Animal Massage Guide » equine

Equine Craniosacral

cattie — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:23:32 +0000

Today’s post is about craniosacral work, a therapy that I have been curious about for a long time now, and just recently tried for myself. I grind my teeth in my sleep (pretty badly, I have cracked several) and wanted to see if craniosacral therapy could help. At the time I’m writing this, I have been for 8 treatments, and I am definitely grinding less. Another benefit which I hadn’t anticipated is that each treatment really grounds me, I feel incredibly calm afterwards, and my general mood is “up” for days. I notice the smallest things to be happy about, things I normally would rush by in my way to work or wherever. I’m hooked…

What Is CranioSacral Work?

In craniosacral therapy, the practitioner works with the craniosacral system, which includes the cranium, spinal column, sacrum, central nervous system and the cerebral spinal fluid. The CSF circulates in this area the way blood circulates through the body. It brings nutrients to the brain, provides it and the central nervous system with cushioning, and removes toxins. When there are blockages or tension, this circulation slows down and problems arise. The practitioner uses a very light touch (about the weight of a dime) in specific areas to release the restriction, which helps the CSF to flow at a normal rate and allows the entire craniosacral system to regulate itself, thereby promoting healing in all areas of the body, both physical and emotional.

The pre-cursor to CranioSacral therapy – Cranial Osteopahty – was discovered by Dr. William Sutherland in the late 1800s. As he was looking at a skull one day, he suddenly realized that the bones in the skull were designed to move, contrary to most of the Western teachings at the time, which claimed that the skull bones in adults were fused and immovable. After conducting a series of tests on himself, he was sure that he was right – the bones were indeed moving, and restricting them caused all kinds of problems. He also discovered what he called the “Breath of Life” – the rhythmic “pulsation” of the cerebrospinal fluid and the central nervous system. He set out to develop therapeutic methods to help release blockages and restrictions in the Breath of Life, and in the 30s, he started teaching them to other osteopaths.

Many traditionally trained osteopaths did not look kindly upon this new approach, but Dr. Sutherland nevertheless began to gain many followers, and in the 40s, he started teaching “Osteopathy in the Cranial Field”, a post-grad course at the American School of Osteopathy

In the 1970s and early 80s, another osteopathic physician, Dr. John Upledger, then a Professor of Biomechanics and clinical researcher at Michigan State University, did extensive research on cranial osteopathy, and he also discovered what he calls “energy cysts” – the energy from an old accident or injury stuck in the cells and still causing problems many years later, even after the physical damage has healed. He found that craniosacral work could help release this stuck energy, and the person could finally completely heal from the old injury. Dr. Upledger developed his own treatment method and named it “Craniosacral therapy”. He began teaching it even to laypersons and in 1985, he opened the Upledger Institute, which is both a clinic and an educational facility. Today, they teach hundreds of workshops all over the world, both to medical professionals and laypeople.

Equine CranioSacral
Craniosacral work on animals is done the same way it is on people. The practitioner feels for imbalances and interruptions in the craniosacral rhythm all over the animal’s body, and treats it with a light touch on specific bone patterns.

Meet Shea Stewart

Shea Stewart is the owner and founder of Stewart Ranch in Ft. Worth, TX where she offers equine craniosacral therapy, riding and horsemanship clinics with a holistic approach. Shea works with many leading bodywork practitioners, veterinarians, nutritionists, saddle fitters, chiropractors, etc. and has found that CranioSacral therapy makes lasting improvements in horses.

She also works with horse professionals such as eventing and dressage trainers, and help horse owners find a deeper connection with their horse by seeing things from the horse’s perspective. Her work has not gone unnoticed – she has been featured in many magazines. Shea also travels to California on a regular basis, offering lessons, clinics and craniosacral appointments. She can be reached at 831.234.8321 or via email: stewartranch@sbcglobal.net.

