Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Volume Two

The second volume of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy goes into greater detail about the entire biodynamic paradigm, describing further the relationship of trauma resolution, psychodynamics and shamanism. It is unique in that the practice is viewed as an art form that psychologists and health care providers--especially those in the fields of manual therapy such as massage, chiropractic, or physical therapy--can easily use. Author Michael Shea begins with a discussion of the meaning of biodynamic and for the first time in any book, presents skills based on perceiving stillness as the fundamental healing influence for the mind and body. Slow movement is considered to be the movement of health, wholeness and well being in the human body. Shea goes on to elaborate the unique influence of human embryology for healing in any form of therapy. The word biodynamic derives from the study of embryology and refers to the forces in the fluids that shape the embryo. The physical dimensions of human embryonic development are discussed in detail by one of the premier embryologists in the world. The next section describes the bridge between trauma resolution therapy and biodynamic work, establishes a new paradigm called the containment model, and elaborates numerous skills necessary for resolving shock and trauma. Later in the book, important new skills are presented for anyone working with infants and children at any level, including midwifes and paediatricians and all new information on infant brain development is presented. For the first time in a book on manual therapy, the analogy of the infant-mother relationship to the patient-therapist relationship is discussed in detail. Finally, Shea provides a unique perspective on depth psychology, mythology, and healing. This includes the defining difference between biodynamic craniosacral therapy and all other forms of craniosacral therapy: the focus on the nature of spiritual disease and shamanism.

Michael Shea, PhD, has taught somatic psychology, myofascial release, visceral manipulation, and craniosacral therapy worldwide for nearly three decades. One of the Upledger Institute's first certified Full Instructors of CranioSacral Therapy, and a cofounder of the International Affiliation of Biodynamic Trainings, he lives in Juno Beach, FL.