tides of your body

healing is found in the

“Your deepest presence is in every small
contracting and expanding...”

RUMI

biodynamic
craniosacral therapy

Biodynamic craniosacral therapy (BCST) is a gentle, light-touch, non-invasive therapy that helps restore and maintain health in the human body. Craniosacral work has its roots in osteopathy - as well as indigenous traditions particularly those of the indigenous Shawnee - and has evolved to include advances in neuroscience, human development, pre- and perinatal psychology, and trauma resolution. Practitioners are trained to facilitate the resolution of conditions resulting from stress, overwhelm, and injury.

The biodynamic approach to craniosacral work acknowledges the inherent health of the body. In this acknowledgment is the belief that the body was designed - oriented - around a principle of health, that the body has both the ability and desire to return to a state of health despite trauma or conditional forces which have created dis-ease in the system. In the work of BCST, the practitioner orients to the inherent health of the client through stillness.

In finding stillness, areas of potency are apparent.

These areas of potency - which present as heightened physical or emotional sensation - are indications of the work the body is doing to return to its preferred state of health. When we acknowledge the potency - the discomfort, the dis-ease, the trauma, the injury - we acknowledge the work the body has done to protect itself and, often in this acknowledgement, the body is able to redefine, integrate, or release the potency.

OK, but what is potency…?

The word potency is well-chosen. What’s a good synonym for potency…? Power. Let us remember that these areas of potency are not ‘bad’ or anything that needs to be forced or changed. Rather, areas of potency are gathering spots for the system’s powerthe power of working with the physical manifestations of distress or injury to both contain the trauma as well as heal and integrate as best we know given our life experiences up to that moment.

Our bodies are always seeking health and working to protect us; BCST is a tool and modality that brings a supportive foundation for this healing.

Common issues Craniosacral Therapy helps people to meet, manage, and mitigate:

Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Back Pain/Sciatica, Birth Trauma, C-PTSD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Concussion (physical & emotional), Depression, Digestive Disorders, ED Recovery, Exhaustion, Gout, Headaches, Immune System Disorders, Insomnia, Long Covid, Lyme, Migraine, Post-Operative Conditions, SA Trauma Work, Sports-Related Injury, Stress, TBI, Tinnitus & Middle Ear problems, TMJ (Jaw) disorders, Torticollis, Visual Disturbances, Whiplash

Craniosacral Therapy is a supportive, complementary practice to psychotherapy, physical therapy, and medical treatments such as chemotherapy.

Craniosacral work is gentle and safe, making it effective for people of all ages. Many clients find it supports the relief of symptoms associated with a wide variety of health conditions. Because BCST promotes expression of health in all the body’s systems, it fosters well-being in all aspects of life.

A very important note:

Many of the above conditions require and deserve the support of specifically trained professionals such as psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and/or medical professionals. I may ask about the support you receive outside of our session work and I may refer you to another healthcare professional for more direct support and/or pause our work together until you have additional support outside of our sessions.

what to expect
in a session

In any biodynamic craniosacral session - distance or in-person, whether to address a specific concern or for general stillness - there is no physical or energetic manipulation.  Think of craniosacral work as an invitation to your system to find its own stillness.  In this stillness, we meet the body's inherent treatment plan.  In the activation of that treatment plan, the body is able to express and release any stagnant or stuck energy which, in turn, allows the body's cerebrospinal fluid to flow freely and reinvigorate the entire system. 

In all sessions, clients are fully clothed (please wear your most comfortable clothes and minimal jewelry) and lie on a cushioned massage table. You can expect light touch at several points around the body including feet, head, neck, shoulders, heart, and sacrum - depending on what comes up in a session - as well as areas where there may be discomfort or congestion of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Clients are required to sign an informed consent and disclaimer document prior to any session work.

Your comfort and safety are my priorities and touch is not required for craniosacral treatment to ‘work’. I will always establish consent before touching a client.

During sessions, some clients feel physical sensations like a gentle tingling of fingers and toes, or a swirling or pulsing sensation of energy building in the body, or the deep and rhythmic expansion and contraction of the body's fluid tides.  Some clients feel like they're in a dream-like state and have images, words, or auras emerge.  Some clients feel and express deep emotion through tears, sighing, or physical twitches.  And some clients fall asleep or feel nothing at all.

Please know that any experience you have in your session is right for your system.  Please also know that your experiences are your own and you do not have to share with me, though I will inquire to ensure that you continue to feel safe and supported during and after the session. 

The biodynamic aspect of craniosacral work refers to a connection with the energetic qualities of our bodies, the fulcrums around which our physical selves developed and are orientated, and the trust that the systems and processes of our bodies are always working to best serve our needs.  The fluid tides and bodies, midlines, and respiration of cerebrospinal fluid are the qualities that express themselves in a session.  In areas of held stress, trauma, or hurt, these energetic qualities create density.  The deep stillness of a craniosacral session connects with those energetic and physical aspects and invites them to unwind or release and reorient themselves.

