CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle yet powerful technique that is effective in releasing neck pain, back pain, and mental stress (among other things). It does this by optimizing the movement of cerebrospinal fluid through the spine and around the skull. This therapy provides a very soothing and relaxing healing experience.
Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
- Migraine Headaches
- Chronic Neck and Back Pain
- Motor-Coordination Impairments
- Colic
- Autism
- Central Nervous System Disorders
- Orthopedic Problems
- Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
- Scoliosis
- Infantile Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- Chronic Fatigue
- Emotional Difficulties
- Stress and Tension-Related Problems
- Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
- Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
- Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Post-Surgical Dysfunction
By using the light-touch bodywork of CranioSacral Therapy, combined with the physiological and psychological benefits of the ocean/water, we create a medium for deep healing and personal growth. Water therapy can take place in either the ocean or a pool, depending on the comfort level of the client, the weather, and the tranquility of the ocean. Clients should be comfortable floating on their backs, ears under water, with the support of noodles under the legs and neck.
If you think you may be interested in water therapy, but are hesitant, please discuss 
with me and we can modify the techniques to assist in finding your comfort level. There really is nothing quite so relaxing and therapeutic as allowing the water to remove gravity from the scenario as your body is encouraged into self-healing.
Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia.
Typically the therapist focuses on specific areas such as shoulders, hips, back, legs, and where the client is experiencing trouble.
Equine Therapeutic Massage is beneficial to most any horse, at most anytime in his/her life. By incorporating general Massage Techniques, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and techniques used in the Masterson Method, the horse is able to relax physically, emotionally and mentally, allowing muscles to relax and stretch while enhancing all of the systems of the body: immune system, circulatory system, muscular system, nervous system, digestive system, endocrine system, lymphatic system, reproductive system, and skeletal system.
CranioSacral Therapy and Massage can be used to relax an excited horse in preparation for stressful situations (trailoring, veterinarian visits, etc). It also aids in releasing toxins which build-up in muscles and surrounding tissues, causing soreness and decreased use and range of motion. Massage increases oxygen which in turn increases metabolism and shortens recuperation time between exercise and events. Other benefits include prevention and release from stress and improving circulation, thereby promoting a good supply of nutrients to the entire body. From stall-bound horses to top performers, all horses benefit from massage.
Equine Therapeutic Massage can be custom tailored to fit the needs of each individual horse. It is not, however, intended to replace veterinary care or diagnose an underlying problem.
Benefits of Equine Therapeutic Massage
- Improves disposition
- Calms the nervous system
- Enhances healing and recovery
- Releases emotional and psychological injuries tissues
- Relieves muscle soreness
- Improves circulation
- Relieves tension
- Improves motion and performance
The rate for Equine Therapeutic Massage is $75 per session (typically 50 to 75 minutes, depending on the horse and needs). The rate is $65/horse for 2 or more at the same farm on the same day. A handler is required to stay with the horse throughout the session, and the horse should be walked 5-10 minutes following the session to further relax and stretch.