What is Equine Craniosacral Practice?

Equine Craniosacral Treatment (CST) is a form of alternative manual practice that focuses on the craniosacral system of a horse. The craniosacral system comprises the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Equine Craniosacral Treatment involves gentle hands-on manipulation and subtle movements to assess and address imbalances, restrictions, or dysfunctions within the craniosacral system of the horse.

These manipulations can promote the body\'s self-healing capabilities and alleviate a wide range of physical, emotional and behavioral issues in a horse.

How is CST different from other equine therapies and treatments?

Equine Craniosacral Practice differs from other equine therapies primarily in its focus and approach. While all equine bodyworkers aim to improve the well-being of horses, their approach varies in techniques, goals, and underlying principles.

CST is the only form of bodywork that focuses on the bones and soft tissue in the skull, and the relationship with the pelvis through the dura connection through the spine, ultimately having an effect on the whole body.

Here are some key differences between Equine Craniosacral Practice and other common equine practices:

Focus on Craniosacral System

Equine Craniosacral centers specifically on the craniosacral system, which comprises the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

The practice aims to address imbalances and restrictions in this system, which can influence the overall health and well-being of the horse.

Gentle and Non-Invasive

CST is known for its gentle, non-invasive approach. Practitioners use light touch and subtle movements to assess and treat the craniosacral system.

This contrasts with the approach of other equine bodyworkers, such as chiropractic or massage, which may involve more direct manipulation of the horse\'s musculoskeletal system.

Emphasis on Self-Healing

Equine Craniosacral Practice is based on the belief that the horse\'s body has inherent self-healing capabilities. By releasing tension and restrictions in the craniosacral system, the treatment aims to support and enhance the horse\'s natural healing processes.

Benefits of Equine Craniosacral Treatments

Craniosacral Practice is highly effective, and the benefits are visible immediately after the treatment in the horse’s posture and face symmetry that will be directly carried over and felt in riding with better balance, presence and softness.

Pain relief

Craniosacral Treatments can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by various issues, such as injuries, muscle tension, or imbalances in the body. By releasing restrictions in the craniosacral system, the horse\'s body can function more efficiently and experience reduced pain levels.

Improved mobility and flexibility

Horses that have restricted movement due to stiffness or tension in their muscles and joints may benefit from CST. The gentle manipulations can help improve joint mobility and flexibility, leading to enhanced performance and overall movement quality.

Stress reduction and relaxation

The light and soothing touch used in Craniosacral can promote relaxation. This can be particularly beneficial for horses experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional trauma. A relaxed horse is more likely to perform well and have a better relationship with its handlers.

Enhanced performance

When the craniosacral system is balanced and free from restrictions, the horse\'s body is better equipped to perform optimally. Improved musculoskeletal function can lead to better coordination, balance, and overall performance in various disciplines, such as racing, jumping, dressage, and endurance riding.

Support for neurological issues

CST may have a positive impact on horses with certain neurological conditions. By influencing the central nervous system and cerebrospinal fluid, the treatments might aid in the management of issues like head injuries, nerve compression, and neurological disorders.

Improved immune function

Some proponents of CST believe that by enhancing the body\'s overall balance and reducing stress, the treatments may indirectly boost the immune system, helping the horse to better resist illness and recover more effectively from injuries.

Bonding and trust-building

The gentle and non-invasive nature of Craniosacral Practice can create a positive and trusting experience for the horse. This can strengthen the bond between the horse and its handler or owner, making training and handling easier and more enjoyable.

Why learn Equine Craniosacral

One of the problems with this type of equine treatment is that equine craniosacral practitioners cannot be found around every corner, especially if you live outside of the US.

By learning how to do it yourself, you are not leaving your horse\'s wellbeing to chance, and you are not relying on equine health professionals for help.

Introducing our Equine Craniosacral online courses

The intention of this online course is to provide not only a life transforming educational process, but offering this at the convenience of your own pace in your own home. This video course offers advantages over traditional in-person workshops as you have the ability to go over the lectures and videos as often as you wish for 6 months, opposed to a 4-day in-person workshop.

This is the only equine biodynamic craniosacral training course offered of its kind with uniquely designed 3D video animations of the craniosacral rhythms. This class will give you a deeper understanding of craniosacral as we explore and visualize the documented rhythms in the body and why they are an important reflection of health in the system.

This is a thorough introductory class that will help you begin your equine craniosacral journey, and take your relationship with horses to the next level. This was thoughtfully created after 15 years of full time work in the field, and over 800 hours of advanced classes, dissections, anatomy, and training horses. With uniquely designed 3D visualizations of craniosacral rhythm in the equine system.

What will you learn?

You will learn the history of craniosacral and how these healing rhythms within the craniosacral system have been referenced in ancient cultures, religions, and indigenous healing throughout time.

You will learn not only a full protocol, but there are added contacts for specific issues which will help you begin your journey and learn how to palpate the craniosacral system. You will also learn how to use your own intuition to create your own protocol. We will address a full body evaluation, assessment, and how to recognize tissue reorganization and releases.

Learning how to self regulate your own systems is also an important aspect of this course, so you can be present for the horse’s system and begin to feel the rhythms in the natural world.

BONUS:

All students will be invited to the private Facebook group that I have created to support you on your Craniosacral journey.

When learning something new, there are always questions that come up, and the goal of this group is to have a community of people that are on the same journey to compare notes with.

I am also very active on the group and, among other things, I hold live Zoom Q&A sessions where you can ask me anything.

This exclusive Facebook group for students of our courses allows you to:

Lifetime access to this community is included in the price of the course.

FAQ

I am new to online training. How does it work?

This is a learn-at-your-own-pace course where you will have 6 months to watch and re-watch the classes. If you need more time you can always email me as there is a lot of information. You will also receive a workbook to download to keep.

Where do I start?

Start with the course titled “Beginnings” as this will lay the foundation for future learning and give you a very thorough protocol, plus extra contacts that you can use for specific issues. Please watch the videos in order as they build on each other.

Will I get future updates?

There will not be updates to the course, but, at completion of the course, you will be invited to join our private Equine Craniosacral Facebook group for additional support in your journey.

Who is this course for?

How do I know this will be beneficial for me and my horse? - This course is for anyone interested in learning equine craniosacral.

Will I get a certificate?

You will get a certificate of completion once you finish the course and send in two reports.

Is there an exam?

Yes, there will be an exam.

Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Due to the immersive nature of the courses I believe you will be happy with the class. Refunds can not be guaranteed.

For any other questions, email shea@equinebalance.net

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