The Craniosacral Podcast

For the final episode of this podcast, Michael Shea returns to discuss his latest book The Biodynamics of the Immune System: Balancing the Energies of the Body with the Cosmos. Michael is a resident of Florida, and continues to teach in multiple locations across Europe. Focal points for this discussion are metabolic disease, related physiologic function, and the capacity for biodynamic work to shift metabolic health.  www.sheaheart.com Amazon link to Michael's book.    

In this episode Karyn Quraishy talks about craniosacral therapy and the immune system. Karyn has been administering CST in a clinical environment since 2002, and is an approved instructor for the Upledger Institute. She has extensive experience working in the neonatal intensive care environment, and also operates a private practice in Honeoye Falls, NY, dedicated to Craniosacral Therapy. email contact: karynqur@gmail.com www.upledger.com  

Sally Fryer Dietz is an Upledger Diplomat Craniosacral Therapist and founder of Integrative Pediatric Therapy clinic in Dallas, TX. In this episode she talks with Ryan Hallford about The Dolphin Assisted Therapy program offered by The Upledger Institute. More information about The Upledger Institute: www.upledger.com Sally's Dallas clinic: Integrative Pediatric Therapy www.craniosacralpodcast.com  

In this episode Ryan Hallford talks with Meaghan Beames about infant craniosacral therapy. Meaghan works and teaches in Toronto, Canada. She shares with listeners her educational history, process of setting up an infant clinical practice, and current developments at her craniosacral training school. Meaghan is a delightful practitioner and teacher, with a passion for working with infants. Enjoy this fun interview! School website : www.beamescst.com Toronto clilnic: www.mybabycst.com

In this episode Scott Zamurut helps us better understand Dr. Rollin Becker's historical context in manual Osteopathy and his foundational intellectual contributions to biodynamic theory and practice. He elaborates on Becker's history with Dr. William Sutherland and highlights his insights into working with Primary Respiration. www.scottzamurut.com  

Steve Haines has played an important role in the worldwide expansion of biodynamic craniosacral therapy. His work as an author and Co-Director of Body Intelligence has helped create a whole new generation of practitioners. In this interview he talks about his new book "Touch is Really Strange," Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE,) and shares some thoughts on remote work and distance healing. www.bodycollege.net

Lori Hendrickson is a craniosacral therapist from the Minneapolis area. Since 2001 she has been helping babies with plagiocephaly, torticollis, acid reflux, inability to form a good latch wile breastfeeding, tongue, lip and buccal tie restrictions and a myriad of other pathologies. She offers online and in-person workshops that elaborate on the techniques she has developed. Facebook page: www.facebook.com/lorihendricksoncst Instagram: www.instagram.com/lorihendricksoncst

Ian Wright is a practicing Osteopath and has been teaching Paediatrics and Cranial Osteopathy internationally for over 25 years. Ian's experience in osteopathy and his love for health and wellbeing has led him to develop the Dynamics of Stillness methodology. Ian has taught Dynamics of Stillness courses for over 10 years to people from all walks of life. www.dynamicsofstillness.com Practice site: www.clonmelosteopaths.ie

Mindy Totten is a craniosacral therapist with a passion for helping other bodyworkers build sustainable and life-affirming businesses. She studied craniosacral work with the Upledger Institute and currently maintains a private clinical practice. Additionally, she helps bodyworkers build full and thriving practices through a variety of group and individual training programs. Mindy's Site : www.mindytotten.com Check out Mindy's podcast Do It with Intention  

Ellen Groesser has broad professional experience in both business and therapeutics. She holds a MSc degree in biology, and has worked in business and marketing management. She eventually landed in the field of Naturopathy and craniosacral therapy. She is on the Master Therapist list for the German Craniosacral Association, where she served as a board member. She teaches craniosacral work in Germany and other European countries like Ukraine, Russia, Switzerland, and Austria. Since 2015 she has organized and moderated the annual European Craniosacral Association Network (ECSAN) meetings in Europe. The European network was founded to increase recognition of Craniosacral Therapy, to support therapists in Europe, and to set craniosacral training standards for member nations. Ellen's home site: www.biostillness.com Ellen's YouTube page. A list of Heidemarie Haller's research work, including some studies involving craniosacral therapy can be found here.  

