you've been doing is working."

I know for a fact that the difference maker has been CranialSacral Therapy.

And now we did NAET (Allergy Elimination Technique) and were able to leave our strict gluten free diet behind us as well!!! It's like we've been given our life back! She is now in a totally typical pre-K class and you would not pick her out of a line up on being any different than the other children. No special needs anything in place and she is rocking it in big ways.

We also went for our speech re-evaluation with our original speech pathologist and she was in tears and utterly shocked! Her daughter now is out of having speech apraxia, and her receptive language was 89% and expressive language was 86%-the only thing she qualifies for is articulation therapy and every time we go inside her mouth we see that coming along too-even her teacher noticed it!

This all happened because I came to interview you for my book..and now I'm deeply in awe of CranialSacral Therapy and intend to take it through the pediatric training myself AND this gave my child her life back. Truly.

I am forever grateful to have met you on this path. Forever and ever grateful.

I feel more confident with working with patients

I feel more confident with working with patients in an acute care setting that are affected by lymphedema and how to give them more effective and increased quality of care and their quality of life.

Thank you so much for your wonderful teaching techniques

Thank you so much for your wonderful teaching techniques during this class. You were able to make a rather complex system understandable. I can't wait to get back to work and use this knowledge you have taught. It was like no other course I had taken before and by far the best course yet.

I came to this course with minimal understanding of Lymphedema

I came to this course with minimal understanding of Lymphedema and what is involved to treat it. I walked away with a wealth of knowledge, confidence, resources, and a true understanding on how to help my future patients, so thank you for this.

A Year of Integration

"It has been over a year since taking the SVMB workshop offered by Bruce, and I still use (and will continue to use) the clinical skills and insight I gained there. In particular, I learned how to contact the pericardium and other very relevant deep places, with honor for the client’s abilities to accept contact. Bruce's sense of respect for my personal learning process was invaluable to me and facilitated me absorbing this advanced skill! In the end, it was his deep respect for students personal process that I remain most impressed with."

December, 2014

Bridging Structural and Functional

"Bruce's "Fascial Integration" classes offer a contemporary approach to holistic manual therapy. He really bridges structural and functional points of view through a comprehensive review of Fascia Research. Bruce's hands-on method goes beyond mechanistic understandings and incorporates dynamic and interactive contact. His classes offer great skills for Acupuncturists that want to bridge the energetic paradigm of meridian therapy with a modern understanding of fascial networks and neuroscience."

December, 2014

Scar Tissue and Adhesions

"Bruce's Fascial Integration class has made a significant difference in my clinical work, primarily in how I address the transitions between the abdomen, thorax, neck and head. Fascial Integration has given me a new way of seeing and contacting the "Core" space, and has provided me with some very practical tools to address abdominal and thoracic scar tissue and adhesions that are often left behind from surgery and/or physical trauma."

May, 2014

Recoil Technique My Favorite!

"I recently took Bruce Schonfeld's Fascial Integration class for the Low-Back, Pelvis & Abdomen and was extremely impressed with the visceral portion. The material he presented has positively informed my structural work as a Rolfer. Bruce’s take on recoil technique was my favorite part of the class and has proven to be clinically relevant. The class size was comfortable and conducive for maximum learning. Bruce himself is both a master practitioner and a great instructor, he's able to share his knowledge effectively and yet still in a light hearted way. I highly recommend Bruce's Low-Back class!"

February, 2014

New Dimension of Integration

Low-Back, Pelvis & Abdomen class

I have been practicing Rolfing for over 20 years. When you go to a workshop, you think you already know everything. I was greatly mistaken after taking Bruce's class. Bruce showed our group a new way to assess the body and a new dimension of structurally integrating the body through the viscera. Bruce's knowledge of anatomy and the way he presented the work made understanding the concepts easy. I would highly recommend Bruce's workshop to anyone wishing to enhance their knowledge of Structural Integration. It will help take your practice to a new level.

February, 2014

Sacroiliac Dysfunction Breakthrough

In Fascial Integration Bruce brought together the concepts of "container" and "contents" in a very usable approach. We learned the hand skills of engaging both systems simultaneously and then working with their interface. I was able to integrate this approach immediately after the class, and was able to make a breakthrough with a sacroiliac dysfunction patient my first day back in the clinic. Treating a local area while keeping a global focus on how it affects and integrates into the whole body. This are great techniques for PT's to utilize in their practice!

Technique and Classroom Integration

Bruce teaches from a place of generosity, compassion, and a genuine desire to share the valuable skills he's developed as a practitioner, a teacher, and a deeply caring human being.

From his coursework I gained something unique that serves me every day… the ability to use my technical clinical skills through a more holistic, integrated way of looking at the body. What he shares with his students is insightful and personally meaningful.

He embraces teaching practitioners of varied disciplines, helping to bridge the gap between different approaches, and bringing together bodyworkers who share a common goal. You will feel seen and appreciated by him for your particular skill set, whatever your training background. He creates a rich environment for all for learning and for inspiration. It is a great gift.

Fascial Course Pulled Physiotherapy and Visceral Manipulation Together

The very idea of Bruce's Fascial Integration course: Structural-Visceral Approaches for the Lumbar Spine really floated my boat as a Physiotherapist. After working with typically Physio musculoskeletal techniques and then adding Visceral Manipulation skills over the past few years, this course really helped to pull it all together. I haven't found anything else like it.

Bruce covered theory and practical aspects thoroughly and presented material in such a way that practitioners from varying backgrounds and experience levels would benefit.

Postural analysis, physical assessment and techniques were demonstrated and practiced so that participants could practice a complete systematic session, rather than just isolated skills.

Bruce also ensured that everyone's bodies were settled and comfortable after having the many techniques practiced on them over the 3 days. Something I've not experienced with other training before, and greatly appreciated.

Bruce's extensive experience, wisdom and respect in dealing with the body is apparent in this class that he has developed in a series of three. I can't wait to do the next one!

Useful Tools

I recently took Bruce's Fascial Integration class for Pelvis, Abdomen, and Low Back. It was a delight to be in a safe learning environment with a competent teacher. Bruce has a solid command of his material, the pacing of the class was excellent, and I got to take away a bigger view of my work, and useful tools to help my clients. I recommend this class to beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. There will be something for everyone.

Pelvic Floor Information

As a chiropractor, knowing how to support the pelvic floor is extremely vital. The evaluation and techniques I learned at the structural integration/visceral manipulation of the pelvis was inspiring.
It was a privilege to work in such a seasoned class. I learned countless pearls! My favorite one is paying special attention to the TOES!!!
Thank you, Bruce you are truly an instructor of intelligence and innovative material.

Low-Back, Pelvis & Abdomen Workshop

Having attended Bruce Schonfeld's Structural-Visceral Approaches to the Low-Back, Pelvis & Abdomen, I can highly recommend his workshops to advanced practitioners for the following reasons:
- Bruce's enthusiastic sharing of current scientific findings on fascia is infectious and up to the minute.
- His cross training in Visceral Manipulation and Rolfing brings a balanced approach to mobility and motility in the therapeutic equation.
- Bruce creates a safe and supportive learning environment that emphasizes self responsibility.
- All proceeds generously donated to a most worthy cause: fellow Rolfer Michael Mathieu.

Aloha,

My clients are extremely pleased

Keep up the good work! The results are phenomenal. My clients are extremely pleased.

Rolfing and Athletes

Athletes always need help with chronic injuries, muscular strains and overuse. The Olympic athletes wouldn't have as many injuries if they had appropriate soft tissue therapy. Rolfing is valuable for athletes in high level competition to address the build up of scar tissue and disarrangement of myofascial tissue that occurs from training, competition and injury.

The Class Speaks For Itself With The Results

I believe that this is one of the best classes I have taken in a long time. The class speaks for itself with the results and how this type of bodywork is so effective. I have 15 therapists that work at my business, and I have told all of them how great this class was. I would take another class again in the near future, and I look forward to learning more and more about this technique.

This Class Put All The bits and Tools Together

Thank You for the wonderful class on Total Body Balancing 1. This class put all the bits and tools together. I witnessed some jaw-dropping hours with Dr. Kerry, and like everyone leaving his class, was changed. Literally before our eyes we witnessed life-long restrictions and barriers, never facilitated to release at the same time, release. We were more confident, fluid and really ready to assist our clients to achieve total balance for themselves. We all have different combinations of certifications, but by class consensus, we want more classes in TBB.

Advances The Knowledge of Clinical Massage Practitioners

Muscle Energy Techniques for the Lower Quadrant advances the knowledge of clinical massage practitioners. It introduces concepts which meet the needs of clients that suffer from stiffness in the lower extremities and pelvic regions. Kerry's knowledge of the subject matter shows in the classroom through his instructional poise.

Guided and Supportive

This is one of the best workshop experiences I've had. Very thorough, guided and supportive.

The Big Picture

I have been meaning to write to you guys for a few weeks now, but oppurtunity is such a fleeting caprice! I have wanted to take a moment and let you both know how grateful I am to be a part of such an amazing group of hyper-talented people, and I really don't feel that words can justify the depth of thankfulness that I feel when I stand back and look at the big picture of what you have created! From the moment that Sophie slipped me that note inviting me to come out to play last year, to this very instant, I have tried to get my head around how much heart it must require to take on the creation and administration of such a broad reaching purpose, and I'll tell you - I may have a big head, but it is not nearly big enough to wrap around the love and devotion that you both pour into the container called Integrative Intentions until it oozes out all over the place and it sticks to people, and they track it all over the place like some sort of magnificent mud working it's way into the very fibers of the white carpet we call the world! (let me remind you, mud is earth and white is a color of grief - so don't let that compliment fool you into thinking that I think you inspire people to forgo clean shoes!) and while our feet are tracking stuff all over let's also pay tribute to the healing handprints left all over the walls, refrigerator and each other! Before I get too fluffy and flouncy, let me just finish with a simple Thanks, I appreciate you both, and your II Baby!

Singing Praises of CTP Programs

I was just last week singing the praises of your comprehensive therapy programs, especiallly how it meets the need for the recipient to share about their experience with people who can relate, and to widen their scope of what they think is possible for their own sessions.

I'm glad I got to experience it as I did.

Changes Noticed

I wanted to let you know how Josh did after the Comprehensive Therapy Program. He did so well. I noticed that he was much more alert, happier, vocal noise was louder, head control improved, & could sit with little assistance for longer periods of time. When he returned to school the teachers & therapist ask what we did. They also noticed a change. Thanks you so much for allowing us to attend. We both had wonderful experiences while we were there.

