Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy contacts the nervous system directly and works with the subtle rhythmn of the cranium and sacrum. It is not a massage however massage therapists can study a semester as part of their training.

Biodynamic Craniosacral balances joints of the cranium resulting in better alignment and neuromuscular connections. Every day we breathe and this rhythm is part of many rhythms in the body. When a rhythm is disrupted by stress, toxins, accidents, surgeries, environments or trauma it can keep functioning out of balance, leading a trajectory of chronic inflammation that is often missed in western medicine. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) un-ravels any holding patterns to restore the body to it's original functional health and rhythm. By bringing the Parasympathetic and Sympathetic nervous systems into homeostasis the brain can differentiate between the past and the present, emergency and non emergency, discharging any unnecessary holding patterns, stress and information, allowing for more efficient use of energy.

BCST can help with trauma resolution (both adult and childhood traumas), digestive distress, sleep dysfunction, TMJ, car accidents, whiplash, dental work, surgery, hyper activity, depression, anxiety, long covid, pandemic shock and trauma, back and neck pain, migraines, numbness, hyper sensitivities and pregnancies. It is gentle and safe for all ages. 

Pilates

My approach to Pilates incorporates my experience as a dancer and a deep anatomical understanding of the body as a whole. Trauma, surgery, accidents and injuries can create a distortion in the body where healing and strength are based in compensation. Eventually these compensations lead to other injuries or create stress on the internal viscera. When left un-checked this can often lead to chronic pain or dysfunction in the organs, musculoskeletal, myofascial and nervous systems, sometimes years later. Pilates offers a way change the pattern at the most intrinsic level through neuromuscular connections; strengthening what is weak and relieving what is over worked. By strengthening the body at it's base, like a house everything built on it will translate force in the most efficient manner.

Sessions are specific to the individual and can benefit anyone at any level. I have experience working with beginners advanced movers, professional dancers, scoliosis, hip replacements, osteoporosis, knee surgery, ankle surgery, prosthesis, frozen shoulder and shoulder dislocations, sciatica, osteoarthritis, hip impingements, S.I. dysfunction, pregnancies, pelvic floor dysfunction, achilles ruptures, neuropathy, and ehlers-danlos.

My Pilates Certification from The Kane School of Core Integration in New York City incorporated learning both Joe's classical repertoire and biomechanics to facilitate the body learning from any level. In addition to studying with Pilates masters Kelly Kane, Madeline Black and Jean Claude West, I spent 3 years learning and working next to the brilliant physical therapists at Westside Dance Physical Therapy in New York City, renown for their work with NYCB. It was there that I learned the beauty of transitioning patients from physical therapy to pain free functionality and the specificty that the body craves when navigating out of injury. I bring this background and information into sessions. This is helpful when physical therapy no longer meets the goals of the patient or when chronic pain does not dissipate even with a at home exercise program.

Craniosacral Lineage and History

All forms of craniosacral work ultimately originate with the traditional American Indian Bodywork. Dr William Garner Sutherland was a student of Dr Sill who learned these practices from the Shawnee. In 1899 Sutherland developed cranial osteopathy and showing how the bones of the skull do in-fact move and create symptoms in the body. His approach to this therapy was largely biomechanic, involving subtle boney manipulations. In 1945 he changed his approach to one that is more holistic, listening and following body's higharchy of priorities. Much like a combination lock on a vault, the nervous system will not release by force but rather the appropriate combination. Listening to the body as a whole and not in parts. This method was later named Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy.

Many practitioners have carried on the work of Sutherland within the field of osteopathic practice. Outside of the osteopathic community, Dr. John Upledger coined the term ‘Craniosacral Therapy’ and opened it up to other practitioners in the 1970s. This approach is more assertive, biomechanical and augmenting. 

Pilates History

All Pilates Methods go back to Joseph Pilates and his classical repertoire called ‘Controlology’ where he applied his exercises to aid in rehabilitating veterans.

To obtain a Certification students must learn Anatomy, all his exercises on the apparatus - the Reformer, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, the Wunda Chair and the Mat work. In addition to these classical exercises there has emerged a less rigid and more contemporary approach to Pilates that is more inclusive to all body types and fitness levels.