Shea has trained in a wide variety of holistic therapies and I asked her how she became interested in craniosacral work. Shea answered:

“Over 20 years ago I was complaining to my sister about having head aches and neck pain. She suggested that I go see a woman in Oakland, CA who did craniosacral work on humans. I had never heard of it, but thought I would give it a try. I was absolutely amazed at how much it helped me yet it seemed so gentle. It was the only thing that got rid of my head aches. Everywhere I lived, I would search for a craniosacral practitioner which was hard to find.

Years later, after I had been a professional horse trainer and always searching for body work modalities, I met Maureen Rogers. Most of my training horses came to me because they had severe behavioral issues. When I met Maureen, I had a barn full of very difficult horses. I wanted to take ECS1 so I could treat horses who came in to training. When I saw the profound changes that was taking place, I was hooked! I successfully treated horses who were spooky, one that cribbed, who were hard to catch, bucking, bolting. All of these issues were melting away and this was just after I learned level 1. I was fascinated with this so I took her other courses and now this is all I do.”

More Q& A:

Q: Did Maureen Rogers “invent” equine craniosacral work?

A: Roots of craniosacral therapy derive from osteopathy and predates to ayurvedic medicine. I believe there are other schools for equine studies, it but in my opinion, Maureen’s is the most extensive. She offers head and neck dissection workshops which I believe is crucial when doing this kind of work. She also teaches detailed anatomy in her courses.

Q: Can you describe an equine craniosacral treatment from beginning to end (i.e. how you decide where to work, what you feel for, how you know when to stop, etc.)?

A: Each session begins with a thorough assessment of the horse. I watch how they move when they walk, turn, back up, their postural pattern when they stop, how they chew their food or graze, how they breathe, what their patterns are. I palpate muscles beginning on their head, I observe how they use their ears, eyes, how they swish their tails, how they bend their joints when they move. I also observe the bones in their cranium and look for trauma as most of these go unnoticed yet it can be the root of the horse’s issues. Finding dents and asymmetry in the cranium is very common. They tell us a lot just during an assessment, if we know how to observe. I also teach the owners what I am looking for, what is healthy, and what their horses are showing.

I then begin treatment which is a light touch on a specific bone or muscle I feel for balance, softness, and movement to be restored. Most horses have a pattern of being heavy on their fore due to compensation patterns, so I usually begin treatment by giving them their hind end back so they can begin to reorganize and distribute their weight evenly. After each hold, I step back and give the horse a moment to process. During that time I observe and see what hold I may need to do next. Every horse is different. Each hold is on a specific bone or muscle. Time spent on each hold is not calculated in minutes. Some holds I will be there for less than a minute, some take 10 minutes. It just depends. Also there are numerous holds to do, so every session is different. The horse directs me to which hold to do and when.

Once the treatment is over, we then assess the horse for changes. I take before and after pictures and send a report to the owners so they can learn to see the reorganization that happens. Each appointment takes about 90 minutes. It is highly effective without having to manipulate boney structures.

Q: “Everybody” says that they partly (or fully) decide on where to work by instinct, or by listening to the body – is that something you can learn?

A: I think it depends on the individual. It is all about listening and focusing. Everyone can learn how to listen and focus, but for some it comes more natural than others. With this kind of work it is important to quiet your mind and focus on the client. Some people are very busy-minded, and some people are very quiet-minded. So for those who are more busy in their own heads, they may have to work harder on learning how to listen to their intuition and to their client. When I am working on a horse, the ONLY thing I am thinking about is that horse during that moment. I understand how the bones and muscles articulate together based on my training, and I understand horses. So I observe what the horse is doing and decide on what to work on next based on that. It is mostly what I see in front of me. But I know how to see without anthropomorphizing, and I know how to listen without making assumptions. I just observe what the horse is doing then I decide on which hold to do next. How long to stay in a hold is where a deeper sense of listening comes in.

Q: I read that any injury anywhere in the body, old or new, can be helped with craniosacral work, is that true?

A: Yes, craniosacral addresses the central nervous system and the limbic system of the brain which loads the trauma. Craniosacral decompresses the pattern to alleviate the trauma that is held in the limbic brain. This is why it is a modality that stays with the horse. It isn’t about muscle memory with craniosacral. It goes deeper than that.