From Wisconsin

...the presences of both buffalos and horses were significant to me. I cannot say exactly what happened. I am aware of energy shifting for me personally and I have a guess as to how I will be working in the future...

Gains In Multi-hands Cranial Sessions

Our son, Stephen, was born half paralyzed from the waist down with severe Arthrogryposis. After six healthy siblings, we were pretty shocked with his condition.

We were told by some of the finest Pediatric Surgeons in Chicago that his paralysis was permanent and to accept it.

Seeing that God, the Creator, gave him all four of his limbs, we knew that the intention was for him to use them. Thus, our journey began.

Since that time, Stephen introduced to CranioSacral Therapy at two months of age, and like a flower, we have seen him just blossom! Little by little, we watched in awe as his little body gradually came back to life through the modality of Cranial work.

Cranial work has been an effective modality in assisting the body to heal itself. God made us miraculously and Stephen has been such a witness to this.

We have attended the Integrative Intentions Comprehensive Therapy Program four times and each time, with the multi-hands intensive work, Stephen has progressed in leaps and bounds.

At age 4 ½, he had no sense of erection and would hold his urine up to 15 hours. He was on the verge of catheterization. We attended an Integrative Intentions Comprehensive Therapy Program in February and three days later, erection began occurring and Stephen had the sensation to urinate. He is now fully potty-trained. What a miracle!

Today he has progressed from a little boy who could barely move his legs in KAFO’s and a walker to a spunky 4 ½ year old who literally runs in long line steel bracing and fore-arm crutches.

Stephen also had speech delays which may have lasted for years but now are no more. He doesn't even need speech therapy any more.

He has amazed all of his physical and occupational and speech therapists and doctors with his abilities.

If there is anyone out there who has lost their hope that their bodies can get strong again, or have a special needs child who feels discouraged, I would strongly urge you to try this modality of therapy. The body can do amazing things when the restrictions are removed.

It is my observation, during the years of watching Stephen's development, that he has made the most gains in multi-hands cranial sessions. I see absolute accelerated healing and changes in his body after participating in the Comprehensive Therapy Programs and I would recommend this for anyone who wants to experience the possibility of faster gains.

Tears of Joy

...tears of joy continue to stream at a still suprising rate....as I consider the blessings of this past week. I am still in the flabbergasted state knowing how much of your 'just being' has done to bless others. Without waxing too far, know that your work continues to reach out like the wind, gently carressing, holding, and protecting ALL who participated. We carry that with each of us, into the real world, and now have the ability, responsibility, and secure place from which to add each ones unique talent and being to the process. What mighty seeds you have planted, what awesome tenders of the Great Mysterys' garden. What a network to be part of.

The Shelter Is Always There for Us

Hi,

Sorry it's taken me so long to get this email together. I've sent out many emails to friends and family giving updates, but I've been taking my time with this one because my experience with all of you was so special and I want to express some very important things, and email is such a difficult vehicle for that. Please know that the memory of my experience with all of you is as bright as it was when I was there with you, it was really with me during the surgery and I know it will always be in my heart.

First of all, my nasal cancer surgery went as well as I had hoped. I should say, as well as I/we visually intended. When you go in for surgery, they make you sign a consent form which lists all the things they are allowed to do. Two of the things I had to sign off on was a total rhinectomy (taking off the nose) and a partial maxillectomy (removal of the hard palate and front teeth). They would not know until they got in there and were able to tell if they could see and access the whole tumor or not. As Anthony, John Heatherstone, and Knox (and others) helped me to visualize, the tumor was well-defined and accessible; they got the whole tumor and the margins around the tumor came back from pathology as being free of cancer. So the impact to my nose was relatively minimal... i.e., I have my own nose and they can probably fix that up a bit. And here I am and the breath comes in and the breath goes out, and I feel so much gratitude that it's hard to express. Thanks.

(An interesting aside... I was looking at the tinctures that Sarah's husband put together and I saw something I'd never seen anywhere before... one that said "Red Clover --- surrounds tumors and clarifies the edges" !!! Wh-a-a-at??? That's when I knew I was in the right place). Thanks Sarah... and thank your husband for me.

I am thankful to John Hoernemann and Silke. They wanted to know what I considered to be the most important thing for me leading up to the surgery. I answered that to focus on my center is to do as much as I can to facilitate the best possible outcome. With John helping to clarify what the fear was and encouraging me to stay centered, and Silke's heart work, I found myself in a very protected area to just go there. I felt like I was the pilot of me, and I had to land me on the Hudson, and ... with the incredible help of you all... I did it.

I had a wonderful experience of understanding what my fears were, what I wanted to happen, and how to address it all directly.

And it wasn't just the therapists who were so helpful. A big part of that experience was the communication with all of you; sometimes long conversations, sometimes a "hello", and sometimes just with the eyes that bore my spirit up and gave me the strength to give my body over to the experience with a true feeling of surrender. I had identified the problem. I had chosen what I wanted as the best possible outcome. I had taken the internal actions necessary to facilitate that best possible outcome. I was ready to touch down. I was ready.

Traumatic events seem to force us to go inside to find our shelter. The True Beauty is that the shelter is always there for us. Thank you all so much for your part in helping me to remember to go there at such a critical time.

Love and Peace,
Richard

CTP Experiences

This program has moved me light years ahead in my incest recovery work. Having done it twice, I was just as impressed, perhaps more so the second time around and I would not have thought that was possible. Anyone looking for more insight into how their childhood experiences influence their adult way of being in the world, or for information on what is holding back their recovery should join you for a CTP. I can't recommend it highly enough. I should have video taped my psychotherapist's facial expression both times, after she read my notes from my CTP experiences. She was stunned at how much progress I made in my healing.

Amazing group of therapists, awesome food, healing environment outdoors. I can't complain about anything – it's all top notch (and I'm VERY fussy since I teach conferences myself and I know good organization and how much work it takes)

As a therapist myself, I'm really, really picky and I can't think of anything they did during all those hours that wasn't completely devoted to my well being and healing. They really put themselves out there, physically and energetically and it shows. You should be very proud of the team you have assembled. The communication between therapists was superb, I never felt like I had to "catch them up". I know we're doing the work, and it's not really the therapists "doing it", but seriously, I couldn't do this work as well or as comfortably without really, really skilled therapists. You have the best.

Stretching Visceral Ligaments

Thanks for your teaching of VM1 in Singapore. Before your teaching, I thought Barral's way was too direct, using a lot of force and may be harmful to the viscera. Now I know Barral's force is just enough to counteract gravity. Barral's way of stretching visceral ligaments is quite effective. So I am now very interested in Barral's way. I am even planning to speed up my learning of VM.

C.Y., Taipei , Taiwan

HCT Workshop Experience

I recently returned from a four-day workshop in Palm Beach Gardens given by Alaya and Bruno Chikly. I found it comparable to the Gestalt Pastoral Therapy I used to practice, except this is gentler, more focussed, more powerful, and you don't need five years of training and a master's degree to take the class. Whether it is something you would like to experience once or use in an ongoing manner, heart work is utterly magical and transformative.

My heart chakra has not been as activated as it was during this class since the last time I was in the presence of Master Choa. This work is a manifestation of the healing power of the Divine Feminine. During my session as a demo for ancestral healing, I received clear images with substantial and specific information from 15,000 years ago during the time of Atlantis, which is relevant to who I am and what I am doing right now. During my 30 years of inner work, counseling, meditation, healing, and therapy, nothing accessed that information until this class.

Peacefully,

A n t h o n y
July, 2007

LDB1 Class Testimonials

This is the newest and most innovative course to access the mind, body and spirit of the brain. I highly recommend it to advance practitioner because it gives you direct and specific applications to treat the brain.
Mya Breman, LCSW, LMT, CST-D

LDB1 was one of the best courses I assisted in my 17 years of Upledger classes. Dr. Chikly covered thoroughly both the structural and the functional anatomy of the brain. It was a solid, precise and fascinating information. I consider this class indispensable to practitioners of any advanced modality. It should be a pre-requirement to high level therapists training. I'm using the many tools learned in the brain class in almost all my patients, and being delighted with the results. The functional modifications of the brain are happening at deeper level and faster pace. The techniques learned in LDB1 classes became true blessings to my little handicapped patients.
Shanna Ringel, DOM, CST-D

The class was great. Just to think that you could located, feel and then treat such specific parts of the brain was wonderful. Everyone who works with individuals who present with any type of brain damage should take this class. I have used it for all of the children that I work with and it has produced some fantastic changes in a short period of time. I highly recommend this class for all practitioners.
Mable Sharp, PT, CST

This is an extraordinary class. Dr Chikly has developed a profound method of releasing brain trauma and trauma from tissue anywhere in the body. The technique is subtle, gentle and very harmonizing for the client.
Robert H Weiner, PhD, clinical psychologist

This course is so important to me that I repeated it in December '06. The content is key to healing and Dr. Chikly is key in explaining and demonstrating it. Often, as non-medical personnel, we cannot receive such high level information and technique. After having used the information and technique in my practice for a year, it is very clear to me that the healing potential is profound. It is a meticulous practice which requires preparation in anatomy and physiology and manual skill on the part of the practitioner.

Dr. Chikly has a special way of communicating the curriculum which is precise and professional while at the same time humorous and personal. Alaya Chikly is a special and essential addition to the class, providing guided meditations and other less traditional exercises which varied the presentation and opened the minds of the students to new and more expansive ways of perceiving this unique and useful material.

There is no question in my mind that this work is an important part of what I do daily with the people who come to see me for help with a wide variety of health issues. There is no way I would ever give up what I have learned from Dr. Chikly, nor could I envision my practice without it. I am deeply indebted to the Chiklys for their skill as pedagogs and their care and precision as research scientists. I plan to continue with LDBII and future courses which the Chiklys develop.
Jane Shepard, M.Ed., L.L.C.C.

This is the best class I ever take in 20 years taking all sorts of hands-on seminars.
Robin Walpert, LMT

Since returning from the course, I have been using what I learned on every client of mine. I am very excited about it as it is truly awesome work that accomplishes a great deal.
Cindy Rowe, PT

Heart Centered Therapy

Dear Alaya and Bruno,

I just want to say Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. With the Heart Centered Therapy and Lymph Drainage Therapy I knew I was on the right track with being there for people in their healing. Now, I have to say, thank you for elevating me into a deeper and even more sacred space with the brain work. I feel when I am in this healing space with people--it is very holy and sacred. . . phenomenally and exponentially. And so it is. And here's the best part, I am in the calmest, most assured, and sacred space within myself that I've ever been.

