Next Cranial Class is Oct 9 - 10th in Baltimore, MD - Register NOW

The Biodynamic Craniosacral model is based on the work of Dr. William Garner Sutherland, Dr. Rollin Becker, Franklyn Sills, and others. Dr. Sutherland began his exploration into cranial bone motion at the turn of the 20th century. His later work moved away from bony movement and focused on a whole series of interrelated fluid tidal pulsations within the structure that reflected the most fundamental ordering and healing principle within the human body-mind. Dr. Becker continued Dr. Sutherland’s work until his passing in the 1990's and Franklyn Sills and other gifted practitioners continue to refine the principles and methods of cranial work.

Seminar 1

This seminar is the introduction to the coursework. It is the foundation from which all the later seminars are built upon. The student is taught the “mindset” that differentiates this style of cranial from others that are currently taught worldwide. This style of craniosacral therapy is based on the lineage from Sutherland, Becker, Sills and others, with current concepts of physics, where the human form is perceived as a liquid, crystalline matrix. 

The first seminar covers the history of the work and the lineage that brings us to the present state of application, and a wide scope of issues that are brought to our practice. Perceptual skills are the fundamental thrust of this seminar where stillness and a place of neutral are sought and all techniques spring forth from that place of presence that the practitioner holds.

Field dynamics are introduced and the shifts of perception or change in state are the focal point of this seminar. The three tides (CRI, mid-tide and long tide) are introduced within the perception of the fluid field. Still Points as a therapeutic tool are also explored. A simple Chi Gung approach is taught that will facilitate the student’s own well-being and their ability to amplify the healing potential.

Seminar 2

The focus of the second seminar is the Primary Respiratory System. The student is given the tools and techniques to begin the exploration of interosseous motility and mobility of the bones of the cranium. Dr. Rollin Becker’s three step approach will be introduced as the “launching pad” into the therapeutic process. It is the milestone tool for becoming a witnessing presence to observe the subtle manifestations of the cranial system. Developing listening abilities is a lifetime journey, and Dr. Becker’s approach facilitates that learning.

In the first seminar we were introduced to a few classic hand holds. In this seminar we will learn to perceive the motions of all the bones of the cranium with special attention to the Sphenoid bone and its articulation with the Occiput at the Sphenobasilar Junction. The student will also be introduced to the movement of the Reciprocal Tension Membrane with Sutherland’s fulcrum as a focal point. The sacrum and its movement patterns will also be studied in more depth. We will deepen our understanding of chi gung as a therapeutic tool for the practitioner's journey.

Seminar 3

In this seminar the student will explore fulcrums and dynamic tension within the three fluidic tides. The student will deepen their connection to Dr. Becker’s three step protocol for techniques to facilitate the dispersion of focalized energy. The CV4 technique and still points will be taught as a therapeutic tool to enhance the health of the system. The therapeutic techniques of direction of tide, lateral fluctuations, disengagement and traction will be introduced as a potential remedies for t inertial energy. The student will also be given tools to facilitate healing responses to potential joint issues. We will deepen our understanding of chi gung as a therapeutic tool for the practitioner's journey.

Seminar 4

In this seminar we will deepen our exploration of Still points at the mid-tide with the CV4 and EV4 techniques. We will focus on the long tide as the gateway to the mysterious unfolding, and the role of stillness in healing. Movement between the three tides is emphasized as a tool for creating practitioner stillness and awareness. The midline of the system is the primary focus of this seminar with dural tube traction and additional time will be spent on the direction of tide technique as clinical conversational skills. Cervical techniques will be introduced with particular attention paid to the A/O joint. Sacral dynamics in relationship to the pelvis will be introduced in this seminar and how it relates to vertebral fixations and inertial patterns within specific segments of the spine. We will deepen our understanding of chi gung as a therapeutic tool for the practitioner's journey.

Seminar 5

In this seminar we begin with a review session of the inherent treatment protocol and the concepts of reverence and humility as a portal to holding of sacred space and the wholistic shift. We then introduce the connective tissue web, joints and the viscera as a major focus and how it applies to clinical challenges. Concepts of balanced perfection and rhythmic wave motion in the dynamic field as a tensile force will be explored in this seminar. Traction of the reciprocal tension membrane as a conversation skill will be further explored. Cranial base patterns, venous sinus system techniques, and relationship patterns between the sphenoid, occiput and the A/O joint and how them might be applied clinically are reviewed. We will deepen our understanding of chi gung as a therapeutic tool for the practitioner's journey.

Seminar 6

Facial bones and the Hard palate is the primary focus of this seminar. The seminar also introduces the ignition principle and the ventricle dynamics. The dynamics of the face and hard palate and how it relates clinically to TMJ syndrome is the main thrust of this seminar. Birth issues are explored in relationship with the Falx cerebri, the frontal, ethmoid, vomer, maxilla, hyoid and palatine bones. Fluid skills are further enhanced with insights into trauma issues that affect the bones in their dynamic relationships especially the spheno-maxillary patterns. We will deepen our understanding of chi gung as a therapeutic tool for the practitioner's journey.

Seminar 7

This seminar emphasis has on clinical applications and review of the homework project. Birth dynamics are introduced and potential present day patterns that have evolved from birthing dynamics. The seminar is always a surprise and often is based on the particular group acumen with the work. Business practices are shared and the session is about the deepening relationship with Stillness as the portal to the Breath of Life”.