Fall 2002/Winter 2003
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Autumn / Winter 2002 www.craniosacraltherapy.org The “Polyvagal Theory” is a new understanding of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), arising from the research and writings of Stephen Porges, PhD (www.psych.uic.edu/faculty/porges). It uses solid scientific method to significantly change the previous commonly-accepted view of the ANS, with huge implications for trauma therapies. The ANS is the neuro-endocrine-immune structure that enables survival. Traditionally it has been described as having two branches, parasympathetic (rest/rebuild) and sympathetic (fight/flight). Parasympathetic takes care of essential background operations such as heart/lungs and digestion, while sympathetic provides stress-response and procreation strategies and functions. Polyvagal Theory, named for the anatomical basis of Porges’ discoveries, changes the picture. Now the ANS has three branches, not two, and they are sequential, not reciprocal. Actually, "Polyvagal" is a misnomer and not a fully accurate representation of the new concept, because the vagus nerve is only one component of the newly-defined third branch. Therefore, in this summary the phrase "Triune Autonomic" will be used when referring to the new understanding. SUMMARY OF THE THEORY The Triune Autonomic view is based on phylogeny, the study of the evolution of living organisms. For example, all animals have some strategy for acquiring food, absorbing nutrients and expelling cell waste. Very primitive simple animals are stationary feeders in a liquid environment, later animals have developed ways to move about to find food, and modern animals have developed capabilities for using tools, social organization, and long-term planning, etc. Throughout the evolutionary chain, survival is the supreme criterion: characteristics that enhance survival are perpetuated in subsequent form and function. In the ANS, the parasympathetic system is the oldest, reflecting the survival needs of a primitive passive feeder. It delivers nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood to the system, particularly the brain, and its components regulate heart, lungs and viscera. At a parasympathetic level, stress responses are primarily limited to adjusting the metabolic rate within a fairly narrow range and "death feigning" survival tactics. The sympathetic nervous system is a later development, adding mobility, mobilization and a wider range of possible survival responses. Newer animals gained more survival options in essential procreative, feeding and protective behaviors. Limbs for movement and increased sensory awareness developed, and muscular/ structural tissues became more sophisticated. The sympathetic system acts as a controller on the primitive parasympathetic to give a wider range of metabolic responses, shifting resources to muscular, visceral or other systems as needed in response to survival challenges. Porges has shown clear evidence of a third, more modern branch of the ANS, with a survival value specific to more sophisticated animals especially primates. "Social nervous system" is the proposed term for this third branch of the IN THIS ISSUE... Polyvagal Theory, The Triune Autonomic Nervous System and Therapeutic Applications John Chitty, RPP, RCST President’s Message Behind The Scenes States of Balance The Heart of the Healing Process Michael Kern, DO, RCST, MICrA, ND Breath of Life Craniosacral Conference 2003 Dan Burgess, RCST Looking For Answers Susan Beale Formulation of the Supervision/Mentor Program Janet deHoll, RCST Tera Judell, RCST Membership Certification Process Betty Wood, RCST Letters Continuing Education Credits Special Pull-Out Survey Like to get CEU’s for the courses you take? We need your input! olyvagal Theory, The Triune Autonomic Nervous System and Therapeutic Applications By John Chitty, RPP, RCST www.energyschool.com, email [email protected] P
Transcript of Fall 2002/Winter 2003
Autumn / Winter 2002
w w w . c r a n i o s a c r a l t h e r a p y . o r g
The “Polyvagal Theory” is a new understandingof the autonomic nervous system (ANS), arisingfrom the research and writings of StephenPorges, PhD (www.psych.uic.edu/faculty/porges). Ituses solid scientific method to significantlychange the previous commonly-accepted viewof the ANS, with huge implications for traumatherapies.
The ANS is the neuro-endocrine-immunestructure that enables survival. Traditionally ithas been described as having two branches,parasympathetic (rest/rebuild) and sympathetic(fight/flight). Parasympathetic takes care ofessential background operations such asheart/lungs and digestion, while sympatheticprovides stress-response and procreationstrategies and functions.
Polyvagal Theory, named for the anatomicalbasis of Porges’ discoveries, changes the picture.Now the ANS has three branches, not two, andthey are sequential, not reciprocal. Actually,"Polyvagal" is a misnomer and not a fullyaccurate representation of the new concept,because the vagus nerve is only one componentof the newly-defined third branch. Therefore, inthis summary the phrase "Triune Autonomic"will be used when referring to the newunderstanding.
SUMMARY OF THE THEORY
The Triune Autonomic view is based onphylogeny, the study of the evolution of livingorganisms. For example, all animals have somestrategy for acquiring food, absorbing nutrientsand expelling cell waste. Very primitive simpleanimals are stationary feeders in a liquid
environment, later animals have developed waysto move about to find food, and modernanimals have developed capabilities for usingtools, social organization, and long-termplanning, etc. Throughout the evolutionarychain, survival is the supreme criterion:characteristics that enhance survival areperpetuated in subsequent form and function.
In the ANS, the parasympathetic system is theoldest, reflecting the survival needs of aprimitive passive feeder. It delivers nutrient-rich,oxygenated blood to the system, particularly thebrain, and its components regulate heart, lungsand viscera. At a parasympathetic level, stressresponses are primarily limited to adjusting themetabolic rate within a fairly narrow range and"death feigning" survival tactics.
The sympathetic nervous system is a laterdevelopment, adding mobility, mobilization anda wider range of possible survival responses.Newer animals gained more survival options inessential procreative, feeding and protectivebehaviors. Limbs for movement and increasedsensory awareness developed, and muscular/structural tissues became more sophisticated.The sympathetic system acts as a controller onthe primitive parasympathetic to give a widerrange of metabolic responses, shifting resourcesto muscular, visceral or other systems as neededin response to survival challenges.
Porges has shown clear evidence of a third, moremodern branch of the ANS, with a survivalvalue specific to more sophisticated animalsespecially primates. "Social nervous system" isthe proposed term for this third branch of the
IN THIS ISSUE...
Polyvagal Theory, The TriuneAutonomic Nervous Systemand Therapeutic ApplicationsJohn Chitty, RPP, RCST
President’s MessageBehind The Scenes
States of BalanceThe Heart of the Healing Process
Michael Kern, DO, RCST, MICrA, ND
Breath of LifeCraniosacral Conference 2003
Dan Burgess, RCST
Looking For AnswersSusan Beale
Formulation of theSupervision/Mentor ProgramJanet deHoll, RCST
Tera Judell, RCST
MembershipCertification Process Betty Wood, RCST
Letters
Continuing Education Credits Special Pull-Out SurveyLike to get CEU’s for the coursesyou take? We need your input!
olyvagal Theory, The Triune Autonomic Nervous System and Therapeutic Applications
By John Chitty, RPP, RCSTwww.energyschool.com, email [email protected]
P
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Polyvagal Theory continued...
ANS. As brain complexity increases, it takes much longerfor newborns to become self-sufficient. In humans, manyyears are necessary before their enhanced survivalcapabilities are fully operational. Therefore, structuresevolved to secure dependent care for this extended time.Certain emotional affects, specifically the love feelings ofmother/baby, are prominent in this survival mechanism.The social nervous system exists as a controller over thesympathetic nervous system to enable moderation ofmore crude "fight/flight" responses to accommodate thisdependency.