I've been working with a woman for more than 2 years who is recovering from a near death auto accident with pretty good results. I am now doing the spinal work that Bruno showed us on the last day of the Brain 1 class, and holding the injured part of the spine and connecting to the 4th ventricle, the brain stem, then the nuclei of the cerebellum, then the pons and then the midbrain. Unbelieveable! Her spine is healing and opening up like nothing has done before. And she is so appreciative. And her other therapists say they are noticing the difference--they say it's making their work easier. As long as I stay neutral, the therapy works and I am healed as well.

Suzanne Ryan
March, 2007

Excellent - it was well-researched and well-presented, such that it was easy to take the information in and work with it.
K.S., VA
March, 2007

CranioSacral Therapy and SLP

Dear Pam,

You gave my son, Billy, CS therapy 4 x-s late Oct. 05-Dec. 05; he slept through the 1st 3 sessions, and was awake through the 4th. Before the CST, he had feeding issues, sensory problems, and speech-language delays. He has made remarkable progress in the last few months. His feeding issues and sensory problems have almost completely resolved, and he has made huge gains in his speech/language development. I believe the therapy he received from you had a very positive impact! Thank you.

I think more people should be aware of the wonderful & positive effects of CST.

Forwarded with permission by Pamela Yenawine, CST
Certified CranioSacral Therapist
May, 2006

Advanced HFC Skills

"Nowhere else have I found such powerful, yet gentle, healing. These trainings are a masterful synthesis of conscious intention, cutting edge hands-on work, and ancient indigenous ceremony using breath, movement, and sound to augment it all. What an incredible combination!"

Practical Skills Learned

"I find the grounding skills highly valuable. Also, the breath and movement exercises helped me to deepen my experience of being grounded. Now, I can call upon this in the real world, especially at school."

Healing From the Core Experiences Can Strengthen Therapeutic Presence

"After studying with Suzanne, there is an ease during my therapeutic sessions that I had not previously experienced. If you are not clear in yourself, it will be impossible to allow your client/patient to experience all their traumas in the least judgmental way. If you become "charged" by what is happening on the treatment table and do not know how to work in a grounded way, you may lead that person down the wrong road or the session will just never go far enough. CranioSacral Therapy taught me how to touch and heal the nervous system. Healing From the Core taught me how to incorporate essential resources of energy, grounding, and connection to Spirit/life force. Combining the two systems creates the whole."

Process Acupressure

A new client recently came to me directly from an emergency doctor visit. She had a sinus infection that had blocked her Eustachian tubes and antibiotics had not helped. The doctor had told her they would have to put shunts in to drain the buildup. The client had never had any bodywork and was nervous about the whole process but her pain and fear of the operation made her willing to "try anything". I wondered if this client was blocking her ears because she didn't want to hear something but said nothing to her. As I began working with her doing a Head Release, I gently asked some questions about what was going on in her life, about her work situation and about her new marriage. I got answers like nothing, fine and O.K. When I asked her when the infection had started she said, "Last weekend." I asked her to tell me about the previous weekend and she mentioned that her parents had come for a visit. I knew her mother was undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and asked how her mother was doing. The tears started to flow as she related that her mother had paid a visit to Johns Hopkins Hospital hoping to qualify for a new experimental drug. The doctors had told her mother that her case was too advanced and that they had nothing further to offer her. Of course, that was exactly what she didn't want to hear. While expressing her pain and grief, the client felt immediate relief in her Eustachian tubes. The infection lingered for a few more days but the intense pain and deafness left almost immediately. I continued to work with this client to deal with the grief she experienced when her mother passed away a short time later.

January, 2006

Process Acupressure at the End of Life

The soul connection when working with the terminally ill can be extremely profound and satisfying. In many cases the individual is unable to communicate fully about their experience, but the results of PA used at the end of life can be quite dramatic.

One experience I had opened my mind to the power of the work, even when a person is not particularly open to what is happening but has a strong intent.

Bob was a self proclaimed, born again atheist. His wife Joan was a shaman in the Native American tradition. Their bedroom was full of Native American art, large dream catchers with long trailing hawk feathers, sagebrush smudge sticks and drums. The dream catcher resided over Bob's side of the bed. When I met Bob, he and Joan had just reconnected after being apart for four years. They had recently decided to get married in a non-denominational wedding that included Native American symbols and traditions. They were very much a part of each other and deeply committed to each other.

Shortly after their wedding Bob was diagnosed with a rare wasting disease that only occurs in a small percentage of aging men. His prognosis was not good and his doctor told him he had less than a year to live. He quickly began losing control of his arms and became weaker with each passing day. His wife had worked for hospice for many years and was aware of the issues relating to end-of life and was able to discuss these issues with Bob frankly. Ultimately, Bob wanted to die consciously with as much control and dignity as was possible in the situation.

They asked me to come work with Bob doing Process Acupressure to help him come to terms with the end of his life and to supplement his pain relievers with acupressure releases. Bob was able to sit up at our first session and joked around with me. He had had little body work in his life and was a little wary of what we were going to do. He told me at that time he was atheist and did not believe that he was going anywhere after his death. He just wanted to die and wanted me to help him. Since I had worked with many hospice patients, I was willing to work with him. We went into the session with that intent. He did not verbalize very much during the session. I was quite surprised at the end of the session when he sat up and said, "You know, I don't think I ever really knew how to pray. I think I would like to learn now." Over the following weeks we had many conversations about God and what might happen after he left his body.

Session after session we set the intent for Bob's life force to move peacefully out of his body without pain. I encouraged him to visualize his physical energy moving up and out of his body and focused on opening the points of the head.

During one session as we were focusing on the Great Central Alignment, it became clear to me that it was would be harder for Bob to leave his body until he had balanced his connection to the issues relating to each chakra. We processed the issues relating to each chakra in two or three sessions.

Shortly after this experience he consciously chose to stop eating and drinking in congruence with the natural process of his terminal illness.

Our sessions became more frequent, but lasted for a shorter duration, 20 minutes instead of and hour and a half. I focused mainly on the Great Central Alignment and holding the neck and head points.

During one of these sessions Bob pointed to something on his right and when I asked him what it was he said that someone was talking to him. I encouraged him to tell me more but he looked startled after that and stopped talking, so I just continued with the session.

Within three weeks of that session, Bob died peacefully in his wife's arms.

December, 2005

Creating Space for Miracles

We were standing in the horse barn and talking about different healing strategies. Having recently returned from a Process 2 class and a ZB conference in Boston, I was enthusiastic to integrate some of the new techniques. Willy, a 58 year old farm manager gladly volunteered and lay down on the barn floor.

Willy's color blindness limited his vision to white, brown and black. He had experienced acupressure before, but not with the intent to work with his vision. My fingers were drawn to GB1 at the outer orbit of his eyes. After only a few minutes of just being with that one point with touch and sound, he opened his eyes. His reaction startled us because he immediately sat up, brought his hands to cover his eyes, and just sat there. Moments later, he looked around and started pointing to everything he saw that was blue. The delight and excitement he experienced was contagious. No longer needing to memorize colors, he gave the impression of a younger, freer man being reborn into a new more beautiful world.

What was the reason for this miraculous occurrence? Perhaps the time, place and treatment were all exquisitely right!

The Place - The barn was a safe, familiar setting and was enhanced by the positive energy of the horses feeding.

The Practitioner - I was treating with a great deal of enjoyment and curiosity as to what these new techniques might accomplish. I had no expectations.

The Recipient - Willy had previous experiences of being able to ground and to connect deeply.

The Treatment - Although brief, there was deep focus and grounding, compassion and an ability to be at the interface of structure and energy.

Not every treatment results in Miracles, but I believe the opportunity is always there.

December, 2005

Emergency Acupressure

With temperatures exceeding 90 degrees and at least as much humidity, I observed runners in the streets through my office window that sweltering summer Saturday morning. My drive home was at 12:30 pm, the hottest time of day. Out of the corner of my eye I observed something odd and immediately pulled over & stopped the car. Looking back I saw a runner in distress on the ground with a man supporting his back so he was in a sitting position. I ran to the scene and observed the situation with this dehydrated runner when another person appeared informing us that he was an EMT. Having taught CPR and first aid in the past I knew and taught that your job assisting the emergency was over when the EMTs arrived; however, I felt a strong message to stay. So I did. We were pouring water on the runner and assisting him in cooling down the best we could with the water and towels we had.

The EMT continued doing his part and just when he was informing the brother of our runner of the need to drive him to the hospital instead of waiting the 15 minutes for an ambulance, I observed our runner begin to convulse. While untying and ripping off his shoes, I informed the EMT that I do acupressure and asked would it be ok if I helped out. He said "Sure, if you think it would help". At this point our runner's body was thrashing uncontrollably. Hearing Aminah's voice saying "in the event of a real emergency, jab your thumbs into K 1", I did it and held the point watching and feeling our runner come back into his being, while observing the convulsions cease.

By this time another EMT arrived who had oxygen in his car. They hooked him up to the oxygen and were monitoring his vitals while I continued and completed fulcrums into his first 10 PA/BA acupoints. I began SEVA Stress and since the EMTS were so busy at his head area, I energetically approached the acupoints I could not reach. The EMT announced that our runner's pulse was 190. After I placed fulcrums into H 1 and H 7, he took his pulse again and informed us that it was now at 90. While I was at H 7 on the second hand our runner held my hand and squeezed it. My heart got a thank you message as well as one of fear. Just then the EMT asked our runner if what I was doing hurt him and he said "no, helps, its good." Our job now was to continue cooling his system and I began with the TW acupoints that came to my mind until the arrival of the ambulance. I continued talking to him and assuring him that he will be fine. The brother of our runner thanked me and asked in wonderment what I did saying that he noticed that it really seemed to help his brother.

December, 2005

CranioSacral Therapy Certification Process Evaluation

Was the exam a useful educational experience?

So useful that I am using this as one of my primary resources - I found new understandings and clarity as I researched the questions.

Was the exam fair and comprehensive?

Yes! And I'm very glad it is -- Certification is serious stuff - thus a vigorous exam is necessary.

Based on the materials you had already received, did the exam meet your expectations?

More - I didn't expect to clarify so much in the process I didn't expect this to become an important resource for reviews and I didn't expect to learn as much as I did!

Please comment on the process so we can continue our commitment to you as an educational institute.

I've had 12 years Public Ed, 3 years Pre-Dental, 4 years Dental School and 33 years of Continuing Education Courses. The Educational Experience at Upledger with David Tomlinson has been the best of my career.