Liza Borodkin has studied craniosacral work with Franklyn Sills, Mike Boxhall, and other prominent figures in the field. She has also trained in yoga, Vipassana and Transcendental Meditation, and has extensive experience with the Feldenkrais Method and Alexander Technique. As a world traveler, her practice has naturally evolved to a point where the majority of her therapeutic work is now done remotely. In this interview she talks about her history with craniosacral biodynamics and how she has adapted its principles for therapeutic interactions that do not involve physical touch. Liza is interviewed by Dawn Sofia, a craniosacral practitioner from New York City. www.sacredrecreation.com liza@sacredrecreation.com

For this episode we take a closer look at the prana vayus, the currents of vital force spoken about in the yogic and ayurvedic traditions. Yoga teachers Cator Shachoy and Christian Current explore areas of overlap with primary respiration and craniosacral practice. Cator Shachoy: www.youthyogadharma.org/catorshachoy Christian Current: www.christianmichaelcurrent.com

Etienne Peirsman returns to the podcast to share more about his 30 year history in the field of craniosacral therapy and his approach to teaching. Etienne heads the Peirsman Craniosacral Academy, which has outlets in Europe and the United States. In this interview he discusses many topics relevant to cranial work, emphasizing the importance of being in an instinctual and sensual "no mind" space while employing craniosacral-style touch. www.peirsmancraniosacral.com

Sophie Rieu is a biodynamic practitioner who lives and practices in Ireland. Her blog "My Cranio Sacral Life" details her personal and professional experiences through the lens of biodynamic cranial work. Sophie's writing is intimate, poetic, and informative. In this interview she discusses a wide range of topics including how biodynamic theory and practice have changed her life. Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/sophierieucreates SOPHIECRANIOSACRALBIODYNAMICS@GMAIL.COM

Jennifer Song, a founding member of the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Association of North America, joins us to talk about the 2020 Virtual Breath of Life Conference. The conference is a creative response to the Covid-19 outbreak, and is a great opportunity to connect with some of the leading teachers in the global craniosacral community. More info: https://www.craniosacraltherapy.org/2020-conference  

Tai CK is a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist who centers LGBTQ and POC communities in her work. She is a young activist and passionate craniosacral therapist who sees individual bodily systems as inseparable from collective systems of trauma, fulcrums, and healing. She lives and practices in New York City. www.craniowithtai.com Tai's podcast (google link) Love and Rage: The Path of Liberation through Anger White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies  

Frances Reed is the founder of Freed Bodyworks, a body-positive and queer-focused holistic wellness center in Washington DC. Frances has been specializing in transition-related bodywork for gender non-conforming people for almost a decade and has recently launched HealthyBinding.com to promote healthy binding practices to transmasculine individuals and health providers. Frances teaches courses for a variety of holistic providers to become more knowledgeable in cultural competency in order to work with trans clients as affirmatively and knowledgeably as possible. You can learn more about Frances and their professional offerings here: www.freedbodyworks.com/frances www.healthybinding.com An enjoyable Illustrated overview of Gender: https://thegenderbook.com/the-pages Washington Post article about Frances' work.    

Susan Raffo practices craniosacral therapy in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has studied with Hugh Milne, The Upledger Institute, and Body Intelligence. While cranial work is her primary modality for individual healing work, she largely sees the world through the lens of social justice. Of special interest to her is the exploration of where systems of power and oppression are held in the tissues of the body. She also facilitates groups and organizations in matters of conflict support and cultural change, and is passionate about healing justice for all people of color. In this episode I ask Susan to share with us some of her perspective on what is happening on the ground in Minneapolis through her cultural lens. We also discuss the importance of taking a closer look at the roots of Osteopathy with a more sensitive and honest evaluation of the role of indigenous spirit in its birth. Susan's Resource Page for this Interview White Fragility: Why It's So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism

Safa Boga is back on the podcast to share what's she's learned about building a rewarding, potent, and authentic healing practice. She talks about the importance of knowing who you are, being transparent with clients, and focusing your energy to be a powerful agent of change. She also shares her perspective on evaluating new clients to determine if they are a good fit for your particular style of practice. www.kimiyahealing.co.uk My previous interview with Safa: Episode 117  

Liz Hartshorn practices Biodynamics, massage therapy, and Somatic Experiencing in New York City. She is also a recognized teacher of The Realization Process. In this interview she'll tell us about her history in healing work and elaborate on why she finds Judith Blackstone's Realization Process such a powerful tool for self-development and client care. www.lizhartshorn.com Hear a sample of The Realization Process in Episode 127. www.realizationprocess.org

Michael Shea is back on the podcast ... to talk about life during the pandemic and share some thoughts about spirituality, death, humor, and distance healing.   www.sheaheart.com  

This episode is a live recording of Ryan Hallford leading a group through a simple Tonglen exercise, a meditative practice for transforming the suffering of oneself and others.