The anatomy of the social nervous system consists of toolsthat help bond a newborn to the mother. These includevoice, hearing, visual contact and facial expression, whichare each capable of triggering neurotransmitters inducingpleasurable sensations in the caregiver. These are "hard-wired," precognitive functions that exist in newborns,having a compelling power to engender emotionalbonding and biochemical events which we interpret aslove, thereby securing protective care during thevulnerable period. Healthy babies exhibit these instantly atdelivery. However, they experience unsuccessfuldeployment of these strategies (i.e. betrayal by oralienation from the caregiver) as immediately life-threatening, and justifiably so.
Drawing on the ‘Theory of Dissolution" (J.H. Jackson, ca.1890), Porges also shows that under stress, the humansystem tries its newest, most sophisticated and efficientequipment first. If that doesn’t work, older strategies areattempted, and if they don’t work, the oldest resources areemployed. Therefore under stress, the human first uses itssocial/relational tactics, then fight/flight, then immobility,as survival strategies. Each of these stages hascharacteristic indicators. Also, it is clear that with trauma,the capacity for using the newer strategies can be erodedwith older strategies becoming the habitual basis forresponse.
APPLICATIONS IN TOUCH THERAPY
Touch therapists have attempted to affect the ANS formany years, often with great success and also often withfrustration. Particularly in working with trauma-symptom clients, touch has proven helpful butinconsistent and in some cases problematic.
With the "Triune Nervous System" research, newpossibilities emerge. Porges describes the use of "portals,"or anatomical components of the ANS which can bephysically stimulated to induce fulfillment of the impulsesof a particular layer. For example, Porges found thatstimulating nerves of the social nervous system throughmuscular activation created profound improvement in
relational behaviors of autistic patients.
Using this portal concept, a practitioner canhypothetically support optimum functioning of the ANSthrough contact/stimulation with appropriate anatomicallocations. This is the same principle exhibited inRandolph Stone’s Polarity Therapy, but with 3 layersinstead of two, and less need to identify which layer towork with (as a domino effect is produced because thelayers are sequentially interdependent).
The portal for the parasympathetic nervous system, basedon anatomy, is the vagus nerve and the torso of the bodyas a single unit of function. For the sympathetic nervoussystem, the muscles of the limbs and the sympatheticchain along the spine are highlighted. For the socialnervous system, cranial nerves V, VII, IX, X and XI,identifiable as a group in the embryological "pharyngealarches" structure, can be used. Experimentation withthese portals has given promising results.
The method for using these portals would vary withdifferent modalities. In Polarity Therapy, an energeticintention and polarized contacts could be employed. InCraniosacral Therapy, the "state of balance" concepts areuseful. In massage, manual contact with the relevant areasmight be used. In any case, accurate visualizing of theanatomy seems important. While it is beyond the scope of
From a handposition lightlytouching the vagusnerve in the neck,the parasympatheticcan be visualized asa unit of functioninvolving the entiretorso and its cardio-respiratory anddigestive contents.Patterns may beobserved and athree-step processfor the whole systemmay be supported.(Drawing by ReneePeterson, adapted fromKeleman, EmotionalAnatomy, page 33)
Lightly touching the side of the neck, the sympathetic system maybe viewed as a double strand of beadlike nodes just lateral to thespinal bodies terminating together in a single bead anterior to thecoccyx. Viewed as one unit of function, the whole sympatheticsystem may reveal a pattern and allow a three-stage process.(Drawing by Renee Peterson adapted from Clayman, The Human Body, p. 74)
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Polyvagal Theory continued...
this article to discuss experimental protocols in greatdetail, practitioners might explore for themselves usingthese anatomical structures as a basis.
Getting clients to participate in ANS stimulation has alsobeen helpful in early experimentation. For theparasympathetic, the client might employ consciousattention to the breath and movement of the belly. Forsympathetic, the client might engage the muscles of thearms and legs, then relax and track subsequent sensation.For the social, the client might recall a favorite person orpet and use imagination to induce the warm feelings ofsmiling recognition (CNs V and VII).
Therapeutic intervention in the Triune ANS might alsoinvolve remote manipulation of the amygdala viapalpation or client participation. The amygdala is abilateral area of the anterior temporal lobe (one inchinside the temples, posterior to the eye orbit of the frontalbone, medial to the greater wing of the sphenoid, and justanterior to the dorsal horn of the lateral ventricle) thatsorts experience to identify threat, based on earlierexperience. This is a critical survival factor, enablinginstant response to danger, but in trauma it is problematicbecause the person may respond inappropriately. Forexample, a person who has been severely betrayed as achild may interpret intimacy as dangerous, though in factthe later experience poses no real threat.
Contact with the amygdala, through remote palpation(and state of balance processes) or client participation,seems very promising. One approach has been proposedby Neil Slade based on the neurobiological research of T.Lingo (see www.neilslade.com). This exercise, in which theclient uses self awareness to imaginally nudge theamygdala forward, has shown good results in initialexperimentation and is recommended on that basis.Clients exhibit a new ability to operate at a social nervoussystem level, beyond habitual sympathetic (fight/flight) orparasympathetic (immobility) stress-response patterns,and generally display a happier, more optimisticdemeanor.
APPLICATIONS IN PSYCHOTHERAPY
The Triune ANS offers a revolution in psychotherapy,because the supreme importance of maternal bondingand intimacy is formalized and grounded in anatomy andphylogeny. Porges’ work combines naturally with PeterLevine’s trauma resolution methods for excellent effects.The three branches of the ANS are readily visible in clients,once the practitioner knows what to look for. Identifyingthe currently active layer, the practitioner can guide theclient in fulfilling the impulses of that layer, and supportthe client naturally moving through the three-partsequence. The therapeutic goal is to restore capacity tofunction at all three layers, but the third, the social nervoussystem, is probably the key because it is the mostsophisticated tool in the stress-response arsenal.
Preliminary experimentation in awareness processing,such as Levine’s trauma resolution, Gendlin’s Focusing,Perls’ Gestalt Therapy and hypnotherapy have been verypromising, and practitioners are encouraged toexperiment with their methods using the new awareness.
The emerging field of pre and peri-natal psychology(Castellino, Emerson) is a rich field for application of theTriune NS understanding. Among other benefits, a formalbasis becomes available for emphasis on maternalbonding (skin-to-skin contact for at least 20 minutesimmediately following delivery), minimizing use ofcontact-numbing anesthesia, and termination of practicesthat are clearly traumatic to the ANS such as circumcision.Prior to Porges’ work, modern anti-bonding hospitalpractices often felt wrong to lay people and some primarycare professionals, but lacked sufficient identification ofthe specific damage. Now, it can be clearly stated that suchpractices defeat the baby’s best stress response resourceand force devolution to a sympathetic (hyper) orparasympathetic (hypo) strategy, imprinting theamygdala to expect betrayal in intimacy situations, apotentially devastating event for the ANS and quality oflife.
The social branchof the autonomicnervous systemmay be visualizedas a branching ofnerves supplyingthe throat and face.This "pharyngealarch" structurearises very earlyembryologically(4th-5th weeks).More specific viewsare possible withinthe middle ear andalso tracing thecorticobulbar tract.Viewing thisanatomy mayprovide access topatterns and thethree-stage process.(Drawing by ReneePeterson adapted fromLarsen, HumanEmbryology, page 362)
The neck area is a central viewpoint for triune autonomicanatomy, containing the vagus (major path of theparasympathetic), superior cervical ganglion (major superiorganglion of the sympathetic) and cranial nerves IX, X and XI(important parts of the social). Accessing each layer is more amatter of perception than any shift in hand position.(Drawing by Renee Peterson, adapted from Netter, Atlas of Human Anatomy,plate 124)
Vagus Nerve
SuperiorCervical
Ganglion
APPLICATIONS IN GROUPS
Understanding group dynamics partly derives fromunderstanding individual psychology, based on theprinciple that what happens individually is the substratefoundation for what happens socially. Because groups areby definition a social environment, automatically invokingsocial nervous system phenomena, the implications ofPorges’ work are profound for group dynamics.
