Craniosacral Therapy and the Energetic Body: An Overview of Craniosacral Biodynamics

Purchased via Amazon a few years ago: Dunno why not listed as such.This is a pleasant little book in the CS field...though I found it excessively wordy, and somewhat superficial. And, apparently I have a philosophical difference with the author. The Cranio-Sacral tradition might well be considered to have four components: 1. Correction of "gross" (essentially structural) problems (e.g., via spinal or cranial manipulation); 2. Bringing some kind of "Spiritual Tradition" (and energy or essence); 3. An under-standing of Sutherland's concept of the "Respiratory Mechanism;" and 4. "Subtle CS "holding" work (with a particular attention on a light touch, intention, and creating a safe, accepting environment (or "field") wherein change can occur. Gilchrist provides us with some of # 3 and PLENTY of #4. Now this is good stuff, but--in my experience--unless you handle the (gross) structural issues, many a client/patient will present as very stressed out, with a "hyper" Sympathetic N.S. and impaired functionality ( and imbalance)...which are going to undermine most anything the practitioner might do with "subtle work."Now I HAVE seen a few cases of the kind of work the author describes resolving some "structural stuff," but it can take MANY, MANY sessions, when a gentle "adjustment" by a D.O. or D.C.(and particularly those who have come to realize that not every patient requires an "Old School" heavy-duty adjustment!) can often move the recipient very effectively into a "zone" of much better functionality ..and out of his/her usual state of physical and emotional "upset" (or "imbalance"). And, many of the best "alternative practitioners" will then move on to more "subtle stuff," using the initial work as an excellent foundation. As a matter of fact, a goodly number of D.C.s have degrees in counseling psychology and a background in some kind of "spiritual healing tradition, such as prana work or Reiki (as strong proponents of the "Holistic-Alternative" paradigm and tradition).In auto repair, you generally replace the plugs and wires and points (or electronic ignition nowadays), then focus on "fine tuning." If you have a house you'd like to sell, which has myriad problems...sometimes attention on the foundation will go much further than just attending to a few "cosmetic" enhancements.I mentioned Gilchrist's verbosity. In my view, you TRULY don't need to take ten pages to explain...1) how the therapist needs to, first, become centered and grounded...and aware of where he/she "is in space," and, then 2) (as the hands are placed under the client's head (or other area), provide a nourishing "interface," which is non-intrusive, supportive, safe and "allowing" of change to occur. I just DID, in a short paragraph!!If you are working in this field (or aspire to), I suggest--as a next step--you get your mitts on the text "Cranio-Sacral Therapy" by Uplenger, which provides MUCH MORE on the "structural side" of things...particularly on the role of "dural structures." Some IMMENSELY profound content. I would also suggest you invest some time and effort in a more "physical" discipline to thoroughly ground your work (such as Chiropractic or--Massage Therapy) before you proceed along the "road" of Cranio-Sacral Therapy. You might also wish to explore the S.O.T. tradition (developed by Dr. Dejarnette), which overlaps considerably with CST. This guy was not only a D.O. and D.C., but a structural engineer, which gave him excellent insights into this area of healing.I suppose I could end by emphasizing the importance of the Sacroiliac joints. MANY patients/clients will present with trouble on one side or another, and--as these joints are very richly supplied with N.S. pain receptors--(and how dysfunction here will tend to undermine the ENTIRE spinal column (and cord), the importance of this area of the human body cannot be overemphasized. It might seem crazy...but EVEN some Chiropractic doctors will miss properly assessing this area, and managing it.

This book extensively covers the entire depth and breadth of the history and philosophy of Biodynamic Cranio Sacral work.The book is fascinating and powerful revealing nuances within the movement. The author tells you how the variouslineages adapted and changed and who are the main players within each lineage.The underlying thesis (I believe) is that Gilchrist is trying to convey how the Breath of Life can be accessed and releasedas a powerful catalyst for healing. He articulates the key principles and explains them clearly.As a student of the bio dynamic work, it is refreshing to read these concepts as an adjunct to the work.He covers peripheral concepts too like grounding, centering, therapeutic presence, basic contacts, tide layers,stillpoints, and the broader implications of the practice. If you are a practitioner or consideringbecoming one, this is a pivotal book covering the entire scope of cranio sacral practice.While other books provide more of a academic and therapeutic focus in the field, this book is invaluablefor understanding the movements various branches and who did 'what' to advance the movement sinceits inception by Dr. Sutherland and those who came after him.Excellent tome on the subject.

I've been a BDCS therapist for 12 yrs. and this book is bring me deeper and clearer insights to the work.

Gilchrist writes clearly, and readably about a very complex subject. Highly recommended. It was on the booklist for my CST class, and I see why.I wish I'd had the money to buy it sooner!

I like this overview book. It is required reading in my training but Roger Gilchrist writes clearly and simply about Cranio-sacral therapy. He makes it intriguing and appealing. Great read while starting into the study of this powerful healing work.

This book was in perfect condition. I was able to study and take my test at my own pace. Just great!!

the book is really good, easy to understand and very detailed

Simply a great book on Craniosacral Therapy from the Biodynamic viewpoint. Strongly recommended and looking forward to getting into his classes.

This is a very readable introduction to craniosacral therapy. Aimed more at new practitioners of the therapy than the general reader, it nonetheless is not difficult for someone new to the subject to understsnd.

I loved it! Only wish I found it at the start of my course!