Charles Ridley takes us through a meditation on three potent areas of the midline ... the head, the heart, and the gut. www.dynamicstillness.com  

Brigit Viksnins takes us through an examination of shadow archetypes that may be limiting our success in business. www.alchemicalalignment.com

A spontaneous talk and meditation about isolation, perception, and non-doing in the time of pandemic ... recorded in the Australian bush.   Read more about Andy here.

These meditations are live recordings of Etienne Peirsman in the classroom in March, 2020. He touches on the topics of safety, midline, and the fluctuating relationship between mind and body. First meditation 2:00 – 16:00 Second meditation 16:00 – 30:00 www.peirsmancraniosacral.com Learn more about Etienne in Episode 88.

Ged Sumner, founder of Body Intelligence Trainings and co-author of the book Cranial Intelligence: A Practical Guide to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy walks us through awareness of the cardiovascular system and bone marrow. More of Ged's awareness exercises are available here. Meditation on the CV system: 2:10 - 17:40 Meditation on bone marrow: 18:20 - 30:00  

In this meditation Hugh Milne, the author of The Heart of Listening: A Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work takes us on a journey through the energy centers of the heart. www.milneinstitute.com  

Andy Pike connects us with our senses and then offers his interpretation of Rupert Spira's poem "I AM," pointing us towards non-dual awareness of THIS. More info about Rupert Spira available here.

For today's meditation, Ryan Hallford leads us through a simple practice of settling into natural awareness and accepting the healing influence of primary respiration on the nervous system. This is a slow and spacious exploration of our sensory experience.

In this collection of talks, Brigit Viksnins walks us through practices for accessing safety and building resiliency. Brigit is the creator of the professional training Alchemical Alignment: Bodywork for Trauma Resolution and Embodiment of Spirit 1st meditation    2:25-17:30 2nd meditation  17:45-38:00 3rd meditation    38:20-57:15 4th segment        57:30-end    www.alchemicalalignment.com

In today's meditation Michael Shea leads us through a practice to soften the hands. Rigidity in the hands prevents us from accurately feeling the subtleties of cranial respiration, so this is a great exercise for both new and experienced practitioners. www.sheaheart.com

Today's audio is a live recording of Margaret Rosenau taking us through a practice to find natural fulcrums in the tissue field of the midline. www.schoolofinnerhealth.org

Liz Hartshorn is a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and authorized teacher of Judith Blackstone's Realization Process. The meditation in this episode is designed to attune our awareness to "fundamental consciousness."

This episode is a studio recording of Jane Shaw leading us into a state of fluid perception ... within which we may notice rhythms, stillness, and the relationship between these two omnipresent phenomena. www.janeshaw.co.uk  

The focus for this podcast during the month of March will be meditation. In this episode Ryan gives a brief introduction to this collective effort which will include audio meditations from many different craniosacral teachers. Intro music: "Mercy" by Ben Kyle www.benkyle.com

Jane Shaw maintains a biodynamic craniosacral therapy practice in Northern Ireland. She gives lectures, writes, and teaches on mind-body medicine practices internationally, facilitating courses that support both recovery and resilience, and empowered self-expression and leadership for individuals and corporates.  Her teaching approach is one of embodied presence, compassion, and deep listening, using principles of biodynamic craniosacral therapy, Jungian psychology, neurobiology, and dream analysis. She bridges the latest developments in neuroscience and new medicine with lessons from indigenous ancient healing arts, while always learning from the natural world and its ability to heal and be healed. She holds Masters degrees in Economics and Jungian Psychology, and is a Co-Founder of the Elmfield Institute, a wellness facility offering programs in personal and professional development. www.janeshaw.co.uk www.elmfieldinstitute.com  

Annie came to the holistic health field via an unlikely route… she started out as a Biologist and then a Lawyer, before starting a family and deciding that she wanted a gentler and more fundamentally fulfilling career.  A stubborn rugby injury that didn't improve with extensive physiotherapy led her to discover the wonders of craniosacral therapy and begin training in the modality in 2009. She now runs a clinical practice and mentors new therapists. www.melbournecraniosacral.com  

Andy Pike is a registered physiotherapist, yoga therapist, and Senior Tutor for Body Intelligence Trainings. In this episode he discusses the subtle ways in which craniosacral practitioners interfere with the full expression of health in a clinical setting. Andy offers post-graduate classes that elaborate on the themes presented in this interview. He is based out of Queensland, Australia. www.barefootcranio.com Read an excerpt of Andy's writing here.