In a group setting, the collective relational experience ofthe individuals is being expressed. Some participants havethe social nervous system layer operational, some haveexperienced defeat on that level and habitually respond insympathetic ways and, in severe trauma cases, some arelimited to parasympathetic responses.
When a group attempts to accomplish a task together,especially in a difficult or seemingly threatening context,the three layers of autonomic function will become visible.Initially, relational strategies will be exhibited (exceptunder severe conditions), these will be successful orgradually yield to sympathetic (fight/flight) tactics, andultimately to isolation and immobility within individualsand the group. For individuals in the group, theoreticallythere will be a bell curve effect in which some peopleexhibit behaviors in advance of, or trailing the critical massmajority of the group. For example, as a group shifts fromrelational to fight/flight behaviors, some will already beshowing immobility while others will be continuing socialengagement.
Groups can be facilitated to "evolve" back up the triuneautonomic chain, using awareness and carefulmanagement. The key is to gently re-establish thefoundation (parasympathetic) and subsequent(sympathetic) layers, by acknowledgement of theirpresence and fulfillment of their inherent impulses. Thesocial nervous system function can then be supported andenhanced, leading to increased trust, communication andfunctionality within the group.
Similarly, groups can be managed to maintainfunctionality in the collective social nervous system layerby carefully noting when individuals, or the group as awhole, start to slip down to a sympathetic orparasympathetic basis. For optimum functionality, thecritical mass majority can be maintained at the socialautonomic level. Similarly, group participation can betherapeutic for individuals by "pulling" them up tofunctioning at a social level, though their individualsystems may be habitually more inclined to sympatheticor parasympathetic levels. �
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BREATH OF LIFE CONFERENCELONDON, ENGLAND • MAY 24TH-25TH 2003
This second landmark conference will bringtogether leading lights within the field, providethe opportunity to network with the internationalCraniosacral biodynamics' community, and give
a great excuse to visit London in the Spring!
SPEAKERS:• Dr Mae Wan Ho - new physicist and author of 'The Rainbow And The Worm'• Franklyn Sills - co-founder of the Karuna Institute, the Craniosacral Therapy
Educational Trust and author of 'The Polarity Process' and 'CraniosacralBiodynamics'
• Dr Candace Pert - pioneer of psychoneuroimmunology and author of 'TheMolecules of Emotion'
• Babette Rothschild - trauma work expert and author of 'The Body Remembers'• Richard Holding - cranial osteopath and teacher who studied with Dr Becker and
others• Sally Goddard-Blythe - expert on primitive brain reflexes, director of The
Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology, author of 'The Foundations For LifeAnd Living' and 'A Teacher's Window Into The Child's Mind'.
FACILITATORS:• Michael Kern - course director of the Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust and
author of 'Wisdom In The Body, The Craniosacral Approach to Essential Health'• John Wilks - chairman of the Craniosacral Therapy Association U.K.
Cost £135 if booked before 31st March 2003,£160 if booked after this date (payable in £ sterling only)
For further details and booking form please contact:Tel: 44-(0)1305-756000 • Email: [email protected]
www.cranio.co.uk/conference.htm
BETH SMALL, RCST
President
905-666-0681
DAN BURGESS, RCST
Vice-President
970-731-4553
CLARE BONSER, RCST
505-820-2074
BETTY WOOD, RCST
Treasurer
Membership/RCST Chair
905-836-0669
MUKARA MEREDITH, MSW
Director
303 -440-0148 / 413-0189
Mukara@aol. com
SUSAN K. BEALE
Student Representative
303- 833 -1254
CSTA/NA
2002
Board of
Directors
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We are less than 10 months awayfrom the big event.
Our Conference committee is hard at workpreparing for our upcoming Boulder 2003event. Franklyn Sills will deliver the keynoteaddress and we have a well-rounded programof speakers and topics to interest all. It will bewonderful. Please be sure to note the details inthis issue and make your reservations early.
We will hold the annual general meeting ofthe CSTA/NA on Saturday morning,September 20, 2003 at the Millennium Hotel,the conference site. It is very important that allmembers attend to participate in discussionregarding the future of the CSTA/NA.
Our intention is to grow and develop as aprofessional organization. To reach this goalwe will require the services of an ExecutiveDirector to handle the day to day running ofthe organization. At the annual generalmeeting we will collectively determine thefuture role of the CSTA/NA. Do we wantCSTA/NA to serve as a professionalorganization or would we rather cometogether in fellowship? These are among theimportant questions that only you, themembers, can answer.
Another new addition to the conference willbe a panel discussion with the presenters.Upon registration for the conference you willbe able to submit a question to the panel fortheir response. We will divide the questions upequally and have as many as possibleanswered. Look for movement classes,presentations on Embryogenesis, and theSocial Nervous System to mention just a fewof the features of this exciting upcomingevent.
The Mentor Program, to assist new graduatesand practitioners in their practices, will beavailable very soon. We have an impressive listof seasoned therapists willing to provideguidance to fellow members. The names andcontact numbers will be available on our web
site for those wishing to partake of the service.The Teacher Approval Committee (TAC) hasbeen renamed to better reflect the nature oftheir role. The new name is “Curriculum andTeacher Review Committee (CTRC)”. We heldtwo wonderful days of meetings in Murrieta,California in September working oncurriculum development, the creative processand problem solving.
We say good bye to Board member KathyMullica as she offers her talents and abilities inthe field of Hospice Ministry. We wish her allthe best in her future endeavours. OurSecretary, Johnnie Fernandez, will also bevacating her Directors post in the near futureto move on to new challenges. We send ourblessings to her and her family as theyundertake this adventure.
It is time again to address the real need formembers willing to serve as Directors.Nominations for the Board of Directors willbe received beginning in February 2003 withelections in April 2003. Now is the time tocontemplate how and where you can offeryour talents and gifts to CSTA/NA. Pleasecontact a Board member for further details.
I have had the opportunity to speak with andmeet so many of you, and develop wonderfulfriendships since becoming a Board member.I highly recommend the experience. Allowyourself to develop your hidden talents whilemeeting new friends as you serve yourorganization.
Signing off. Have a wonderful and peacefulholiday season.
Beth Small RCSTCSTA/NA President
President’s Message
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 5
ehind The Scenesfrom the President - Fall 2002B
(Edited extracts from ‘Wisdom In The Body - TheCraniosacral Approach To Essential Health’, published byThorson’s/Harper Collins, 2001)
“When the human mind-emotion-bodycontinuum comes into alignment with life’sintrinsic order, there is an avenue for the releaseof an immensity of power.” 1
- Michael Burghley
INTRODUCTION
In this article we will explore the classical understandingof the ‘point of balanced tension’ and then expand thisidea to appreciate how accessing ‘states of balancedtension’ can offer an altogether deeper and more wholisticshift in our therapeutic approach.
FORCES AND FULCRUM
Inertial fulcrums act as the centers of disturbance for eachpattern of stress in the body. In the biodynamic approachof craniosacral work, there is an appreciation of the forceswhich center and maintain a fulcrum. At the core of eachinertial fulcrum a concentration of trapped potency hasformed. Due to these bound-up forces, patterns ofcompression, twists and pulls become retained in tissuesand fluids. Wherever inertial forces are concentrated, theexpression of the essential ordering principle of theBreath of Life is affected, and this is considered to be atthe very origin of disease and pathology.