Q: Which conditions do you see most often, and which have you had most success with?

A: The common denominator with every domestic horse is the pressure that is put on their craniums. Whether it be head gear or dental procedures, we are always putting pressure on their heads. This constant pressure can influence the body and then they develop compensation patterns, headaches, tmj conditions, mechanical imbalances, facial nerve issues, lameness, airway problems, head shaking, cribbing, low back and sacral issues just to name a few. With most horse owners, these conditions are initially recognized with gait issues such as canter lead problems, postural imbalances, or lameness or behavioral issues. However in some horses the issues are not recognized until they are in crisis mode and begin to head shake or crib. Craniosacral is the only body work that addressees the bones in the skull which addresses the root of the majority of problems we see in horses.

The most common issues I see are posture imbalances that the horse industry describes as conformational flaws. These all may lead to lameness problems, and then the horse industry treats the specific joint. Craniosacral restores balance in their posture so they can use their bodies how they are meant. And it helps alleviate head aches, tmj dysfunction, rib cage compression, sore backs, sore hocks. All of which will turn into behavior issues. The horse always tells us what is wrong, it is up to us to learn how to listen to them and not assume they are being naughty or belligerent. Usually they are simply trying to express an issue.

Shea is kindly sharing several very illustrative before and after pictures, as well as a case study and testimonial with us (to see the pictures larger, just click on them):

Case Studies and Testimonials

Precious is a Tennessee Walking mare who had huge difficulty in haltering and bridling as she was extremely head shy and violently threw her head if she thought her pole was going to be touched. This issue was very dangerous as she had hit people in the face with her violent head tossing. It had been addressed for years in her training. Her owner worked on her, different clinicians andtrainers worked on her.

Here is her picture before her craniosacral treatment. She is heavy on her fore hand, her back isflat and tight, the base of her neck is dropped, her pelvis is rotated and she is standing out behind. She had a very dull expression in her eyes and never really looked around. Her masseters were very tight, and her temporalis muscles were tight and atrophied.

The 2nd picture is after her treatment.

You can see how much more soft and round her rump is, she is putting weight on her hind legs so she is no longer leaning so strong over her fore hand. Thebase of her neck is up and her top line is up. Her neck is soft and full, and her expression is much softer. She engages with people now andlooks around at her surroundings. She is much easier to halter, and her head shy issues are almost gone. Her farrier reports that she is much easier to trim and doesn’t try to pull her legs away since she can balance better. She is easy to catch now, and much easier to halter. She seems more confident in her herd as well.

Other examples:

“Disco”
First of all, notice how high his croup is compared to his withers in the before picture. He looks like he is standing downhill. Then look at his after shots and how much lower his croup is compared to his withers. I drew a line across his back so you can see how significant that is. Also the angle of his pelvis is softer, he isn’t leaning so strong over his forehand, and his front legs are coming more under his shoulders instead of behind. His neck is also not so dropped down, you can see that if you look at the underline of his neck.

Disco before

Disco After

“Easy”
Easy before treatment is croup high, over weighting his forehand, pelvis rotated, tight in his withers, and tight in his ribs.

Easy before

After treatment his croup relaxed quite a bit, pelvis is more neutral, better balance front to back. Hind end more comfortable so he doesn’t have to over weight his fore. Neck fuller and withers softer. Back is not as dropped, and hind leg joints have more flex.

Easy after

Testimonial from the owner of a warmblood mare:

“She is definitely changing… looks better than I can ever remember her looking. As a matter of fact, she used to look like a cart horse or something, and now she is starting to look like the potential Dressage horse I thought I getting when she was two! She is using herself better and is much happier in the work. I know there is more to do, but, the change is amazing, and I don’t know what came first, but, I am ENJOYING her so I WANT TO RIDE almost every day. It used to be excruciating really. No fun at ALL – for her OR me. I have a lot going on in my life right now, but, I keep coming back to the fact that I’m enjoying my horse and I have TIME to ride her, so LIFE IS GOOD!! And, Mags is a different horse. If you were to show me him in my arena right after you came, I’d ask who the new horse was. I’m not kidding. He’s moving better, happier… I’m AMAZED.