Congratulations
RB
November 11, 2005

CranioSacral Therapy and Palliative Care

November 16, 2005

Dear Dr. Upledger,

I am writing to share an experience I had in August of this year. A very close friend of mine was dying from pancreatic cancer and should have been in a Hospice Unit and instead was in a nursing home that had horrendous end-of-life care. He was not receiving enough morphine or atavan for his pain and agitation, it was awful. My associate, Barb Grummel, who is a also a massage and CranioSacral therapist and I had worked with Bob during his illness, and he came through his chemo and radiation quite well. We were disappointed when he became terminal, however we never stopped trying and his health was relatively good until the last several weeks of his life.

The reason I am writing is to share with you our experience for the last five days of our friend's life. As Bob's pain got worse Barb and I began to treat him extensively. At first we arced and treated the energy cysts and Bob's pain would diminish greatly. For the last three days we did a lot of stillpoints and off the body work so as to not irritate him. His friends and family were astonished at how quickly Bob would respond. His agitation would stop completely and he would fall asleep. When he would wake up or come out of process he was calm, was in much less pain, and was his same old self. The pain was robbing him of his dignity and his wonderful personality. The best aspect of caring for him was seeing him come back and become lucid again.

He maintained the lucidity until the very last hours of his life and he got to say good-bye and tell us all how much he loved us, and he knew how much we all loved him. Barb and I always amazed at how much help CST is in conditions that other health care practitioners have given up on, and this was another example. The nurses in this facility were awful and kept telling us to leave Bob alone, and that were preventing him from dying. It was a privilege to help our friend in the only way we knew, using our skills and hearts to help his transition into the next life. Barb and I are proud of the work we do and CST is always a miracle in the lives of the people we help. This is not the first end-of-life experience for either of us professionally and personally and if easing the suffering and fear associated with death is the only reason to have become a CST practitioner then Barb and I have fulfilled a part of our destinies.

Thank-you for listening. Thank-you for your vision and tenacity in advancing CST in the world. Both Barb and I are in ADVII next October and I am very excited to be taking this class with you.

Sincerely,

Sally J. Keller, LMT

Feedback from a Clinical Symposium Demonstration Patient

Dear Alena,

I just wanted to let you know that I have had extraordinary results from the cranial work that the Upledgers so compassionately performed on me. I have suffered from clogged ears and extreme pressure and tightness in my upper abdomen for almost 2 years. My jaw and neck muscles would occasionally spasm and my throat would tighten. I was short of breath most of the time-miserable and desperate. I had been to the emergency room so many times only to be told I suffered from anxiety. I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and put on medication for that. The problem continued and I was then diagnosed with TMJ by 2 different ENT's. The TMJ dentist put me on jaw repositioning guards 24 hours a day but couldn't fix the pressure problem so I referred myself to an oral surgeon. He performed surgery on my jaw joints and said it would help with my ears. It didn't. Nothing worked. I was prescribed everything from allergy medications to steroids to antibiotics to anti-depressants -all to no avail. I had run the full gamut with every type of specialist. I felt like I was on a conveyor belt just throwing away time, energy and money. I was beyond exhausted and drained on every level. I cried and prayed to God for a second chance at life--to send his angels to heal me. I was not living-I was existing. Today, I have cried again---cried tears of happiness and relief because my prayers have finally been answered. Joy (mu CST therapist), you, and the wonderful Upledgers are those angels I prayed for. For the first time in almost 2 years, I slept the whole night without a Klonopin pill and woke up without tremors and that dreadful pressure in my body. Alena, I am a 38 year old female and for the first time in almost 2 years, I have lived one day as a normal human being. That is a quantum leap for me. I am excited for the first time in a very, very long time.

God bless all of you for the wonderful work you do. You have all impacted my life in the most glorious way. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have given me the most marvelous gift-that second chance at a normal life.

Sincerely yours,
Rosi Henderson
November 21, 2005

Self-Corrective Mechanisms

Self-Corrective Mechanisms gently coaxes the body into awareness and accesses a library of infinite possibilities for movement. Susan Pinto has formulated a brilliant blend of CranioSacral Therapy and Feldenkrais materials that is readily accessible to the body/mind and brain through imagination, intuition and inspiration. I have used Self-Corrective Mechanisms as a teacher of movement and dance as well as a therapist with amazing success. Great tools!

~Jayne Persch, MA
October, 2005
Dancer, Teacher, Choreographer and CST Therapist
Faculty: Orange County High School for the Arts, Saint Joseph Ballet
Artistic Director: BRIAH Contemporary Dance Co. Inc.

Visceral Manipulation and Athletic Trainers

"[This workshop was] very profound. I would compare this to my first manual therapy class which blew me away. Visceral Manipulation fills a void in my practice that I didn't know was there."
April 3, 2005

Lymph Drainage Therapy Patient Testimonials

Patient Testimonial - Lymph Drainage Therapy
BY: Burns S.

Before Francoise performed LDT for my little finger, my right hand was so swollen and painful that I could not perform even the lightest activity, such as writing, because the pain and stiffness were too uncomfortable. The pain was preventing restful sleep and the swelling was spreading into my hand and wrist. There were heat and redness accompanying the swelling, so I was very concerned about the condition. The condition had been getting steadily worse for about a week. The distal joint of my little finger had been stiff and tender if bumped for several months.

After the first session, the swelling and pain began decreasing steadily. Movement increased enough to perform routine dressing and grooming activities. Flexibility in my hand improved so that I was able to write a little. The second day Francoise again treated my finger and the swelling and pain were gone by the third day. I was able to resume my normal activities by the third day. That week I was able to continue my regular pipe organ practice with normal flexibility in my fingers. I could also get a normal night's rest without waking from the pain in my hand. The severe symptoms have not returned. The condition has returned 3 or 4 times in the last several months, however, I have now learned to do the joint capsule LDT (from LDT 3 class) for myself before the symptoms become severe. After I perform the joint capsule drainage for myself the symptoms leave within a day. I no longer experience fear or distress about the possibility this condition could limit the use of my hand. Francoise's introduction to the possibility for this application of LDT is a blessing.

I have recommended lymph drainage to many people and used this personal example of its effectiveness to encourage my clients and students to try lymph drainage therapy. I feel lymph drainage therapy is essential for anyone who wants to relieve pain and stay healthy.

There are a handful of ideas that are the most important to me for supporting wellness and well being. In my opinion, lymph drainage therapy is without question one of the essentials for wellness.

Equine CranioSacral Techniques II

"Gail [Wetzler] is amazing! All the handouts are fantastic - the detail that Gails presents is so very helpful for me. I came from Florida [to California] for this class and am thrilled that I did - it was soooooo worth it. Gail's knowledge and willingness to share - in so much detail - was pivital in making this class so terrific. I can't wait to get back to my horse clients and see how different they present."
K.P., Bradenton, FL

CranioSacral Dissection Workshop

Imagine watching the changes in your client's tissues as you work on them - the CST Dissection class comes close to offering you this chance. For years I have been feeling into soft tissue, fluids, membrane, viscera and bone - after seeing, touching and working directly on fresh cadaver material, my ability to imagine and feel into what is happening in my clients has taken on a new dimension. Roy Desjarlais created an atmosphere that was safe, respectful, challenging and fun. Watching a human body decay over three days was a profound experience that has changed me in some fundamental way.

I highly recommend this class to all serious CST practitioners.

-Jim Cunningham
September 23, 2004

Qigong Tichings

I wanted to tell you how much I have benefited from the Qigong. I have not had this much energy in a long time. My intuition is enhanced by the meditations and my patients are also benefiting from this. This diaphragmatic breathing has been great for my patients with chronic pain and FMS. 22 of 23 patients with chronic pain that have tried Qigong in my clinic have loved it and many are practicing Qigong at home now.

I was so impressed with the reception that Qigong received at our FMS Support Group, that I am following up with 4 weekly sessions to enhance the groups learning.

Thanks so much,
Saundra Newton, PT
Hands On Physical Therapy

Aston Therapeutics

Unfortunately, you cannot study with Rolf, Feldenkrais or Alexander. However you still have an opportunity to study with one of the great bodywork geniuses of our time, Judith Aston. I had the fortunate experience to learn from Rolf, Feldenkrais and Aston and my suggestion to you is do not to let a chance like this go by!
? Norman Cohn, Owner and Director Utah, Nevada, and Arizona Colleges of Massage

Zero Balancing Workshops

I have already found myself learning and applying the principles of Zero Balancing to my patients. I am very excited to learn about these new ZB fulcrums that reaffirm my ideas and theories and which have helped me develop my own unique practice.
-Mosen Defrawry, Physician

Zero Balancing has taught me to work with less effort with my patients and in my life. It fit so naturally that I was able to use it within my practice immediately.
-Jerry Clark, Massage Therapist

Zero Balancing came into my life early on in acupuncture school, when I was first struggling to perceive and to understand the workings of energy in the human body. Seven years later perceiving and understanding energy are just as challenging---in a different way---but they have been made immeasurably deeper, richer and more enjoyable by the tools, ideas and insights I've gained from Zero Balancing and by the beautiful relationships I've built with other ZBers.
-Mark Montgomery, Acupuncturist

Applying Acupuncture Principles to CranioSacral Therapy Workshop

This is just a fantastic class - I've been seeking information on Chinese medicine since CSI and this more than fulfills my desire, and maybe even opens up a few new ones!

High praise is, indeed, due to the instructor of this class, Ken Koles. His energy, fluency, dedication, and delight in his chosen subject are truly remarkable. In an inspiring, all participant class demonstration, he treated a group member who had been suffering with acute on chronic cholecystitis. The focus, concentration and energy was incredible, and even I, visually impaired, saw whips of haze or mist escaping from the borders of his dominant hand. This was a demonstration, with the like and quality of which I have never previously been involved. Needless to say, the patient reported total remission of symptoms the following day, and most of us will never know what radiological changes will occur.

This type of seminar is to be most highly recommended.

Avenue of Expression; A Feldenkrais Approach Workshop

"The small class was wonderful and the constant self-help exercises and easy discussions were excellent." Lucy Kalogeras-Anstey, L.M.T., C.T.

"As a novice to Feldenkrais, I found everything helpful in altering the perspective of my body...of incredible help to me in relieving chronic pain in a short space of time." Valerie Luevano, L.M.T.