If possible, please allow yourself at least 60 minutes post-session to integrate our work.  You can expect your system to continue to process the session for a day or so after we meet.  This can feel like receiving downloads or insights, continuing to feel the depth of the session's stillness, or desiring extra rest.  I recommend extra hydration, low blue light/screen consumption, and going to bed earlier on session days.

I am always happy to meet clients’ needs as thoroughly as I can. Please let me know if you would like me to wear a mask, if you prefer a session time when the space is quieter or, conversely, if you are more comfortable knowing other people are present in other practice rooms, you are welcome to bring your own blankets and/or use as many of mine as you’d like. The brightness of the room and room temperature have some flexibility and I do not use incense or scented candles (except for aesthetically-pleasing website images).

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about your practitioner

alexis mann

I was someone who happily dabbled in every ‘wellness’ and ‘healing’ modality, hoping for some protocol or practitioner to give me the answers and relief to decades of chronic illness, overwhelm, and a life lived pushing through the hypervigilance of embedded traumas.

In craniosacral therapy, I found a depth of stillness that stayed with me for days after my first session; I felt connected with my body, aware of both physicality and feeling, in a way I hadn't before. What began as a curiosity to understand what this work was and why it resonated became steps on the path to becoming a practitioner myself.

Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is a non-manipulative modality, meaning the practitioner does not influence nor interfere with the inherent processes and systems of the body. Rather, craniosacral work is an invitation to enter into deep stillness and relaxation which allows the body, its systems and processes, to express, unwind, and reorient as needed.

Each session is the perfect expression of the body in that moment. Each session builds on the one before and keeps space for the next. Like us, craniosacral work is evolution and expression, recognition and release, listening, and lightness.

Prior to stepping into my work as a BCTA/NA-registered biodynamic craniosacral therapist (RCST®) I worked in the tech industry and have lived in Europe, Asia, and the US. In the craniosacral space I have had the privilege of learning directly from Franklyn Sills, Roger Gilchrist, Michael Shea, Carey Benenson DO, Etienne Peirsman and other dedicated practitioners. My practice includes aspects built from individual intensives with Deborah Hanekamp (Mama Medicine) and Mexican and Peruvian shamans. 

The craniosacral practice is the practice of listening. Of slowing down, being present in our bodies whilst asking our thinking mind to rest. This is Spaciousness and Stillness, where we feel and palpate rather than think. Where we observe and invite rather than judge. Where there is curiosity without assumption - and where we meet and know the full spectrum of our unique essence, presence, and power.

Mastering the art of listening has been one of the most valuable lessons of my life. What began as a personal discipline, has grown into my purpose and passion to facilitate connection, healing, and growth for others.

I am known for my direct and communicative style, deep support of the client, ability to hold big energy and emotions (my own and others’…), and meeting all clients with joy, calm, genuine interest and care.

training & experience

Registered Craniosacral Therapist, RCST®
The Biodynamic Craniosacral Association of North America
craniosacraltherapy.org

BCST Foundational Training
Stillpoint Craniosacral
stillpointcst.com

Advanced Trainings:

Craniosacral Therapy for Babies & Small Children
Etienne Peirsman Peirsman Craniosacral Institute
peirsmancraniosacral.com

Brain & Heart Masterclass
Etienne Peirsman Peirsman Craniosacral Institute
peirsmancraniosacral.com

Immune Function & Resiliency
Roger Gilchrist RPE RCST Wellness Institute
wellnessinstitute.net

Ignition of the Vagus Nerve in Clinical Practice
Michael Shea PhD RCST
sheaheart.com

Equine Biodynamic Craniosacral
Shea Stewart CST Equine Balance
equinebalance.net

Trauma-Informed Care Certification: 
Indiana University School of Public Health

Ordained Minister, ULC

craniosacral session ~ 90min

Session work involves connecting with and listening to the client’s system, through light touch, and inviting the system into deep stillness and rest. Before and after the session we will connect verbally to discuss what is coming into the session with you (physically, emotionally, etc.) and how your system experienced the session work.

session fee $125
in-home sessions available for recurring clients with an additional $25 charge + travel fees

services offered

distance craniosacral session ~ 60min

Session work remains the same as an in-person treatment but is held over the phone or on Zoom.

session fee $125

infant / child / teen session (birth to 15 years old) ~ 50min

For young children, I meet clients in the comfort of their own home. For older children and teens, there is the option of meeting at my practice space or in the client’s home where they may feel more comfortable. A parent or guardian must be available for the duration of the session.

session fee $85 + travel fees where applicable

canine & equine craniosacral session ~ 40min

For non-human animals, I meet clients in the comfort of their own home.

session fee $75 + travel fees

“What is happening in your innermost self
is worthy of your entire love.”

RILKE

book a session

Restore and maintain your health through the
deep and healing calm.

Interested in exploring your healing potential?
Fill out your information and I will reach out to book your session.

location

LOCATION
Vastu Health
Warwick, NY 10990

HOURS
by appointment

CONTACT
+1 845 988 7333
alexismannbcst@gmail.com