I’m telling people that not only are you a CS bodyworker, but, you are a HEALER. Because we’ve had similar work done in the past with pretty much no results that took. You are SO doing what you are supposed to be doing. I for one am thrilled.”

Before After

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Holistic Animal Healing Events And Workshops – October & November 2010

cattie — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:08:34 +0000

Summer is behind us and the days are quickly getting shorter. Here in the Northeast, the air has already taken on a fall-like feel and more and more leaves are gathering on the sidewalks. I love fall, but it’s always hard to say goodbye to summer, especially one that was as spectacular as this one.

October is Adopt-A-Dog month and also Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month
October 4 is World Animal Day
October 16 is National Feral Cat Day
October 29 is National Cat Day

November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month and Pet Diabetes Month
November 7-13 is National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week
November 29 – December 5 is Puppy Mill Action Week

As usual, if you know of an event that belongs on this list, please contact me and I will add it.

CALIFORNIA

October 16: TTouch for Rabbits, Carlsbad, CA
Learn the basics of TTouch and techniques especially for use on house rabbits at this one-day workshop. Instructor: Lauren McCall of The Integrated Animal

October 16: Beginning/Intermediate Animal Communication, Sacramento, CA
Half-day (morning) workshop where you will learn the basics of animal communication. Held at the Learning Exchange. Instructor: Marta Williams

October 16-17: Basic Camelidynamics Workshop, Los Olivos, CA
Learn the basics of camelidynamics (a bodywork technique for camelids based on TTEAM/TTouch) at this 2-day workshop at West Ranch. Instructor: Marty McGee Bennett

October 17: Introduction to Animal Communication, Cardiff by the Sea, CA
1-day workshop where you will learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Lauren McCall of The Integrated Animal

October 23-24: Reiki Level I & II, Lompoc, CA
Learn the basics for Reiki at this 3-day workshop at Return to Freedom, American Wild Horse Sanctuary. Instructor: Cindy Rackley

October 29-31: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, San Diego, CA
Learn the basics of HTA (healing touch for animals) at this 2 1/2-day hands-on workshop with dogs and horses. Instructor: Kim Thornton

November 1-9: Equine Body Worker Certification Course, Murrieta, CA
9-day Equinology (a mix of equine sports massage, soft tissue release, stretching, and point therapy) certification course at Winterbrook Ranch. Taught by Equinology

November 2-9: Canine Body Worker Certification Course, Petaluma, CA
8-day canine massage certification course held at Dairydell Canine. Taught by Equinology

November 6: Beginning Animal Communication, Novato, CA
Half-day workshop at the Marin Humane Society where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Marta Williams

November 6-7: Animal Communication Workshop, Agoura, CA
2-day introductory workshop where you will learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Carol Gurney

November 12-16: Equine Myofascial Release Level I, Murrieta, CA
5-day hands-on equine myofascial release course, both for beginners and professional equine bodywork practitioners. Held at Winterbrook Ranch. Instructor: Ruth Mitchell-Golladay of the Equine Therapeutic Center

November 13: Demo of the Tellington TTouch Method for horses, Valley Ford CA
One day event for the public as well as pracitioners in the TTouch program. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones

November 13: Homeopathy for Pets, Los Angeles, CA
An introduction to homeopathy for pets with Leta Ainsworth at My Pet Naturally

November 14-19: Tellington TTouch for Horses, Valley Ford CA
Six-day equine TTouch workshop at Skyhorse Ranch. Instructor: Linda Tellington-Jones

COLORADO

October 11 & 25, November 16: Intro to Working with Animals and Essential Oils, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
Learn the basic principles of essential oils and how to use them on animals. Also includes an introduction to applied kinesiology. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

October 16-17: Animal Communication Weekend, Castle Rock, CO
2-day workshop at Rocky Mountain School of Acupressure and Massage where you learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Anna Twinney.