Visceral Dissection Workshop and LDT

The Visceral Dissection workshop (VMD) gave me a clearer understanding of the variability of the organ location and the fluid content. Bruno (Chikly) describes in Lymph Drainage Therapy 3 and Advanced how the organs can feel, but there is nothing like actually having them in your own hands. Really feeling and sensing organs was extremely beneficial for me. I no longer have to imagine how an organ would feel.

CranioSacral Dissection Workshop

This course (December, 2003) was very helpful to me in many ways. The 3-D anatomy lesson was excellent, being able to feel the quality of the tissues of the body's organs and cranial membranes was amazing. I highly recommend this class to any practitioner.

Feedback from the CranioSacral Therapy Dissection Class

Portland, Dec. 12, 2003

Participating with a group of people who functioned so closely with professional courtesy and enthusiasm was validating and inspiring. It encourages me to have more confidence in my skills as well as opening a multitude of new questions.

The focused learning environment allowed me to reach deeper levels of inquiry and interest in the anatomical relationships related to CranioSacral Therapy. Working in such a close linkage with the other students under totally involved instructors and teaching assistants provided an unequaled, rich learning experience.

The feeling that is the pinnacle of my personal experience in the class, is absolute wonder at the intricacy and elegance of the structures that make up our bodies; that only comes from seeing and touching the actual forms themselves.

Being completely absorbed in exploration allowed me to collate my course work and client experience into a new level of awareness. I returned to my clients with skills that are qualitatively and quantitatively more substantial. I feel that it is possible for me to work both more intuitively with more trust in what I feel, and therefore more efficiently; and more connected with precision in relationship to the various parts of my client?s body. At the same time I feel more able to flow freely with the guidance of my inner knowledge and the client?s inner wisdom. The class has increased the maturity of my work.

I just finished your CranioSacral Therapy workshop in New York City...

I just finished your CranioSacral Therapy workshop in New York City yesterday and if Susan Cotta is any indication of your instructors, then you have the greatest programs in the world!

She was superb, very well-read, thorough in her theory, and very precise in the application of the technique. I especially appreciated the repetitiveness of the teaching; it made the learning so much easier. Too often instructors run through the techniques so fast that you come away not really remembering very much. Your structure is excellent. I would have loved to have gone through the 10-step protocol twice, but I understand that there are time constraints.

I also appreciated the TA's, who were compassionate, understanding, and very helpful in making sure we got maximum benefit out of the workshop. They were warm and friendly, and their smiles made the entire 4 days a very pleasurable learning experience.

It was exciting to actually experience the changing rhythms and patterns and I can't wait to practice to perfect (I hope) my palpation skills.

Thank you once again and I look forward to CST II in May 2004.

CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatrics Demonstration

Patient Testimonial - CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatrics Demonstration, February, 2004, Minneapolis
RE: David
BY: Linda

Daniel had a brain injury in utero & broke a bone on his face. He has had trouble connecting left to right brain when it comes to learning. I can see an improvement already in his reading ability. He is remembering his sounds better & his handwriting is neater. Thank you! I can also tell you just a more general sense of well being for him.

Patient Testimonial - CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatrics Demonstration, February, 2004, Minneapolis
RE: Stephen
BY: Linda

Stephen was born 1/2 paralyzed lower extremities and we have had a lot of cranial work done on them. He now has some control in his legs & can walk with KAFO's & a walker.

Every time we take Stephen, especially to a multi-hands session, he makes strong gains. He has arthrogryposis which is very restricting even to his growth & he always seems to have a growth spurt after sessions. He is also more peppy & he just looks healthier & stronger. Most of his muscles at age 3 1/2 haven't come in yet in his legs, but we feel more movement opening up. It is so worth the trouble to do this. It is Stephen's largest catapult to healing. His trunk control improved, his speech improved & he seems to be able to connect his mind to be able to control some urinary flow. Not all his bladder muscles are working & I see some improvement there.

Patient Testimonial - CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatrics Demonstration, Thursday, October 23, 2003, Calgary
RE: Brandon
BY: Michelle

After Brandon's CranioSacral Therapy treatments, I noticed that Brandon had a new love for reading - and this is coming from a kid where it was a struggle (to put it mildly) to get him to read ever! Prior to the treatments, he was to read a little bit each evening for homework, and every night it was a huge ordeal to get him to read. After the treatments, he started asking if he could read to us! And not just the prescribed amount, but additional reading on top of that! And I noticed him reading more, in general, in the form of street signs, building signs, billboards, things on TV, etc.

Knowing what he was like before with respect to reading, I would never had believed that a few treatments would have made such a positive difference. I'm thrilled to have had such a beneficial and remarkable experience.

Patient Testimonial - CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatrics Demonstration, Thursday, May 29, 2003, New York
RE: Brian
BY: Diana

Since attending the CST Pediatric Demonstration, Brian has made tremendous strides. He no longer complains of his head hurting. We also have noticed an improvement in his speech - he is starting to put more sentences together. Overall, he appears calmer and happier. He continues to look forward to his CST treatments with his own therapist. I would not hesitate to bring him back again!

I've incorporated CranioSacral Therapy (CST) in my chiropractic adjustments...

I've incorporated CranioSacral Therapy (CST) in my chiropractic adjustments and it seems to have a great impact on helping the client/patient receive better care.

One story I have, is of a woman who had for some reason begun to have skin deterioration, had lost most of her hair and hardly had an appetite to speak of. After only two one-hour sessions and a series of holding the occiput and separating the atlas and occiput, her skin condition improved (we did do extensive neuro-emotional sessions prior to the CST that was significant to her healing as well).

She now has a voracious appetite but "fills out" proportionately and does not gain the fatty weight. Her skin condition cleared especially at the scalp and in between the fingers. Her hair began to grow back without the itching that was once there. Although slow growing in length, the hair follicles remain intact.

How wonderfully different would all our lives be if at birth and beyond we could have CST in our lives?

I gave birth via C-section on October 6, 2003 to a healthy 9-lb+ baby girl named Eleanor. I received a CST treatment in the hospital, as did Eleanor, within hours of her birth. Two practitioners (Ann Quarles and Michele Ippolito, both of Lewisburg PA) have worked with Eleanor several times since then.

The treatments have made a wonderful difference in our lives. Eleanor has had "colic" according to the pediatricians. She would scream for several hours a day, for several days a week. She was going hoarse from the crying.

Ann and Michele have worked on her when she is calm and when she is in the process of a crying jag. The effect is amazing.

Ann and Michele are truly talented and gifted therapists with a real special sense in working with children. Both have worked on my older daughter Lydia too. Eleanor still has work/healing to do (with Ann and Michele), but the crying is greatly minimized.

I am so thankful to have the chance to offer her the opportunity to experience CST at such a young age. How wonderfully different would all our lives be if at birth and beyond we could have CST in our lives? I think it makes a dramatic difference. Kudos to you and the practitioners trained by The Upledger Institute.

Lymph Drainage Therapy Quotes

Lymphatics are the next frontier of discovery in human disease. Long ignored because of their subtlety and complexity, the mysteries of our cellular 'waste disposal' system have been comprehensively deciphered by Bruno Chikly.
Mehmet Oz, M.D., Cardiothoracic surgeon,
Author of Healing from the Heart

At last someone that gives to the lymphatic system its "nobility", its sense, significance, important scientific data. Lymph Drainage Therapy is a breakthrough in the filed of manual therapy! I appreciate/admire both the man and the physician, the researcher and the writer.
Jean Pierre Barral, D.O., M.R.O.F.
Developer of the Visceral Manipulation curriculum

Bruno Chikly's pioneering and innovative development of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy (LDT) is the most significant contribution to the field of Lymphatic Drainage since its inception almost a century ago. LDT is a fundamental technique for all physical therapists to learn. It is here presented by one of the world's leading teachers of manual therapy today. LDT is a powerful and effective technique for all physical therapists to learn.
Kenneth I. Frey, PT, Diplomate in CranioSacral Therapy
Director, Institute of Physical Therapy, New York, NY

Having taught Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) since the early 1980's, I feel as though I have recently discovered a huge key to unlocking the mysterious patterns of pain and dysfunction in soft tissues. After taking Bruno Chikly's basic lymphatic drainage course, my eyes were opened to a significant factor in the problems of chronic pain. Integrating the NMT techniques and lymph drainage therapy will produce significant changes for even the most chronic pain conditions and the mastery of these techniques will enhance the practitioner's results significantly.
Judith (Walker) DeLany, L.M.T.
NMT Center Seminars - Founder, Director, NMT Instructor
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies - Associate Editor

Lymphatic Drainage Therapy is one of the most powerful therapeutic techniques I have ever learned or experienced. Using LDT, I have successfully treated patients with diagnosis ranging from acute conditions such as athletic injuries, edema, headaches and sinus infections, to chronic problems of the respiratory system, as well as the musculoskeletal system such as chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Dr. Chikly's work has definitely changed my approach to treating patients.
Janet Weiss Quate, L.P.T., C.N.M.T.

Lymphatic mapping is the next natural step to improving the efficacy of manual lymphatic drainage. Dr. Chikly's technique should be learned by every MLD therapist.
Michele N. Keleher, M.S., P.T.
Delmar, New York

The completely new enhancement of Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT) is the palpation of the lymph flow in the different layers of the tissues, including its rhythm, quality and direction. His work has opened the possibility for practitioners to map the lymphatic flow, greatly enhancing effectiveness of the work. A.T. Still, the father of osteopathy, stated several times, that the importance of the lymphatics cannot be overestimated.
Roger Seider MD, DO (MROD)
Orthopedic Physician
Hamm, Germany

In Lymph Drainage Therapy, Dr. Chikly has brought the healing arts a powerful approach to the treatment of both chronic and acute conditions. It enhances the clinical acumen of those interested in an osteopathic approach to the management of systemic as well as musculoskeletal problems. His courses are a celebration of the integration of basic lymphology and manual medicine.
T. Reid Kavieff, D.O., C.S.P.O.M.M.