To be effective, treatment has to deal with the origin of aproblem, its fulcrum, not just the symptoms or effects. Itis by noticing changes which take place at the inertialfulcrum that we are able to follow any real progress. Itshould be noted that tissues can sometimes change theirpattern of motion, without any significant changeoccurring at the fulcrum itself. However, one of the tenetsof craniosacral practice is that all true healing occurs atthe fulcrum organizing the disturbance.
We may approach our work in helping to resolve inertialfulcrums from various perceptual viewpoints and variouslevels of function within the continuum of the wholepatient. In any case, in order to resolve a tissue or fluidcontraction there must be a resolution of the underlyingforces trapped at its organizing fulcrum. An appreciationof this level of physiological functioning goes right backto the very roots of osteopathy. Over a century ago DrAndrew Taylor Still remarked that essentially the role ofthe practitioner is to revive ‘suspended forces’ in the same
way that an electrician works with electrical currents.2
Unless these forces are dissipated, the pattern willcontinue in some shape or form.
Whenever forces in the body become inertial adisturbance of function is produced. However, once theseforces are mobilized they provide a deep resource forhealing and transformation. Therefore, the inertial forceswhich center a disturbance can be regarded as a kernel ofhealth trapped within every fulcrum. This kernel ofhealth is simply something which has to be liberated forhealing to result. When forces are transformed from astate of inertia, a more wholesome connection to theuniversal principle of the Breath of Life is established. Theindividual and separately functioning ‘wave’ realizes thatit is part of the ‘ocean’ and reenters the life-stream.
POINT OF BALANCED TENSION
The point of balanced tension describes the optimalalignment in a particular tissue and fluid pattern for aninertial fulcrum to resolve. It is a point which can befound within the naturally allowable range of motion of apattern. In effect, it is the position at which there is abalance between the natural tensions expressed in thetissues and any increased tensions added as a result of astress or strain. This is the point at which a stress patternis maintaining its focus.
Imagine a circular see-saw with children sitting all aroundit. The point of balanced tension is where the weight of allthe children is evenly distributed around the centralfulcrum point.3 In the body, it is at this point that there isthe least possible resistance in the tissues and the minimalamount of ‘push and pull’. Dr Magoun describes it as,‘The most neutral position possible under the influenceof all the factors responsible for the existing pattern.’4 Itcan also be compared to putting the gears of a car inneutral.5 When a car is in neutral it is available for motionin any direction.6
When a point of balanced tension is found the involvedtissues and fluids settle into stillness (sometimes called alocal stillpoint), and the self-healing and self-regulatingforces of the body have an opportunity to come back intoplay. We can, as Dr Sutherland often used to say, rely uponthe Tide. Once there is no tension being exerted in onedirection or another, a state of ease is found and adoorway created through which the dissipation of inertialforces and the genuine reorganization of a pattern cantake place.
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 6
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tates of BalanceThe Heart of the Healing Process By Michael Kern, DO, RCST, MICrA, ND S
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Kern is aCraniosacralTherapist, Osteopathand Naturopath witha practice inLondon. He is co-founder of theCraniosacralTherapy EducationalTrust in London,senior tutor for theCollege ofOsteopaths, theInternational CranialAssociation and theUniversity ofWestminster. He alsoteaches CraniosacralTherapy courses inthe U.S.A.,Switzerland andItaly, and is author of‘Wisdom In The Body- The CraniosacralApproach ToEssential Health’published byThorson’s/HarperCollins, 2001 (ISBN0-7225-3708-5).
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 7
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States of Balance continued...
As the tissues move towards a point of balanced tension,pulsations, vibrations or other motions sometimesappear as a reorganization starts to take place. When thetrapped potency is released, heat is often given off. It isalso at this point that old memories locked in the tissuescan come to the surface and begin their process ofresolution. Therefore, stressful experiences which thebody may have been unable to integrate previously maybe revisited at another point. As long as the body is thenable to access the necessary resources, the dissipation oftrapped potencies and the process of healing can becompleted.
EYE OF THE NEEDLE
The point of balanced tension has been compared to ‘theeye of the needle’7 and a ‘mysterious gateway’.8 It is anopening through which suspended forces are able to pass,in a similar way to how thread is passed through the eyeof a needle. The threading of these suspended forces canbe a palpable experience. As the Breath of Life permeatesthe tissues, it may be felt as just a trickle at first, thenperhaps a bubbling, followed by a stream, until the tissuesbreathe openly, and primary respiratory motion isrestored - so restoring the expression of our blueprint forhealth. During this process one young boy described howhe could feel his face literally changing shape as his birthtrauma started to resolve. ‘It’s just like in the film TheMask!’, he exclaimed.9
The stillness at the point of balanced tension acts as adoorway which can open up to even deeper levels ofprimary respiratory function. It can be seen as a kind of‘pregnant pause’ full of healing potential and from whichnew life can emerge. Perceptions of deeper tidal forcesand of more profound states of stillness can unfold fromthis place. Thus, the point of balanced tension is like agateway to other realms of experience, a ‘crack betweenthe worlds’.10
STATES OF BALANCE
As we pass through the eye of the needle provided by thepoint of balanced tension, a settling and reconnectionwith our deeper forces of health can occur. At this point,it is common to experience the slower rhythms of themid-tide and the long tide, which can then come moreinto relationship with our everyday physiologicalfunctioning. Passing through this gateway into deeperlevels of function is referred to by Franklyn Sills asaccessing ‘states of balanced tension’.11
At a point of balanced tension, tissues and fluids find aneutral place of stillness, but in states of balanced tension aneutral is found in the deeper forces that organize these
tissue and fluid patterns. Remember that the biodynamicpotency of the Breath of Life is the intrinsic natural forcewithin the body. In addition, the body contains the forcesof any added stresses it has retained - the biokineticpotencies. The state of balanced tension occurs when allthese forces gathered around a fulcrum reach a state ofdynamic equilibrium. Points of balanced tension occur atthe level of the cranial rhythmic impulse, but states ofbalanced tension refer to a neutral state which can beaccessed within the deeper unfoldments of the Breath ofLife. This may be a progressive process, as balance isfound first in the cranial rhythmic impulse, then the mid-tide and then the long tide, perhaps eventually leading toa reconnection with the dynamic stillness at the basis ofall function.
The settling into deeper and deeper states of balance leadsus to the very heart of healing.12 However, when we areable to approach the work with a wide perceptual fieldand orient to the whole of the patient, our relationship tothe underlying organizing forces of their physiology maybecome immediate and direct. From the onset, we mayprovide the opportunity and the focus for our patients tobe touched by the deeper aspects of the Breath of Life andthe blueprint for health that it carries.
THREE-STEP HEALING PROCESS
After many years of clinical experience, Dr Rollin Beckerrecognized that this principle of treatment can be simplybroken down into three essential phases.13 The first, theseeking phase, involves a recognition that the tissues,fluids and potencies of the patient naturally seek thegreatest balance possible. There is an inherent tendencytowards this balance, which the practitioner either simplyneeds to follow, or perhaps gently support with his or herhands. Essentially, this a process of following orfacilitating tissues, fluids and potencies into states ofgreater and greater ease until the neutral is found.14
Phase two, the settling phase, is when a state of balancedtension is reached. A wholistic shift occurs as a dynamicequilibrium is found within the whole field of activity oftissues, fluids and potencies that have become organizedin relationship to the particular fulcrum that the body isready to address. It is marked by a temporary settling oftissue and fluid motion. This state is the essence of thetherapeutic process, as it creates the optimal conditionsfor inertial forces to be resolved. When tissue and fluidmotion restarts from this state of stillness, somethingchanges.