October 21: Creating a Ceremony for Animals, Kaeru Studio, Littleton, CO
Learn how to use essential oils and plants as a blessing and healing practice for your animals. Instructor: Frances Cleveland

November 12-14: Healing Touch for Animals Level 1, Denver, CO
Hands-on workshop where you will learn the basics of HTA (healing touch for animals) with dogs and horses. Instructor: Carol Komitor

DELAWARE

November 6-7: Equine Myofascial Release 1, Clayton, DE
Learn the basics of equine myofascial release at this 2-day hands-on seminar at the Whispering Meadows Equestrian Center. Taught by Motion For Life

FLORIDA

October 7: Animal Communication Wildlife Series – Trusting Your Information, Apopka, FL
Learn to communicate with wildlife and learn to trust yourself and the information you receive from the animals. Instructors: Jo Maldonado of Centers For Animal Therapies and Christin Burford of the CARE Foundation

GEORGIA

October 8-10: Equine Touch Level 1 & 2, Douglasville, GA
3-day workshop where you learn the basics of Equine Touch. Instructor: Raian Kaiser

ILLINOIS

October 16: Level 1 Animal Reiki, Algonquin, IL
Learn the basics of Reiki for use on both humans and animals in this one-day class. Instructors: Mary Butler and Linda Epstein

October 25-31: Wellness/Canine Massage Provider Course, Melrose Park, IL
Seven-day (50-hour) course where you learn the basics of animal behavior, canine anatomy and a variety of energy and massage modalities. Instructor: Canine Massage Chicago

November 18: Canine Massage Information and Demo, Melrose Park, IL NEW
2-hour free canine massage information and demo session. Presenter: Denise Theobald of Canine Massage Chicago

November 20: Level 1 Animal Communication, Barrington, IL
One-day class where you learn the basics of communicating with animals. Instructor: Carol Schultz

KANSAS

November 13-14: Jin Shin Jyutsu for You and Your Your Canine Companion, Kansas City, KS
2-day introductory workshop where you will learn how to perform Jin Shin Jyutsu on yourself and your pets. Instructor: Adele Leas

MASSACHUSETTS

October 3: TTouch Companion Animal Workshop, Worcester, MA
A one-day introduction to TTouch for dogs, cats and other companion animals at Bancroft School of Massage. You will learn the basic TTouch bodywork, tools and movement exercises. Instructor: Leea Foran

MINNESOTA

October 8-13: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Lake Elmo, MN
Introductory 6-day workshop both for those interested in TTouch as a career, and those who just want to learn for their own personal knowledge. Instructor: Debby Potts

October 29-31: TTEAM (Equine) Clinic, St. Paul, MN
3-day workshop where you will learn the basics of TTEAM. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton

NEVADA

October 23-24: Introduction to Animal Communication, Henderson, NV
2-day course where you will learn the basics of animal communication. Instructor: Nancy Windheart

NEW JERSEY

October 15-20: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Dayton, NJ
6-day introductory TTouch training both for those in the practitioner program and those who want to learn the techniques for use on their own pets. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton

NEW MEXICO

October 2: Jin Shin Jyutsu for You and Your Senior Dog, Santa Fe, NM
½ day introductory workshop at Kindered Spirits Animal Sanctuary where you will learn the basics of Jin Shin Jyutsu. Instructor: Adele Leas

NEW YORK

October 9-10 Tellington TTouch for Companion Animals, Dansville, NY
2-day TTouch workshop. Instructors: Wendy Fast and Frances Smith

NORTH CAROLINA

October 2-3: Camelidynamics Workshop, Asheville, NC
Learn camelidynamics (TTEAM/TTouch-based bodywork for camelids) at this 2-day workshop. Instructor: Marty McGee Bennett

OHIO

October 5-7: Feline Massage, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
3-day workshop where you will learn feline anatomy, physiology of muscles, personality traits, body language, and adaptations of massage techniques. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy

October 21: Animal Communication Intro Evening, Pataskala, OH
Learn about animal communiction with instructor Anna Twinney