Incorporating Lymph Drainage Therapy into my practice has added an essential component to my work. Palpating obstructions in the lymph flow gives me important diagnostic information, resistant conditions are clearing much quicker, and patients are noticing immediate changes. Silent Waves is a comprehensive and much needed addition to the literature in the field of lymphatic techniques.
Signy Erickson, D.C., CST-D

As an occupational therapist, lymphatic drainage therapy is one of my most important tools. I use it for many different conditions including hand therapy, post surgical recovery, scar treatment, pain, swelling, arthritis, back and neck conditions and lymphedema. Lymph is the fluid of life which I am able to enhance with my clients.
Liz Blum, OTR

Dr Bruno Chikly has significantly refined lymph edema therapy by creating manual lymphatic mapping (MLM). MLM provides the skill of assessing the rhythm, direction, and other qualities of lymphatic flow dynamically. The physician or therapist is enabled to monitor the patient's 'progress by palpation throughout the therapy. Manual Lymphatic Mapping is an important complimentary skill for the repertory of established Vodder or FAldi trained therapists.
Frank Gentzke, MS, LMT
Vodder certified Manual Lymphedema Therapist

I have practiced lymphatic drainage for more than 20 years and have studied many different lymphatic techniques. I never saw such quick and dramatic results as I did witnessing Dr. Chikly's work. I am very impressed.
Sarita Rodriguez
Director of Beautician Association of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Lymph Drainage Therapy is a profound and effective means whereby the lactation therapist can facilitate optimal breast health. I have seen breast lumps dissolve before my eyes; relieved severe and chronic breast pain in one to two treatments; resolved acute breast and lactation problems with regularity; and empowered my clients by teaching them self-care breast routines that give them the ability to prevent and resolve future problems. I highly recommend Lymph Drainage Therapy to all therapists who desire lasting and meaningful health changes for their clients.
Alison K. Hazelbaker, MA, IBCLC
Author, Inventor, Professional Educator, LDT practitioner, CST practitioner, Certified NOMAS Examiner.

CranioSacral Therapy I

I attended the CranioSacral I class in Chambersburg, PA, Oct. 2-5. The class was taught by Sue Cotta. I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with Sue and the facilitator. They were both very helpful and professional while being very personable. I have been to many conferences/seminars as a nurse and must admit that this was the best I have attended. Sue is such a dynamic speaker and her method of teaching is very logical; she presents the material so that you are never bored and hang on her every word. Thank you so much for such a wonderful instructor. I am sorry she doesn't teach other classes, but am hopeful that all of your instructors are equally dynamic. I have already signed up for the CranioSacral II class and look forward to learning more. Thanks again for such fantastic presenters.

CranioSacral Therapy Demonstration

Thank you for inviting us to be a part of the CranioSacral Therapy Demonstration in July 2003. What an amazing day it was! All of the therapists that worked on our daughter were informative, gracious, and the experience a memorable one. We welcome being a part of any & all future demonstrations. Our hats off to The Upledger Institute for coordinating and holding such a valuable event. Thanks again.

Since Attending the CST Pediatric Demonstration...

Since attending the CST Pediatric Demonstration, Brian has made tremendous strides. He no longer complains of his head hurting. We also have noticed an improvement in his speech - he is starting to put more sentences together. Overall, he appears calmer and happier. He continues to look forward to his CST treatments with his own therapist. I would not hesitate to bring him back next year!

I Don't Want My Thinking to Get in the Way

I have had exactly one CranioSacral Therapy (CST) session and I am sold. My PT did a very thorough traditional exam during my visit and then asked me to lie down on the exam table. She then told me she was going to hold my head. I thought it was a little strange, but I thought she might want to manipulate my neck or upper back. I waited for her to do SOMETHING, but she just continued to hold my head. After a couple of minutes, my scalp started twitching. I raised an eyebrow and she said, "You might feel some pulsing in your scalp. That's OK." Alrighty then, I thought, I'm paying good money for a twitching scalp. Right.

A couple of minutes later, the PT said, "Do you have jaw problems?" Now, that surprised me because I hadn't told her that. I'd gone for treatment on my shoulders and my TMJ hadn't entered my mind. She later asked me if I had asthma. I do, but I hadn't told her that either as it is in remission. Soon she moved to my tailbone and exclaimed, "You've had abdominal surgery!" Now, just a doggone minute here. She had one hand on my tailbone and one on the center of my abdomen. How did she know I'd had an appendectomy nearly 40 years ago! Her hands hadn't been anywhere near my scar!

Before the treatment, the PT had measured how far I could turn my head. Thirty degrees on each side was all I could manage. With only one treatment, I was turning 40 degrees to each side AND some of the tension I have in my upper back was greatly relieved. Before treatment, I could only raise my left arm to shoulder height. After treatment, I moved it up by my head!

Before my treatment I had never heard of CST. I still don't really understand just why it affected me the way it did, nor what may be affected in the future. I probably won't ask, either. I don't want my thinking to get in the way of the effect. I do know it is one VERY amazing treatment. It is painless and non-invasive. Am I cured? Of course not, but I am better. And you can bet I'll continue with the therapy.

Thanks for letting me share, R.M.

Lymphedema Patient Report

I thought I would share the joy. I received this from one of my clients who comes to me regularly for "maintenance" care for her lymphedema:

As you and lymph drainage therapy (LDT) have been so instrumental in my recovery, I really have to share the outcome of my semi-annual radiation oncology follow-up. You would not believe how amazed my doctor was! He stated:

"You are a supreme example of what can happen when a patient assumes responsibility for her health care. What you have done is a true illustration of integrative medicine--a harmonious blend of conventional and complementary therapies."

I gratefully acknowledged the role of the Chikly method of therapy as the prime source of pain and lymphatic congestion relief. (and all of the other combined life adjustments). My doctorwas truly amazed that the symptoms had been so greatly reversed! (Not his words, mine!--He looked for swelling and couldn't seem to find much!---He remembered that I have an extensive case---arm, breast and torso). All he could say was WOW! Also, I do not have to go back to him for 9 months (instead of 6)---and he prescribed an MRI for mammography (as we pioneered before.)

Anyway, I am thankful for all that I have learned from you, and I thank you for sharing your knowledge in such a patient, humble, and kindly way.

L.L.

Spinal Injuries

I realize you undoubtedly get thousands of letters just like this one, but I wanted to say thank you anyway.

I am a 31 yr old RN with spinal injuries and have been getting physical therapy which includes the CranioSacral Therapy techniques. I have found this to be very helpful. Having had multiple spinal fusions and PT from 2 entirely different facilities, I can honestly say that the CranioSacral Therapy I have received this time around has made the rehab process go a bit faster and be more effective. The pain relief and increased mobility it results in, even if it isn't immediate, is great.

My physical therapy assistant, which is the person doing the craniosacral work, loaned me the book written by Dr. Upledger, "Your Inner Physician and You (2nd ed.)." This was a wonderful book to read, which sheds light on the techniques she uses and how they help. It was also good at keeping my attention by the use of case studies and a bit of humor. I have been able to feel the energy flows of a person at times and so have always believed in their existence. I have also, felt the relaxing and helpful feelings that a person can get from being around animals in general (obviously depending on the person and which animal).

So, I was particularly intrigued by the co-working of dolphins/porpoises in the therapy. It would be so wonderful to be able to experience that! However, I live in St. Louis, Missouri and it's not likely I would ever get the chance. If I ever do, I will certainly take advantage of it.

M.W.

Uncontrolled Eye Movements

I have had some exciting and gratifying results with CranioSacral Therapy (CST) techniques. One of the first was the immediate elimination of a migraine in an 8-year-old boy.

However, by far, the most special treatment result was the unexpected disappearance of approximately 80% of uncontrolled eye movements in a 52-year-old female multiple sclerosis sufferer.

Upon evaluation of her cerebrospinal pulse I found it noticeably distinctive and it was far more recalcitrant to treatment. At the time, I was unaware of her diagnosis and now hypothesize that these features may be symptomatic of the multiple sclerosis. She was overjoyed and amazed with the reprieve which accompanied significant reduction of a migraine headache.

Thank you for developing and sharing your splendid techniques which offer such tremendous aid to people. You can imagine how much I look forward to further study.

M.C.

Turning Breech Baby with CranioSacral Therapy

I have had such a wonderful experience enabling a pregnant client, who has been coming to me for pregnancy massage, to support her fetus turning in the last few days of gestation.

She had remembered from a month earlier a conversation with me re: turning breech babies with CranioSacral Therapy (CST). Her baby had been found to be, not breech, but rotated with head down. It was a face presentation.

She came in on Monday afternoon this week when we did a little massage and then, using my CST skills - I have completed SomatoEmotional Release 1 (SER1), we did visualization and intention work, as I put it to her, to support her baby in turning safely and effectively.

She called the lunchtime after, to say she had just returned from her midwife's office and the baby had turned and was in perfect position and all stations were ready for delivery. My client gave my contact info to the hospital midwife - they are setting up some new program.

I wanted to thank you for the coursework - I love it - just can't get enough of it. I plan to continue my studies, already having more scheduled. I find it interesting that the day of SER1 I was least looking forward to - the dialoguing - is the one that I enjoyed the most and have had the most interesting experiences with.

I have helped one of my CST clients to temporarily store issues in a different, more comfortable part of her body until she is able to deal with them in session.

Another had a cardiac infection and desperately wanted to do her inverted yoga poses, which her MD and myself were advising her against. I took her through the poses in her mind to allow her to access the mental benefit. This client is a resident psychologist, I believe. I didn't see her for some time. When I next did, she had had 2 minor surgical procedures for which her MD offered her a general anesthetic, with her refusing on both occasions. She took herself back to her session with me, doing the yoga poses, keeping herself calm. The doctor checked in with her re: her comfort/pain level. Her response was that she only had pain when he interrupted her with his talking.

I wouldn't have had the confidence to do this before SER1 - thank you!

K.L.

Crying Infant

There wonderful things happening in my work as I apply CranioSacral Therapy (CST) and therapeutic massage therapy with infants and children. I have a family-oriented practice and a psychospiritual approach to the work I've done for seven years.

One recent case involved a 9 m/o girl who had been crying constantly since birth for no apparent reason. The mother was very nurturing and the birthing was uneventful and very positive. She was able to comfort the baby through breastfeeding and being very patient and keeping active.

The mom was virtually at her wits end. The baby wasn't sleeping well and was still crying for no apparent reason. I had known about this baby for six months and was waiting for the mom to ask for help. I offered infant massage earlier, but with not much interest from the mother. I was thrilled when she finally came to see me.

My first impression was that she was "out of synch" with the energy flow of mom and even though she was a healthy, active and beautiful little girl, she obviously wasn't very comfortable in her body. As we worked together for 30 minutes, she responded to CST and nurturing massage with an awareness of herself that she hadn't felt before...it was a joy to observe and be a part of her connection to whatever it was she needed.

Two days later, the mom brought her by to see me and was enthusiastic to reveal that she and the baby were sleeping all night, the crying was only when in need, and she was obviously happier now to be here.