The third and last phase of treatment, reorganization, iswhen primary respiratory motion resumes within thetissues and fluids after a change has taken place. When
REFERENCES
1Michael Burghley,
‘The Heart of theHealer’, p.19. Pub:Aslan Publishing,1987.
2Dr A. T. Still,
‘Autobiography’,p.224. Pub: Dr A. T.Still, 1908, reprintedby AmericanAcademy OfOsteopathy, 1981.
3Franklyn Sills M.A.,
R.C.S.T.,‘CraniosacralBiodynamics’ - draftversion. Pub: NorthAtlantic Books, 2001.
4Dr H. Magoun,
‘Osteopathy In TheCranial Field’, p.99.Pub: SutherlandCranial TeachingFoundation, ThirdEdition, 1976.
5Dr H. Magoun,
‘Osteopathy In TheCranial Field’, p.100.
6Dr James Jealous,
‘The Biodynamics ofOsteopathy’, CDlecture series, 2000.
7Dr James Jealous
D.O., ‘Around TheEdges’, articlereprinted in ‘TheTide’, Spring 1996.Newsletter of theSutherland SocietyU.K.
8Franklyn Sills M.A.,
R.C.S.T.,‘CraniosacralBiodynamics’.
9Anecdote from
Colin PerrowR.C.S.T.
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 8
Features
States of Balance continued...
this happens there is a shift towards a better balance andsymmetry of motion around its automatic naturallyshifting fulcrums. The practitioner can then noticechanges that have taken place and assess any inertiaremaining.
Here’s a summary of the three-step healing process:Phase One - Seeking; tissues, fluids and potencies seek a
state of balanced tensionPhase Two - Settling; a state of balance is reached and
‘something happens’Phase Three - Reorganization; motion resumes and a
change takes place
INHERENT TREATMENT PLAN
As we noted, tissues, fluids and potencies have a naturaltendency to seek balance. The movement towardsintegration and health is an ever-present and powerfulforce. This tendency is the result of our intrinsicbiodynamic forces which always seek optimal health nomatter what the conditions. If we can identify how thebody naturally attempts to seek balance and resolve itsinertia, this process can simply be supported. However, weneed only follow the process being led by our patient’sown physiology, as their tissues, fluids and potencies movetowards a resolution. These natural priorities manifestwithin the patterns of primary respiratory motion, andare referred to as the inherent treatment plan.
It sometimes takes many minutes of ‘listening’ andpalpation with a wide perceptual field before the inherenttreatment plan is revealed. The inertial fulcrums thatsignificantly influence primary respiratory motion thenbecome displayed as major focal points at which there isa gathering of forces. This is because the organizingbiodynamic forces in the body start to work with inertialfulcrums in an order of priority. It sometimes seemsuncanny, but the natural wisdom in the body unfailinglyknows what it needs next to find optimal balance.Remember - this is not a theory, but something that wecan rely upon!
In this approach, the patient is looked at from the inside-out, rather than from the outside-in.15 As an outsiderlooking in, it's usually more difficult to know what needsto happen, but as an insider looking out, it's easier tofollow the natural priorities of treatment as they unfold.On following this principle, Dr Jealous states,
“We use our hands diagnostically, perceptually,and therapeutically - that’s how simple andprofound this is. We are not listening forsymptoms but for a pre-established priorityset in motion by the Health of the patient.”16
Following the inherent treatment plan is, actually, theeasiest possible way that a particular stress pattern canresolve, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the sites ofpain or current symptoms are the first places to beworked with.17 To give an illustration, let’s say thatsomeone comes for treatment of lower back pain. Thepractitioner may make contact at the lower back to ‘tunein’ to what is happening there, but as they widen theirfield of perception they may become aware of patterns inother areas of the body.
For example, there may be a gathering of inertial forces inthe diaphragm and a contraction of tissues in that area.After a state of balanced tension is facilitated in thispattern, some tissue activity may then start up in theneck. Placing attention there, fast tremors may start tomanifest, indicating that there is some held-in shockdissipating from the tissues, perhaps from an old injury.When that has ceased, the whole upper spine may be ableto reorganize and readjust. Finally, and perhaps only then,something may be ready to resolve at the lower back. Thepoint is that the practitioner could not have known inadvance the order in which these things needed to occur.The treatment plan was only revealed by following thepriorities and intelligence of the patient’s own primaryrespiratory system.18
Working with the inherent treatment plan is a greatsupport to the patient’s intrinsic and intelligent forces ofhealth. However, in order to do this, we may have to let goof our concepts and projections about what we thinkshould happen. Only then can this deeper intelligence beappreciated. The Breath of Life itself provides the designfor health. The superb intelligence of this design can befollowed by simply being open to the way in which theseforces within us wish to move. Dr Becker explains,
“We have ... to allow physiological functionwithin the patient to literally train us.We seek to learn:Where is the health in this patient?How do I get it to the surface?The body physiology is literally training us.”19
In conclusion, it can be very easy to get lost in the conceptor in ‘the doing’ of this work. It then becomes easy toforget that what we are actually talking about is a dynamicand living process that will naturally unfold in our hands.The key point is to experience the Breath of Life, not as atheory, but as a living presence whose intelligent prioritieswe can trust with the utmost of confidence. �
REFERENCES
10Carlos Castaneda,
‘The Teachings ofDon Juan’, p.182.Pub: Penguin Books,1976.
11Franklyn Sills
M.A., R.C.S.T.,‘CraniosacralBiodynamics’.
12Franklyn Sills
M.A., R.C.S.T.,‘Karuna InstituteProspectus’, 1999.
13Dr Rollin Becker
D.O., ‘DiagnosticTouch: Its PrinciplesAnd Application,Part 3’. Pub:Academy Of AppliedOsteopathy,Yearbook 1964.
14Dr James Jealous,
‘The Biodynamics ofOsteopathy’, CDlecture series, 2000.
15Franklyn Sills
M.A., R.C.S.T.,‘Lecture on theTides’, June 1998.Unpublished.
16Dr James Jealous
D.O., ‘Healing andthe Natural World’,interview by BonnieHarrigan in‘AlternativeTherapies’, Vol. 3 (1),p.68-76, January1997.
17Sills F., ‘Lecture on
the Tides’.
18Sills F.,
‘CraniosacralBiodynamics’.
19Dr Rollin Becker
D.O., ‘Life inMotion’, p.5. Pub:Rudra Press, 1997.
The third Conference of the CSTA/NA will be in Boulder,Colorado at the Millennium Hotel. The dates areSeptember 19-21, 2003. The Conference Committeewould like to relay to you information about theconference so you can begin to make plans and anticipatethe event. The goal of this conference is the exploration ofthe scientific and spiritual nature of BiodynamicCraniosacral Therapy, including practical skills toincorporate into your life and your individual practice.
We have reserved the Millennium's spacious Ballroom forthe programs. There is a large lawn that allows us to haveexercise programs outside. A stream runs along thewalkway behind the hotel, leading through nature andinto downtown Boulder.
A full schedule of events includes Ki Gung, Yoga andPolarity energy exercises before/during events to encouragemovement. Presentations include lectures, demos,interactive and hands-on work. Ki Gung will be presentedby Merril DeVito. Linda Skarrup is offering Yoga.