This episode is a recording of Margaret Rosenau of The School of Inner Health in Denver, Colorado speaking about fluids, potency, activation, and health at the 2018 Breath of Life Conference. www.schoolofinnerhealth.org Hear more from Margaret in her first interview for the podcast, Episode 81.

In this live-teaching episode Ryan Hallford talks about six effects of the Breath of Life and Primary Respiration: clarity, openness, warmth, longing, simplicity, and courage. The inspiration for this talk comes from Chapter 16 of Volume 1 of Michael Shea's Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy Series.

Cherionna Menzam-Sills has released audio recordings of the meditations and perceptual exercises in her book "The Breath of Life: An Introduction to Craniosacral Biodynamics" This episode includes a sample meditation entitled "Finding Sensations in the Body." Click here to preview and download the audio tracks. Hear Cherionna talk about the process of writing her book in Episode 79.  

Simon Gosling has been in the field of Craniosacral Biodynamics since the 1990's. As the personal assistant to Franklyn Sills in the early days of the Karuna Institute, he witnessed its infancy and now supports the maturation of biodynamic work in numerous countries across the globe. In this interview Simon talks about his history in the field of craniosacral therapy and shares a few things he has learned about teaching and clinical practice.

Safa Boga is a craniosacral therapist working in the U.K. A graduate of the College of Craniosacral Therapy in London, she has also studied yoga, meditation, and several forms of counseling. In this interview she talks about her transition from the business world into the realm of the healing arts and shares with listeners her approach to professional clinical practice. www.kimiyahealing.co.uk  

In this episode Clara Favale and Shannon Dailey from Stillpoint CST join us from New York City to talk about the history and growth of their Biodynamic training school. Stillpoint CST has been supported by Franklyn Sills since its inception, and offers trainings by other notable figures in the craniosacral world.   www.stillpointcst.com      

Dr. Diana Driscoll, OD discusses her experience of suffering from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and how she found key ways to heal these problems. She is the President of Genetic Disease Investigators and Clinical Director of the POTS Care Clinic in Colleyville, Texas. Dr. Driscoll holds two patents for her supplement ParaSym Plus, which supports acetylcholine production in the vagus nerve. Dr. Driscoll's clinical site: www.potscare.com Click here to learn more about ParaSym Plus. Use coupon code "craniosacral" to save 10%

Robyn Scherr joins Ryan to discuss her recent book "Elements of a Successful Therapeutic Business," which she co-authored with previous podcast guest Kate Mackinnon. Their book assists the reader in developing a business that enhances the quality of one's life ... through personal exploration and the installment of best business practices for private therapists. This is an incredibly helpful resource for individuals working on building or fine-tuning their craniosacral clinical practice. Robyn's site: www.ivinginthebody.net www.touchmatters.net

Michael Shea joins us again to discuss the many roles of the vagus nerve in regulating our sense of internal and external safety. In this interview he reviews the information he compiled for his Multivagal Safety System instructional poster, which outlines the anatomical pathway and physiological actions of the vagus nerve. You can view the poster here and order a printed copy here. View a written guide to the poster here. www.sheaheart.com  

Dr. Lisa Upledger shares some memories from her early days at the Upledger Institute and discusses her current educational offerings and clinical work at the Upledger Center for Integrative Therapy in Jupiter, Florida. www.lisaupledger.com  

Dr. Shawn Centers, D.O. presents on Cranial Osteopathy at the 2019 AutismOne Conference. In his talk he discusses the modern medicalization of birth and the role of manual manipulation in alleviating the forces of stress introduced into the body during the birth process. Dr. Center's web site: www.shawcentersdo.com AutismOne: www.autismone.org

This is part II of live audio clips from Ken Dipersio's Biodynamic Craniosacral Module 4 training recently held in Florida. This class examined the experience of the embryo through the first two weeks post-conception, and included a significant amount of multi-hands work in the ocean. Audio highlights include meditations, commentary from Ken, and first-hand accounts of student experiences. Ken's Website: http://kjdtherapy.com/ Learn more about Ken: Episode 35 More on Ken's approach to working in the ocean: Episode 95 Episode 96