Sometimes all is not revealed in the beginning, but after weeks of continued results with mom and baby, I discovered an aspect of what happened to her to feel out of synch. For some strange reason the mom didn't know she was pregnant until she was six months along...was still on BCP's, having periods and no apparent signs of pregnancy other than gaining weight. Wow! Now I understand the connection...or disconnection between this particular parent/child. This understanding wasn't necessary to treat this little girl, but definitely shed light on my interpretation of why she was not happy and out of synchronicy in the physical.

Life is not measured by how many breaths we take, but how many moments take our breath away...

Thank you for having a space to share success stories and I look forward to continuing my studies with SomatoEmotionalRelease.

Yours truly, T.C.P

Ocular Albinism

I would like to tell you about an amazing accomplishment that I have had.

A client of mine was diagnosed with ocular albinism. Doctors told him that there is nothing that can be done and that his vision would progressively deteriorate to blindness.

My client has not read a book in 4 years. He even signed up for computer courses for the blind (he works in dynamic communications) and then I suggested regular sessions of CranioSacral Therapy.

At Christmas it hurt his eyes and put them into spasm to read one page of a book. In January, I started the CranioSacral Therapy sessions. He just told me today that on Sunday he read the first 2 chapters of that same book-no problem!! This is a man who had gotten used to his paychecks being put in envelopes with his name in huge red letters so he'd SEE them-a man whose last 5 yrs of life have been spent preparing for life without vision.

Imagine the hope and ability to bring his life back to "normal" that I have been able to give this man with CranioSacral Therapy. He also sustained 3 concussions in his life. I was not only able to allow them to surface, I was able to know where the areas of impact were without him even telling me, thanks to the subtlety and precision of the work.

My client has been seeing a nutritionist since September and an alternative medicine doctor who has been given him massive injections of the amino acid glucothyone. The purpose of the glucothyone is to strengthen the inner focus of my client's eyes while my CranioSacral Therapy strengthens his exoccular muscles, eases ocular movement, opens the circulation in his neck, and reduces the fascial restrictions in his body.

Keep Spreading the Word, because It Works!

It is lovely to have the chance to affect lives on this level, very fulfilling for the therapist and most times life changing for the child or the adult.

I myself have many stories to tell.

An eight week old with projectile vomiting, not gaining but losing weight, just after one long CranioSacral session never vomited again, and passed normal body weight for his age in less then a month.

Two week old not able to have bowel movements but every five days or so, after one Visceral Manipulation session, is going almost every diaper...oh joy!

Babies not able to latch on, hungry and frustrated normally need only one or two sessions and they disappear from our lives, so others in need can take their places in our appointment books.

A seventy-four year old with a recent kidney transplant, freezing through the summer heat, with a dangerously low red cell count. Nothing was making a difference, until after three CranioSacral sessions went for his normal visit to the Cleveland Clinic to find his blood count normal, and the appointment was canceled with the hematologist.

Thirty-nine year old with a spinal fracture from an impact that bruised his body from the occipital ridge to his ileum not an inch of normal skin color on his back, in two days all the blood was gone, his doctor was totally amazed, just after one CranioSacral session.

My son's chronic ear infections, not responding to antibiotics cleared up within weeks, never to appear again...he is late twenties now.

Unfortunately when these stories get back to the doctor, the response is always "it would have happened anyway." Regardless, we keep plugging away with big grins on our faces, because we as therapist and the patients or their parents know differently.

We keep trying to interest doctors in our area with very little success, but once in a while we get one who begins to refer patients to us, because??whatever it is that we do, that cranio-whatever stuff?? makes their patients get through a pregnancy without all the pelvic pains and aches they don't know what to do with. When the case totally baffles them, they figure what we do can't hurt....so why not try it. Keep spreading the word, because it works! And for those therapists who are reluctant because they don't know how to sell this stuff, don't try too hard. It sells itself.

I.T.

Migraine Headaches

I'm sure there are millions of these stories, but I'll share another one because it was fun. A lady who was referred to me because of her severe migraine headaches. They would keep her incapacitated and in bed from two to five days per week. She had been on every painkiller on the market and had suffered through withdrawal when trying to change from one painkiller to another. Ten CranioSacral Therapy sessions later her migraines had virtually ceased. She has been headache free for over four months now and counting. Isn't this work fun!!

57-yr old woman who had received a pacemaker 10 days prior

On Monday, I had the occasion to give a first ever CST session to a 57-yr old woman who had received a pacemaker 10 days prior... Not knowing much about CST, she came, in her words, to regain confidence in herself and life, to get more energy and to ease some of the pains... I did my usual and didn't feel like I "did" a whole lot...

She was quiet and seemed relaxed for most of the session. She got off the table at the end and said: It was as if I had injected her spine with a huge syringe of relaxation. The relaxation spread from her spine throughout her body... She was happy and amazed. I was too!!! And thanked the Goddess for sending her to me! She'll be back next week. Grateful and full! Denise Gaulin

FMC Class

Dr. Harman presents the material in an easy to learn manner. In my own body I was able to relieve back pain from an MVA three years ago. I learned new ways to think and interact with others and to understand cranial anatomy in a fresh way with deeper awareness. Margery Summerfield, LMT

Ann [Harman's] ability to "dovetail" certain CranioSacral Therapy concepts with the Feldenkrais Method is extraordinary. Ann is truly a gifted translator of Moshe's work, introducing valuable movement skills and essential breathing techniques. I experienced significant benefits within the first twenty minutes of this course and after exploring many avenues of guided movement lessons I felt a profound sense of reorganization, comfort, and freedom from within. I highly recommend this course to all healthcare practitioners. Lisa Tracy, Health Care Practitioner

I feel that the information received in this class is beneficial to both the therapist and the patient. By participating and understanding the therapeutic benefits in one's own body, this information is more easily communicated to the patient. This work enhances both patient and therapist. Allison Morales, CranioSacral Therapist

Excellent Class! And lots of fun, too. Provokes a new way of thinking about movement that I can use in my daily life and also incorporate into my practice and my exercise classes. Bonnie Clancy, O.T., L.M.T.

Diagnosis of calcification of the disc

I am a PT in the Buffalo, NY area. I had a patient who came in with a diagnosis of calcification of the disc between T4-T5 via MRI. She was 12 years old at the time.

She initially complained of L sided headaches, neck pain, easy loss of balance and poor sleep. Her mom reported that her daughter had poor homework habits and generally had become a "couch potato". Normally she did very well in school and was extremely active in school sports.

At her initial evaluation I found that the following: 1) normal cervical AROM except for moderate L scaleni, levator scapula and upper trapezius myofascial restrictions. 2) Increased tonus in L temporalis, massetter and lateral pterygoid muscles. 3) 1-3 second duration of her ability to stand on her L leg before loosing her balance. 4) Likely outer dural membrane adhesion at T4-5 with facilitated segments at this level as well 5) left sided torque during flexion phase in cranium with specific dural restrictions in L tent, squamal portion of L Temporal bone. L temporal bone with flexion lesion, sphenoid with left sided flexion and side bending lesions, left temporoparietal suture restricted. 6) CSR at 15 in spinal dura below T5 and 8 above T5.

Initially I started with temporal rock/wobble and circumferential techniques whereupon she immediately still pointed, started to unwind in upper cervical region. After a few minutes of this she promptly vomited. I had asked her if she wanted to hold for the morning and she stated that she wanted to continue.

I then was drawn to the upper thoracic and began assisting her in unwinding the upper thoracic with significant heat release. At this point she remembered that she had whacked the upper part of her back when was 7 years old doing flips on a trampoline. We finished at this point her CSR normalized to 11 cpm throughout the system.

The next session she reported 3 days of total relief before her symptoms came back (less intensely though). I continued working with her temps, sphenoid, added O-A and sacral techniques for 3 more sessions where by then her pain had totally stopped as well as her vestibular symptoms and she was able to return to her normal activities.

I did see her again in 3 months later for 2 visits as her symptoms returned mildly. As it turned out she had a growth spurt in that time (2 inches). Some residual upper thoracic dural restriction were found and released and she was able to return to her normal activities.

Working with her was very educational and rewarding.

David A. Wojtowicz, PT

Here's one for the books!

Here's one for the books!

A few months ago I had the pleasure of receiving a client who was slated for orthopedic surgery. She demonstrated a lateral lumbar concavity of 40% and rotational components, which translated the level of C4 and extensive protective muscle spasming. She was in significant, constant, and extensive pain with apparent referred sequalae extending inferiorly down to her left foot.

Fascially, she seemed to demonstrate significant rotational drags in the lower extremity, which demonstrated the obvious cranial rhythmic impulse asymmetries. Arcing revealed active restrictions around uterus (significant fascial components), duodenum, liver, stomach and left pleural dome/clavicular. Her body tended to rotate around these active restrictions and demonstrated facilitation at the appropriate spinal segments, which in turn had a profound effect on the paraspinal musculature, as well as pelvic obliquity. Cranially, she seemed to demonstrate significant intra-osseous restriction at occiput, temporals, and maxillae, ethmoid and vomer. SBS patterns included extended/right torsion/right lateral strain. Also, significant intracranial membrane restriction (dural) was noted throughout the falx, in particular the falx cerebelli. The cerebellar area and associated brain structures felt quite compressed and sluggish.

Her personal history involved long-standing depression, a lack of desire, and a sense of hopelessness.

To make the story short, within 4 weeks (2 sessions weekly) she had significantly moved forward. Postural distortions, pain levels and frequency had decreased significantly (95%). etc.

The kicker is this....

She had an appointment with the orthopaedic surgeon upon which he didn't seem to recognize her as she was now walking (she was in a wheel chair the during the previous visit). He looked at her file and asked her what miracle medication she had been prescribed to get her out of such a serious situation. She proceeded to tell him that she was receiving CST, visceral, and fascial release, and he had no idea what she was talking about. Apparently, his ego structure was nudged as he proceeded to tell her to go back to whatever "therapy"/voodoo doctor she was going to as it seemed to be working for her and proceeded to exit her out of his office. Needless to say that he has never called me about the work.

I am happy to report that structurally she is as straight as a dime, that she has worked through some sizeable pieces of process material that seemed attached the active restriction patterns, and today once again experiences a desire for life, and has dramatically moved forward in regards to her emotional and expressive processes including her experience of the surgeon's judgment about her therapeutic choices. Reclaiming her stick (personal power) as some of my North African friends would say.

Sadly, I have often seen in the traditional medical community, ignorance and judgment such as this play itself through a process piece on the surgeon's part which is then projected onto the client. At the very least, it would be fascinating for such surgeons to learn something about the work before they travel into judgment/turf mode. Then again... let's not forget that there is no peer reviewed material regarding the motion of cranial bones and that there is no such thing as visceral motility (insert roaring laugh!)