Mukara Meridith will present a "Cranial Cafe" Fridayevening, designed to foster openess, genuine relationship,and discovery of shared purpose and meaning.
On Saturday, the General Meeting of the Membership isscheduled for the morning. Lunch will include a lecture/interactive program by Michele Vandepas who tracksbusiness building skills tailored to holistic communities.
A question and answer forum with the presenters will befeatured at this conference. Upon registration you will beable to submit a question to the panel.
Iva Lloyd, who has just completed her Naturopathicstudies, and Amadea Morningstar who, like Iva, has pastexperience in helping with meal planning at similarConferences, have expressed interest in helping to makethe meals an educational and joyful experience withvegetarian and meat options. The registration brochurethat will be sent to the membership will have questionsrelating to food choices for you to fill out.
Taking advantage of having teachers, practitioners, andstudents under one roof, the Conference Committee willhave room space and bodywork tables available sostudents can exchange sessions. We are also looking athaving sign-up sheets so students can complete some oftheir 10 session requirement with an RCST.
Franklyn Sills is the Keynote speaker. He is the co-founderof the Karuna Institute in England, where he teaches
advanced courses. Franklyn, author of BiodynamicCraniosacral Therapy, is the main developer of theBiodynamic model that is offered in the Foundationcourses. His second volume on the Biodynamic approachis due out in the next few months.
OTHER DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS
Michael Boxhall is the author of the wonderful poem thatis shown at the beginning of the CSTA/NA website. Miketeaches advanced classes in Craniosacral Biodynamics inthe U.S. and England.
John Chitty teaches the Foundation course. John has alsoworked with a deep understanding of the PolyvagalTheory.
Mukara Merideth has been a student of Groups for manyyears. Her belief is that evolution is asking us to learn howto work with Groups as Living Systems. She teachesHakomi, a body-centered psychotherapy and is aTeaching Assistant for the Foundation course.
Sharon Porter teaches the Foundation course as well astrauma courses based on Somatic Experiencing. Sharonhas been a practitioner and teacher of Energy Medicinefor 30 years. Her passion is working with the body-mindconnection.
Michael Shea, PhD, is a teacher of the Foundationadvanced courses and studies and writes about a widevariety of subjects related to Craniosacral Biodynamics,including trauma, pediatrics and embryogenesis, thesubject of his conference lecture. He is the author ofSomatic Psychology. His second book will be publishedin the near future.
Maura Sills, co-founder of the Karuna Institute,developed Karuna's three-year professional Core ProcessPsychotherpy program. Her work enlivens and deepensthe biodynamic approach.
Dan Thomas comes to us from the SensorimotorPsychotherapy Institute (previously known as HakomiSomatic Institute) in Boulder. Dan has a private practice inBoulder where he specializes in working with anger, severetrauma and its relationship to chronic pain and illness.
Michele Vandepas is a consultant to businesses. Herinterest in diverse areas of health has widened herbusiness to include consulting for alternative healthorganizations and those in individual practice. She lives inthe Colorado Springs area.
continued
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 9
Features
reath of Life • Craniosacral Conference 2003By Dan Burgess, RCSTB
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 10
Features
Breath of Life continued...
The CSTA/NA reserves the right to change the presentersor schedule due to unforeseen circumstances.
DETAILS
Denver International airport is the closest airport to theMillennium Hotel. They recommend the Super Shuttle(1-303-227-0000); another option is the Boulder Express(1-303-457-4646). The trip from Denver airport toBoulder takes about 35 minutes and costs about $36round trip. Make sure you ask if the shuttle stops at theMillennium Hotel.
There will be an early sign-up discount for thoseregistering before July 10, 2003. Registration will includebreakfast and lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday, anddinner on Saturday. A limited number of discounts areavailable for volunteering to help at the conference andfor bringing body work tables. Contact us if interested.
A conference brochure that includes a registration formand finalized conference information is next on ouragenda. The brochure will be mailed to the membershipand to those requesting it. Please share the informationwith others who might be interested in our conferenceand contact us with information of groups that mightwant to receive brochures. The CSTA/NA website will beyour source for updated conference information.
MILLENNIUM HOTEL INFORMATION
Phone: 1-303-998-3820Email: [email protected]: 1-866-866-8086 (Mention CSTA/NA)Address: 1345 28th Street, Boulder, Colorado.
The room cost is $117/night. The Hotel will allow up to4 persons per room for a minimal additional charge. Wewill maintain a list of those who want to share roomshowever we won't be responsible for matching people up.Contact us if you are interested.
CSTA/NA CONTACT FOR ALL INQUIRIES
Dan Burgess, RCSTCSTA/NA Vice PresidentConference Committee Chair26 Limestone Ct., Pagosa Springs, Colorado 81147
Phone: 1-970-731-4553Fax: 1-970-731-4584Email: [email protected]
I want to thank the Committee members for their interestin shaping this conference: Nicole Boucher, Gwen Henzi,Mary Klinkell, Kathleen Morrow, Peggy Verville, LindaSkarrup, co-chair Mukara Meridith, and Beth Small. �
North American School of Craniosacral Therapy presents
Organ Dynamics The Thoracic, Abdominal
and Pelvic Cavities
5 Days, April 2nd – 6th, 2003
For more information, please call(413) 586-8105 or write to: North American School of
Craniosacral Therapy92 Main Street, Suite 201
Florence, MA 01062
The tuition for the seminar is $565 if adeposit of $250 is received before Jan.20th, 2003, or $645 if deposit isreceived after this date. The cost ofroom and board is $310. (This is a
residential postgraduate course open to all qualified
craniosacral therapists and cranial osteopaths.)
The course will be taught byMICHAEL KERN, D.O., R.C.S.T., M.I.Cr.A., N.D.
In this course, we will explore the motility andmobility of the body viscera.We will work towardreestablishing the original intention of cells andtissues via an appreciation of the Breath of Life
and its midline dynamics. All practical clinical approaches are derived from a
craniosacral biodynamic approach.
Michael is a craniosacral therapist, osteopathand naturopath. He is co-founder of the
Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust inEngland, and a senior tutor for the College of
Osteopaths, the International Cranial Associationand the University of Westminster. He alsoteaches craniosacral therapy courses in the
U.S.A., Switzerland and Italy. He is the author ofthe visionary book ‘Wisdom In The Body – The
Craniosacral Approach To Essential Health.’
Location: Earthdance, a beautiful retreat centerin the Berkshire Hills of western
Massachusetts.
I signed up for craniosacral class because I wantedanswers. Ten years I had struggled, consciously,intentionally, to solve my problems on my own, with nosuccess. And after only three short years of regularsessions cracked the biggest addiction of my life, I couldsee that this work is more effective, more sacred, andmore mysterious than anything I had ever known. Butwhy?
How could someone I don’t even know that well touchme so deeply? How could the demons that had ruledmy life suddenly dissolve when I was in her hands?What were those special places that I could not reachwithout her? What WAS this stuff? And how did itwork?
On my first day of class, I knew I was where I needed tobe. The instructors paced their words like someonewho is telling you something that will change the rest ofyour life. In the coming months, I sat with myclassmates in lectures. We practiced, working in pairs. Ifound the exercises difficult. I didn’t want to lookdeeply into the eyes of my classmate. My stomachclutched each time the instructors transitioned from alecture to a practice session. “Oh, god! Who will I workwith? What if I can’t feel anything? What if I can’t makeenough space for them? And!… And!…”
It got worse before it got better. Although we got topractice many times during each module, and despite athankfully ample supply of teaching assistants, it waslike trying to learn Zen from a book. What were wesupposed to DO? What were they talking about? Whatdoes that mean, “sink into your fluids”? My fluids?What fluids?
