This book is worth a mention as it is a book written for osteopaths or Craniosacral therapists or indeed any therapist for that matter who wish to look at a model of Therapist who has expanded their boundaries of treatment on offer through training and personal growth .  One of the questions a practicing  Craniosacral Therapist may ask is why would I wish to explore other  modalities that integrate with the work that I do . This book details how one man has done this and some of the reasons why . Fulford sets the example for all of us in the healing professions by expanding his own horizons and this being detailed by Zachary Comeaux. This book is for experience therapists who may be looking for examples. It certainly is one of the best reads I have had on a biography of a great  therapist and healer . For a practising Craniosacral Therapist it is a must read !

Robert Fulford and the Philosopher Physician . – by Zachary Comeaux .

 Robert Fulford, D.O. (1905-1997) was an important, if enigmatic, figure in late twentieth-century osteopathy. Trained at the Kansas City School of Osteopathy and Surgery (class of 1941), he was a strong believer in the “triune” nature of man—physical, mental, and spiritual—and the importance of diagnosing and treating the whole person, not just the physical symptoms.

Dr. Fulford’s career was a testament to this ideal, what A.T. Still called the philosopher physician. In the mid-1940s he studied cranial osteopathy with William Garner Sutherland and became a lifelong member (and one-time president) of The Cranial Academy. During the course of a practice that spanned six decades he explored a wide spectrum of scientific and philosophical ideas about the basis and mechanics of life. Nothing was off limits—field theory, Aryuvedic medicine, biomagnetics, psychological and subtle energy medicine, crystals. Always he followed Sutherland’s advice to “dig on,” integrating whatever was useful into the practice of what he termed “twenty-first century medicine.”

Robert Fulford, D.O. and the Philosopher Physician is both an intellectual biography and a practical introduction to Dr. Fulford’s methods of diagnosis and treatment. In addition to tracing the principal figures and ideas that influenced his thought, there are sample protocols of Fulford’s history-taking, physical examination and general treatments, and exercises for learning to discern the human energy field (“etheric body”) and treating with “intention.”

REVIEWS

“This book is a scholarly but readable treatise designed to advise and inform. It rings true. I recognize much in the book of the gentle but enquiring man that I knew. There is no attempt to mystify or deify Fulford. On the contrary, Zach Comeaux has concentrated on the philosophy rather than the personality. He explains the concepts clearly, picks up loose ends and appears genuinely to want to pass on to us everything he knows. True to the example of Dr. Fulford himself, this is a faithful attempt to share with his colleagues the osteopathic insights that Zach Comeaux derived from the privilege of working so closely with this unique and enigmatic master of osteopathy.”
—Nicholas Handoll, The Osteopath

“An interesting read for fans of osteopathy, its history, and its leading lights. It is a worthy tribute to the spirit of a man whose inquiring mind led him down wildly diverging paths in his endeavor to understand and treat the whole person.”
—Structural Integration

The American Massage Therapy Association has recently launched a contiuous education program in Fascial Therapy  designed to keep Massage Therapists current in the profession whilst advancing their skills and knowledge. According to AMTA’s 2011 Massage Professional Research Report , specialisation in myofascial release and Craniosacral tecniques has gone up significantly .

Source : MJT journal Spring 2012 issue an outline is presented below

Tissue Mobilization

Clients will often present with a constellation of sometimes vague and unusual symptoms that do not follow typical dermatomal or myotomal patterns. They report pain, stiffness or difficulty moving, and sensations of tension in areas distant from the apparent region of injury. Many of these clients are experiencing myofascial pain. It does not appear on usual radiographic studies such as x-rays, MRIs, or our standard examination routines. It is best diagnosed by the skill of a manual therapy practitioner, using motion testing and posture analysis. Myofascial restrictions can influence posture and movement patterns. It may take quite some time for the myofascial pattern to develop. Symptoms may appear months or years after a trauma or stressful event, at the point when the body has maximized its adaptive potential and loses the ability to compensate for abnormal tissue tension. Standard treatment protocols using medication, exercise and modalities may fail to address the problem effectively. Manual release of these fascial adhesions and fibrosis/scars is essential to restore motion.

In this course, you will learn how to differentiate between myofascial conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. You will identify motion restrictions through posture observation and hands-on motion testing. You will learn the basics of how to apply MFR to improve tissue mobility, circulation and posture, and decrease painful restrictions using this gentle manual therapy technology to achieve improved functional outcomes across the lifespan.

We are the official Australian Organisers for this events so if you would like more information please e-mail us. Althougth the topic of the workshop is “the Cranial Sutures protocol” there will be other topics added to this class . Further details will be posted later .

Hugh Milne  is one of the legendary figures in the Craniosacral Community and teaches advance skills In  Craniosacral Therapy worldwide. He is the author of the bestselling craniosacral books -”The Heart of Listening”.  Watch this YouTube video of Hugh being interviewed by Ian McNay of Conscious.TV. This is a long interview but is riveting viewing – break out the popcorn!

In Biodynamic Cranial work, the practitioner works with the Breath of Life. The Breath of Life is the source of primary respiration—a deep healing force that creates your body at conception and maintains health .throughout the rest of your life. The Breath of Life is also that which infuses us with the awareness of and connection to the Radiant Presence of Spirit.

New Classes are now scheduled to commence in Sydney with an introduction to this work commencing on June  21-24 , 2012

This BCT is now open to all who wish to experience the concepts and to experience this work through introductory Initiatory  courses.

Biodynamic Cranial Touch is different work to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and is seen to be a new advancement in the field.

Click here to view flyer for BCT Sydney

J.C Guimberteau born in 1947 is cofounder and scientific director of the Aquitaine Hand Institute (I.A.M), member of the French Hand Society (GEM) and of the French Plastic and Reconstructive Society (SF.C.P.R.E). He is shown here on the right at a conference.