Gotta love that voodoo! Cheers!

John Glenn, CPWE, RPP

Two ruptured discs

I have some thoughts for sure!

In 1989, I was a patient for two weeks at the UI Foundation. I had been bedridden for three months with two ruptured discs. Although I had been told there was no hope except an operation, I held out for something else.

I had had cranial treatments from two doctors in the Bay Area to little avail, except for the day I mistakenly made two consecutive appointments on the same day. The next day, I felt incredibly better and only wished it would somehow be possible to have more intensive consecutive treatments. This, I felt might be the answer.

Well, when I heard about the UI Foundation, I immediately started making plans to come. The two weeks of intensive treatments were nothing short of miraculous for me. At the end of the first week, I was running on the sand at the beach! This is from a person who had spent the last three months bedridden.

Fortunately, I was able to meet others with similar experiences, some with much more dramatic healings. I returned home with more recovery to come, but have never looked back. The experiences I had at UI with the intensive cranial work made me realize what a difference this work can make without the invasion of surgery. The human body is capable of its own miracles, sometimes needing only the guidance and encouragement of the hands of well-intentioned and skillful practitioners.

It has been my pleasure to have taken some of the Upledger CST courses and to put what I have learned to good use. I send my best wishes to all and most especially, my good intentions for the twins, knowing that anything is possible!

Sincerely,

Sally Khanna

Reverse CST

I would like to relay an interesting occurrence during a session with one of my cerebral palsy infant clients. Alice will remember Sullivan From, who participated in the CST Pediatrics class in Pacifica, CA last year - he was one of the triplets. I have been seeing him every 1 - 2 weeks and he is making very good progress.

About mid-March, my wrists had been sore/stiff for about a week and were getting quite bothersome when I was treating clients. Towards the end of one of my sessions with Sullivan (I had been communicating very well with his brain during the session), I showed him my right wrist and told him how sore/stiff they have become and asked him to help my wrists the same way that I have been helping his body feel and move better. Sullivan immediately put the palm of his right hand on my right wrist for just a second or two and then the palm of his left hand. The soreness went away almost immediately. His mother had just come back into the room and asked what we were doing. I said, "Your son is doing reverse CST on me." I then presented my left wrist and he put the palms of both hands over that wrist. Since that day, my wrists have been slightly sore for only very brief periods of time with no sign of stiffness.

Hope this made interesting reading.

Warm Regards,

Dean P. Chang

Situational Depression

I am SO happy to be able to share my success story with you. I was taking antidepressants (Paxil, Zoloft and Welbutrin, not all at once obviously!) for a couple of years for what was called "situational depression". I hated every moment of it and I didn't get any real, consistent relief for my depression. I never knew what kind of day I was going to have depression-wise. But I continually felt that I wasn't "clinically" depressed--that there must be something else to it. While doing research about depression on the 'net, which led me to one of Dr. Weil's message boards, I read something about CranioSacral Therapy (CST). I was desperate to find an alternative to anti-depressants because of all of the side effects that I experienced--memory problems, nonexistent libido, flat lined emotional state, etc.--so I looked into CST. The message on the message board specifically stated that if one had had an accident of some sort that may have compressed the spine from, say, a blow to the sacrum, or may have hit the back of the head or fore head that this could cause an interruption in the flow of vital fluids throughout the spinal column and that circulates around the brain. This circulation carries seratonin and other vital compounds to your brain. I had had an accident rollerblading and I fell and landed directly on my tailbone about 2 years prior to reading that message.

After the accident it felt as if I was sitting on a grapefruit for about a month, then it suddenly was better. Some time later I began feeling depressed. I found a CST therapist through The Upledger Institute, Kim Luchau of Boulder CO, and saw her for 5 sessions. I no longer have to take ANY antidepressants and have not had to do so for over a year! I cannot tell you how happy I am to not have to take any more meds or wonder what kind of day I was going to have the first thing when I awoke each morning. I would love to tell everyone about my experience!

As a side note, my husband is a Psy. D. And, while he knows that my depression no longer exists, I don't think he believes it is because of the CST. (I think it is the "old school" mental health training in him that won't let him believe in alternative treatments.) But I KNOW it is!

Thank you so much for your work and your techniques. I hope you can feel even a smidge of how grateful and happy I am that you have given me back my life.

Yours truly,

Susan Demander

Alex

Just wanted to share our story with you. Our son, Alex was diagnosed with torticollis at 2 months of age. We were referred to a P.T. at our local clinic, whose name is Heather Bougie. She helped us to treat the torticollis with direct stretching of Alex's neck muscles, while treating him weekly with CST herself.

We are happy to report that he is responding quite well to the treatment! Not only is his head straighter, but also he is a much happier, calmer baby than he was just 5 short weeks ago. Heather is a gifted and considerate woman, who performs what I call "magic" on Alex each week. She is the closest thing to a "healer" I've ever met and I am so happy to have been able to go through this with someone as caring as she is.

What I thought was a terrible diagnosis for an already colicky baby, turned out to be a blessing for all of us. We learned that the colic symptoms were all related to the torticollis and now, since CST treatment, Alex's symptoms have almost completely gone away.

Heather and I have discussed my interest in this therapy and I am seriously considering pursuing this as a career. I witnessed firsthand the transformation of our son from a frightened, uncomfortable baby to a happy, gurgling, smiling one in 5 short weeks. Thank goodness for CST and especially for Heather Bougie!

All the Best,

Laura Toebes

Just wanted to say thank you

Dear Dr. Upledger: Just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful gift of CranioSacral work. I was blessed with two great teachers Candice Starck and Suzanne Scurlock-Durana. The work I have learned has opened up so much for me personally and professionally and I love the results for my clients and the satisfaction I feel in being able to help them. Thank you so much and I look forward for my next class and all that it will bring into my life. Namaste Mary D. Wheeler RN,LMT

SomatoEmotional Release I

I am writing to give you some personal feedback about my post SomatoEmotional Release I (SER) experiences of last week.

Some background: I am second career chiropractor in practice for three years. (The first 20 years of my life I was a corporate Human Resources-Personnel- Director). I spent 12 years in Bioenergetics analysis doing extensive talk therapy and body work. I have recently taken the one week Avatar program. I have been involved with The Life Training, one of the original human potential self-development programs for 16 years. Incidentally, one of the primary processes in the Life Training uses a very similar dialogue approach to what is taught in SER. My first and only exposure to CranioSacral Therapy came with my participation at the seminars.

At CranioSacral Therapy (CST) I & II last year, I received some remarkable benefits, including the permanent realignment of my deviated septum in CST II, for which I had two unsuccessful surgeries.

I am writing tonight because the amazing shifts I have experienced physically, emotionally and as a practitioner are astounding to me!

On my first day back in the office, with my first patient and during all the rest of last week, I experienced a clarity and connection with them that I had not ever felt before, even with conscious focus. My hands and whole body seemed so much more finely tuned than ever before. The results of my work seemed to be so much deeper with much less effort. I had more confidence, I felt more love for my patients, and I had so much more energy. I really felt like I was flying and it lasted ALL week. I have no reason to believe that this will "wear off" as long as I continue to receive more CranioSacral Therapy.

Prior to SER, I had not made time to connect with some of the students I met at CST II so that we could work on each other. You can bet I will definitely begin and be regular about giving and receiving therapy now!

Since first taking CST I, I have used CranioSacral Therapy on almost every patient I see. My practice is transforming and so am I! I feel confident that I have enough tools to address every problem that is presented and make some improvement, if not complete problem resolution.

I have also gotten an even more holistic understanding of the body, specifically the craniosacral system and its impact on the whole body. CranioSacral Therapy has been the perfect adjunct to my non-traditional, low force, gentle and primarily energy work-oriented practice approach.

Dr. Upledger: Thank you for your vision, your clarity, your willingness to continue to open further and further inward and outward. Thank you for creating a program with such quality and integrity and presenting it with such consistently high quality. I have taken many chiropractic seminars and continuing education programs. None has equaled the quality and return on time and investment that I have experienced at all three Upledger seminars. I will keep coming back for more!

Melinda: Thank you for the skill and effort you expended to present an outstanding seminar. Your modeling of the dialogue in the demos was flawless, respectful, and gentle and set the tone for us to understand the sacredness of the process we have the privilege of facilitating. Your whole demeanor and presentation make it clear that you are a consummate professional.

SER I was some of the most profound work I have ever experienced personally or have facilitated as a practitioner. Thank you for teaching these life changing techniques so that we can help to transform, as we are being ourselves transformed!

With love, honor, respect and gratitude,

Dr. Fran Assaf

Workshop Quotes

"Suzanne's gift is in translating the unspoken, energetic principles that are the foundation for being an excellent therapist, into practical, learnable steps - critical for all of us in today's world." John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M.

"Suzanne 'walks her talk' which allows the depth of this work to come forward. Everything in this course was extremely valuable. I look forward to going back for more." Nan Woodward, P.T. and Certified C.S.T. Diplomate Examiner

"This course is a necessity for all therapists. It provides the understanding of the energy component which must be taken into account by the conscientious and dedicated professional." Gil Seifer, Ph.D. Psychologist

"After studying with Suzanne, there is an ease during my therapeutic sessions that I had not previously experienced. If you are not clear in yourself, it will be impossible to allow your client/patient to experience all their traumas in the least judgmental way. If you become "charged" by what is happening on the treatment table and do not know how to work in a grounded way, you may lead that person down the wrong road or the session will just never go far enough. CranioSacral Therapy taught me how to touch and heal the nervous system. Healing From the Core taught me how to incorporate essential resources of energy, grounding, and connection to Spirit/life force. Combining the two systems creates the whole." A Physical Therapist from NY

"Healing From the Core and CranioSacral therapy meld wonderfully together! As practitioners, we are often called upon to assist in deep healing work. The blending of Suzanne's unique and wonderful gift of teaching allows me to fully expand my practice and therapeutic presence. Learning these concepts and techniques and bridging them with CranioSacral Therapy opens the door to fully understand the depth and possibilities this work can bring to others, as well as yourself. Suzanne teaches each of us how to connect to our source, how to hold a healing space for another person, and how to live life to its fullest. During the Advanced CranioSacral II course, I found that Healing From the Core prepared me to move forward and learn with a dynamic and open process. I now have the tools to keep myself grounded, energized and clear. Integrating the concepts from HFC has allowed my personal and professional life to flourish!" A Physical Therapist