I felt I was being reintroduced to my own world by agroup of aliens. Telekinetic aliens. They were allthinking the same thing, saying the same thing. Therewas some big invisible thing they could all see, that theywere trying to show us. They all kept pointing in thesame direction, saying “Look. Right there. Fuzz youreyes a little. See it?”
No, I don’t see it. I looked to my fellow students.Thankfully, they did not see, either. At least, for a while.Then they started turning. One by one. It was straightout of “The Body Snatchers.”
Slowly, I was transformed. I started to feel some of thethings they had been pointing at. One day I did not see,and the next day I did. I had no idea how I got there. I
could not retrace my steps. And I could not rememberwhat it was like before. I was one of them. The “aliens”had introduced me to my body. They returned me tomy senses. They taught me how to listen, carefully,neutrally, and with patience.
I came to this class looking for answers. The answers Ihave found are as profound as the work itself: What isthis work? For me, this work is God in motion. We aremade of the very stuff of heaven and earth. Even ourproportions and arrangements, which make us who weare, are divine. Divisions are illusions.
How does it work? For me, it works partly byacceptance, and partly by example. When a practitioneris able to listen without judging, so is the client. Whenthe client can suspend self-judgment, an opportunityarises within them to understand themselves, forgivethemselves, and see their beauty. In their new internalenvironment - one where there is love and acceptance -any change that wants to happen can happen. Thepractitioner’s ability to see the client’s innate,inalienable, wholeness and perfection enables the clientto do the same.
As clients, we can finally see ourselves and ourrelationship to the larger world. We see that there arevery real reasons why we turned out this way, and thatwe are not evil. We finally can feel compassion forourselves. We can see the beauty in our weaknesses, thehumanity in our choices, the rightness of the outcomes,and the perfection of our journey. Our mistakes are nolonger mistakes but reflections of who we are (or were),and our life is no longer a “struggle,” but ourpersonalized, customized, path of evolution.
When I started this class I sought to be a healer, to patchdefects and bring relief to my clients. When I finish, Iwill seek to find the beauty and perfection in mycircumstances, to feel the pain and the joy of mygrowth, to be present for as much of this short journeyas I can, and to share that perspective with others whohave not yet become - aliens. �
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 11
Features
ooking For AnswersBy Susan BealeL
Your Articles and Letters are Welcome!Submit to “Cranial Wave”
c/o June Crinnion1110 Birchmount Road, Unit 21
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M1K 1S7or email [email protected]
Since the origin of the CSTA/NA the idea of bringingtogether like-minded cranial practitioners has been inthe fore front of the Association's design. The depth ofthis responsibility and the richness of this concept hasbeen demonstrated in many ways beginning with ourfirst conference to the continuous update of our website. It has always been important to this Association tokeep the communication between and the education ofits members at the highest level. After four years ofbuilding this container of cranial consciousness, theBoard of Directors have decided to offer a SupervisionProgram which will use mentors to oversee thepractitioners.
This mentoring initiative has been created to provideadditional resources for Cranial practitioniers. Thementors are available to our community to provideinformation, support and guidance throughsupervision to those of us who would like to makeinquiries about different processes that we haveencountered. Each mentor has indicated his or herareas of knowledge and experience as well as his or herwillingness to be available for consultation. The cost ofthis service will be determined by the individualmentors and the responsibilities of the relationship willbe between the individual practitioner and mentor.The project will be implemented in the near future witha listing of each mentor with their specific informationon our web site.
The mentoring experience allows us to deepen into ourown individual process as well to receive an accuratereflection of the client-practitioner dynamics.Mentoring invites us to further explore the basicsensing skills, widen our perception and safely exploreour own edges and those of the client's system.Ultimately, this process enables us to dance moreclearly with the nuances of health. Furthermore, it isessential that each of us become more aware of our own"layers of experience" as we step into relationship withthe matrix of the client's system. This is a fundamentaland invaluable part of mentoring.
Our Board of Directors working and representing allthe members at large continue to hold an awareness forinviting a richness of sharing and learning from eachother. This new project is just another way ofacknowledging how important each practitioner is tomaintaining a strong thread of connectedness. �
Education Committee
SupervisionProgram A supervision period will begin followinggraduation and continue for two years. Anyonewho started a training prior to January 1, 2002 isexempt from the requirement. However, theCSTA/NA encourages anyone exempt from therequirement, to take advantage of supervisionafter graduating on a voluntary basis.
During the established two year period, aminimum of 6 supervised sessions are required.This is the basic requirement. If, however, anRCST has a large practice, more supervisedsessions are suggested to help support thepractice. These sessions can be conducted in anycombination of email, by phone or in person.Questions for the mentor are to be submitted byemail or in writing prior to the meeting for theconvenience of the mentor and to save time.
A list of mentors will be available to studentsupon graduation. More than one mentor may beused to fulfill the requirement. The cost will bebetween the practitioner and the mentor. Thementor will sign off on a form for the student touse for documentation of the requirement.
Any RCST may apply to the EducationCommittee to serve as a mentor.
The Education Committee is responsible forestablishing guidelines and support for mentorsas a group.
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 12
Education
ormulation of the Supervision/Mentor ProgramJanet deHoll, RCST • Tera Judell, RCST F
Your comments and questions are welcomed and can bedirected to Janet deHoll at [email protected] or to TeraJudell at [email protected]
FALL 2002MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
We are pleased to let you know that the membershiprenewal as at June 1, 2002 went very well and ourmembership has grown to over 200 members.
Our President, Beth Small wrote a letter to all students intraining setting out the mission, goals and projects ofCSTA/NA. New memberships are coming in steadilyfrom this effort. CSTA/NA would like to say THANKYOU to all members for your ongoing support.
Betty Wood, RCSTMembership Chair
The financial year of CSTA/NA runs from June 1 toMay 31 in each year. Each year members receive amembership renewal notice. The full fee for the year ispayable whenever the member joins. The Board ofDirectors has decided that new members joining afterFebruary 1st in each year will pay half the stated duesfor that year.
Membership Categories:
1. Graduate: A graduate member shall have completedthe required training in Biodynamic CraniosacralTherapy, as currently defined by the Board, and shallhave provided proof of graduation to theMembership Chair. A Graduate member shall beentitled to one (1) vote on any election or other matterrequiring a membership vote.
2. Student: A student member shall be enrolled in anapproved training course with an approved teacher, ascurrently defined by the Board, and shall haveprovided proof of such enrolment to the MembershipChair. A Student member shall be entitled to one (1)vote on any election or other matter requiring amembership vote.
3. Associate: An associate member shall be any personwith an interest in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy,professional or otherwise, a student or graduate of anyform of Cranial Sacral Therapy, or a member of thegeneral public. An Associate member shall not beentitled to a vote.
4. Corporate/Business: A Corporate/Business membershall be any company, association or business, duly
registered within it's jurisdiction, that wishes tosupport the Craniosacral Therapy Association ofNorth America. A Corporate/ Business member shallnot be entitled to a vote.
RCST:
1. The one-time $60.00 RCST fee is IN ADDITION tothe membership fee. In order to receive RCST status,one must be a paid-up member in good standing. Asmembership is renewed in each year, the RCSTmember receives a sticker to affix to their certificateindicating their status for the current yearly period.
2. An application for RCST status MUST beaccompanied by a copy of the graduation certificate,or if one is not available, a signed note from the schoolor one of the attending teachers.