October 27-30: Canine Massage Level 1, Synergy Farm, Circleville, OH
4-day introductory canine massage workshop where you will learn canine muscle anatomy, several different massage techniques, and general canine wellness. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy

October 29-31: Introduction to Equine Acupressure – Nelsonville, OH
Learn to perform a complete acupressure treatment protocol and achieve an understanding of the concepts and theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Taught by Tallgrass Animal Acupressure

OREGON

November 1-5: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Portland, OR
6-day introductory TTouch training (also part of the practitioner program). Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton

PENNSYLVANIA

November 5-8: Canine Massage Level 1, Bloomsburg, PA
Learn canine muscle anatomy, different massage techniques, and general canine wellness at this introductory massage workshop held at Wagging Tail Doggie Day Care. Taught by Integrated Touch Therapy

SOUTH CAROLINA

October 2: Equine Massage 101, Camden, SC
One-day seminar where you learn the basic principles of Equine Massage/Muscle Therapy. Instructor: Joyce Falese

TEXAS

October 10: Flower Essences Workshop, Houston, TX
Half-day (morning) workshop where you learn the basics of flower essences, how to use them on animals, and how to make a custom flower essence blend. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way

October 10: Animal Aromatherapy Workshop, Houston, TX
Half-day (afternoon) workshop where you learn the basics of essential oils, how to use them on animals, and how to make a custom essential oil blend. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way

October 17: Emotional Freedom Technique Workshop, Houston, TX
Learn how to use EFT on animals, people, and through a surrogate. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way

November 13: Basic Animal Communication Workshop, Houston, TX
Learn the basics of animal communication at this one-day workshop held at the Earth Sanctuary in Houston. Instructor: Allison Culver of The Lightfoot Way

November 21: Nutrition and Kinesiology Workshop, Houston, TX
Learn about nutrition and the basics of using kinesiology in order to determine proper nutrition, appropriate topical products and to discover if your pet is suffering from allergies. Instructor: Kim Shotola of The Lightfoot Way

UTAH

October 2-3: Equine Myofascial Release 1, Salt Lake City, UT
2-day hands-on seminar at The Stable Place where you learn the basics of equine myofascial release. Taught by Motion For Life

October 4-9: TTouch for Dogs, Cats and Other Companion Animals, Kanab, UT
Introductory TTouch training (also part of the practitioner program) at Best Friends Animal Society. Instructor: Edie Jane Eaton

WASHINGTON

October 2-3: TTouch for Competition Dogs, Auburn, WA
2-day workshop where you will learn TTouch techniques especially beneficial to competition dogs. Instructors: Debby Potts and Lauren McCall of The Integrated Animal

CANADA

ALBERTA
November 6-11: TTouch for Companion Animals, Calgary, AB
6-day companion animal workshop both for pracitioners in the TTouch program, and for those who want to learn the basics for use on their own pets. Instructor: Kathy Cascade

ONTARIO
October 23 & 24 + November 13 & 14: Equi-Bow Level 1, Puslinch, ON
Learn the basics of Equi-Bow (a technique for horses based on CranioSacral, Feldenkrais and bowen) at this 4-day (total) horse owners’ course at Cedar Lane Farm. Instructors: Cheryl Gibson and Simone Usselman-Tod of Equi-Bow Canada

QUEBEC
October 16 and 16-17: TTouch Workshops, Rupert, QC
Learn the basics of TTouch for companion animals at these 1-day and weekend workshops. Instructor: Lucie Leclerc

October 16-21: TTouch Practitioner Training for Companion Animals, Rupert, QC
6-day introductory TTouch course as well as pracitioner training. Instructor: Lucie Leclerc

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The Latest Additions To The School Lists

cattie — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:29:01 +0000

New schools, classes and workshops keep popping up all the time, and these are the latest additions (more info on each can be found on the list for each country):

USA

The Gurney Institute of Animal Communication, Agoura, CA
Canine and Equine Structural Integration, Longmont, CO
Animal Rehabilitation Institute, Loxahatchee, FL
Bach Flowers For Pets, Bangor, ME
Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing, Seattle, WA