3. Only practitioners with RCST status are listed on theweb site.
4. All Teaching Assistants and Teachers in Training arerequired to hold current RCST status.
INQUIRIES
REMEMBER TO ADVISE US OF E-MAILAND ADDRESS CHANGESWhen our records are not current, members lose many ofthe benefits of CSTA/NA membership.
Contact Membership ChairBetty Wood, R.C.S.T.710 Mountview Place, Newmarket, ON L3Y 3P7email: [email protected]
CSTA/NA Member Dues Payable to CSTA/NA
Graduate $65.00 US / $78.00 Cdn
Student $50.00 US / $60.00 Cdn
AssociatE $35.00 US / $42.00 Cdn
Corporate $125.00 US / $150.00 Cdn /Business
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 13
Membership
embership • CSTA/NAM
PLEASE REMEMBER • Completion of the 700 hourtraining with an approved teacher or school does notautomatically grant RCST status.
RCST is, at this point in the history of our Association, anhonourary designation. CSTA/NA grants thisdesignation and issues an appropriate certificate uponreceiving the application for RCST status, a copy of thegraduation certificate and a one-time fee of $60.00. Thisapplication and one-time fee are IN ADDITION to theapplication for membership and the membership fee. Agraduate must be a member in good standing of theAssociation to receive RCST status. Each year asmembership is renewed the RCST member receives adated sticker to affix to their certificate.
Following is the step by step process to obtain RCSTstatus:
1. Join CSTA/NA as a student in training - you then havethe support of this organization behind you and reapthe benefits of membership.
2. Keep your membership in good standing.
3. Complete your 700 hour training and receive theappropriate certificate from your teacher/schoolverifying that you have done so.
4. Upon receipt of your teacher/school graduationcertificate, make application for RCST status. Theapplication forms are available by contacting BettyWood at 905-836-0669 or [email protected]. Theform can also be downloaded from our web sitewww.craniosacraltherapy.org
5. If you are already a graduate and wish RCST status,check that your membership is in good standing andcomplete the RCST application form.
Remember, it is mandatory that you have RCST statusbefore you can be listed on the web site under PractitionerReferral. It is also mandatory that all Teaching Assistantsand Teachers Trainees have RCST status. �
ertification Process • RCST ReminderBy Betty Wood, RCST, RCST ChairC
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 14
Membership
RESIGNATION
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is with deep regret that I must resign from theCSTA/NA Board of Directors. My life has taken achange of direction, and I have taken on newresponsibilities in the field of Hospice work, which willconsume much more of my time. On the positive side,for me, I am finally following my heart and my passion,and doing the work that I am meant to do.Unfortunately, it leaves little time for other pursuits.
I continue to cherish the wonderful work we all do astherapists, teachers and healers, and will continue towork to create a field where biodynamic craniosacraltherapy can flourish for the benefit of all. I wish you allthe best as you meet the challenges and experience thejoys of working in such a dynamic and healing field.
Warmest regards,Kathleen Mulica
ettersL
Keynote Speaker Franklyn Sills
Experience the subtle healing powerof the “Breath of Life” with a unique
approach to Craniosacral Therapy
Introductory to Advanced
september 19th-21st, 2003boulder, colorado
for more information 1-970-731-4553www.craniosacraltherapy.org
Breath of LifeCraniosacralconference 2003
Cranial Wave • Autumn / Winter 2002 15
Letters
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Please forward advertising as follows: By hard copyas a high quality laser print; or by digital fileemailed or sent on high density floppy disks, Zipdisks or CD-ROM saved in the following formatsonly: Quark (including all fonts and images);Photoshop (tiff or eps); Adobe Illustrator (eps withtext to outlines). If design, layout, revisions or scansare required, an additional charge will apply. Thisrate will be determined on an individual basis.Please be sure to label all submissions with yourname, address, phone number and issue date andforward to:
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NowAdvertise
in
PULL-OUT
A Survey Continuing Education Credits By Sue Adams, RCST
Like to get CEU’s for the courses you take? We need your input!
Dear fellow CSTA/NA members,
My name is Sue Adams, and I head up theCSTA/NA Education Committee’ssubcommittee on Continuing Education. I wantto take this opportunity to bring you up to dateon what we have been doing regarding the issueof providing continuing education credits forBiodynamic Craniosacral Therapy courses. Atthis time, we are focusing on the feasibility ofpositioning CSTA/NA to be able to offercontinuing education credits for some or all ofthe CSTA/NA-approved courses.
We contacted CSTA/NA-approved Biodynamicmodel teachers in this country and asked if theyare currently offering continuing education unitsfor their trainings and, if so, for whichorganizations they approve. Three fourths ofthose surveyed responded. Of six, three offerstate-specific CEU’s for massage therapists,acupuncture physicians or chiropractors; oneoffers NCBTMB** Category A CEU’s formassage therapists; one allows therapists tosubmit for NCBTMB Category B CEU’s. Forthose that offer CEU’s for their courses, there is awide variance in how many hours of credit areoffered, which organizations accept them, andwhich courses they are offered for. Most teachersexpressed interest in the awarding of CEU hoursto therapists who take our courses. Many wereeither unsure how to go about this, or have “beenthere and done that” and don’t want to go thereagain - at least not by themselves.
Before we go much further in our progressiontoward offering (or not offering) CEU’s forBiodynamic Craniosacral Therapy continuingeducation hours, we need your help! I have set upa special email address to receive your input oryou can mail or fax them to me. Please provideus with the information we need (it will be usedonly on a composite basis to determine yourinterests as a group and will not be shared withany other organization or used for any otherpurpose without your permission) by filling outthis survey and returning it. �
**NCBTMB is the National Certification Board forTherapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and is anational credentialing body for massage therapists.It requires 50 CEU’s every four years; of these fifty, 25must be category A (providers must be pre-approved, and courses directly related to hands-onbodywork) and 25 can be either A or B (either notapproved or only indirectly related to hands-onbodywork).
Your name _____________________________________ Title(s) ______________
Your Profession(s) _____________________________________________________
If we have a question, how would you prefer to be contacted? Phone Email
Phone _________________ Email address _________________________________
Please list the organizations and/or credentialing bodies to which you are required tosubmit proof of continuing education credits?
Organization How Many CEU’s / How Often?(professional organization or (annually, biennially, every four yrs, etc)licensing body, ie, state board)
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How important are ceu’s to you in deciding if you take a course or not:
Essential (wouldn’t take a course without ‘em!)Very Important (really want them but would consider taking it anyway if it was acraniosacral class)Somewhat Important (would be nice and I will choose the class with CEU’s overone without if they offered essentially the same information)Not Important (I don’t care about CEU’s for craniosacral at all)
Do you think it would be a good idea if the Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy coursesthat are sponsored by CSTA/NA offered CEU’s through the CSTA/NA as a providerorganization? Yes No Don’t know
Any other comments, ideas or questions? We’re especially interested in things you thinkwe should consider, but you can see that we haven’t thought of!
(Please use the back of this sheet to continue your comments)
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Also, if you are a teacher of ANY courses that offer CEU’s and would be willing to help usout with the particular requirements for your state or organization, please let us know!
Please Forward your reply by mail, email or fax toASA Pain Relief Therapies, Inc.
824 U.S. Hwy One #240, North Palm Beach, FL 33408Attn: cstana ceus survey
Email Cstana [email protected] (561) 691-1447
Thank you so much for your time in filling out this survey. It will help us to serve youbetter. We will continue to keep you posted on our progress and the results.
