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Learn the importance of health in the TMJ and cranial base, and how the entire body can improve just by addressing the patterns in these structures that so deeply affect the quality of feedback in the nervous system. 

Equine Craniosacral Level 2: The TMJ and Cranial Base

In this course you will learn about the TMJ system, the cranial base, and sphenobasilar fault patterns that can influence not only the balance of the nervous system, but also behavioral patterns, social interactions, postural and gait symmetries. You will learn specific techniques to address compressions and help regulate these structures.

 

Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1 – Equine Craniosacral: Beginnings either on-line or in-person. 

The courses are meant to be taken in order, and Level 2 is not a stand alone unit. To be able to understand and follow the lessons, completion of Level 1 course is required.

Who is this for?

Equine Craniosacral Level 2: The TMJ and Cranial Base is designed to deepen your biodynamic practice as we learn about the complexities of the temporomandibular joint and the cranial base. TMJ problems are common in the equine world with limited resources for relief. Craniosacral can offer tremendous benefits for these issues, and you will learn a very accurate protocol and acquire deeper listening skills to identify cranial base fault patterns. We will discuss in detail the different cranial base lesion patterns, with 3D animated videos for you to deepen your understanding of these patterns and how you can help the body self-correct.

Anatomy of the TMJ is covered from a holistic perspective, detailed through the role of the nervous system, the fluid body, and embryological development.

Whether horses are part of your livelihood or part of your family, learning craniosacral can bring a deeper understanding of a holistic approach to anatomy. Learning the intricate web of the TMJ, and Cranial Base will help you understand the information that weaves throughout and how this affects the biomechanics and neurology of the whole horse.

In this second level, students will take the concepts, theories, and anatomical structures of the craniosacral system that they learned in the first course to a deeper level as we narrow in on the importance of health in not only the TMJ, but deep inside the cranium at the base.

Body work practitioners and Trimmers/Farriers:

This is a therapy that addresses a system that goes deeper than muscle memory. It addresses the nervous system that feeds muscle memory, making this a wonderful form of body work alone or complimentary with other modalities.

Releasing compressions and restoring nerve function will effect the entire horse and how they feel as they go through their life. Once a head compression is relieved and posture is restored, the body will begin to heal itself. Not only may hooves grow in better balance as posture is restored, but horses will find it easier to stand for the farrier when they feel in balance. 

Craniosacral is a great modality that can be used alone or along with other body work techniques.  

ECS reaches the nervous system to bring forth deep changes that restore posture and balance so they can easily stand to get their hooves done, or maybe settle into a deeper place to take in other forms of body work. 

You will learn to help the body release cranial nerve impingements that communicate to the rest of the body. Or learn to help the horse relax and feel safe with you. 

Horse trainers:

Have you ever had a horse in training that you had a hard time connecting with? Who never seemed to settle, or couldn’t get the changes you hoped for? Or maybe he is fine at home but on the show circuit some behaviors pop up?

Not everything is a training problem and can be fixed with the correct training method. Some problems like headshaking, tension in the body, spookiness, lack of balance and rhythm, and even trailer loading can be a result of a physical problem a horse is struggling with.

Adding craniosacral as an additional tool to your set of skills can enhance your relationship bringing greater results for your clients. You can help your training horses regulate their own nervous system so they can understand and focus better on the training.

This can be done anywhere even at shows or on the road when you feel it is needed to help your horse rest and restore.

 

Horse owners:

Craniosacral is a powerful method that can help with all sports of physical and behavioral problems, but there are not many craniosacral practitioners out there.

Why not learn craniosacral yourself and help your horse with common issues such as restoring headaches after dentistry, or a pull back, or fall in the pasture. 

Help them regain overall balance so they stand better for the farrier, find softness and balance under saddle so they pick up their leads better, learn how to release cranial nerve impingements that are causing headaches, inflammation, head shaking, digestive issues, head and ear shyness.

The added benefit of learning craniosacral is that you will deepen the connection you have with your horse and find a new way to communicate and bond on a deeper level. Once your horse understands, they will begin to tell you what contact they want, and there is no better reward than when they know you know.

Results from a craniosacral treatment are seen immediately in postural reorganization, face symmetry, hair will look shinier due to the hydration of the fascia, behaviors will be softer and more relaxed.

What Our Members Say
“I'm writing to say how much I enjoyed the Equine Craniosacral I!! I have been a therapist for nearly 30 years with humans. Never have I had an instructor with such a beautiful soul. I wish just one of my instructors from college or with Upledger had the courage to speak so freely about how beautiful and powerful our bodies are!!”
Donna Adair, Owner Operator
DB Therapeutic & Advanced Bodywork LLC

WHO IS SHEA STEWART

I have been receiving craniosacral since the late ‘80’s, and decided to begin my studies in 2007 when I had my training barn in California. Having studied a few other forms of body work, I deeply resonated with craniosacral and found that it resulted in the most significant changes in the training horses, and began building a business outside my barn through word of mouth.

I have worked with thousands of horses and studied over 1200 hours of advanced craniosacral work in various concepts. Also keeping current in my own studies not only for my own learning but also to keep the classes fresh and up to date. I continue to work on local clients in the DFW area, and keep a busy schedule teaching classes as well.

My goal in my horsemanship journey was to connect to the heart and mind of the horse, and to help people have a better understanding of the possibilities of this connection. What I started to learn along the way was how this relationship with horses can be incredibly healing for the human. Communicating with a horse by exchanging a heartfelt feel brings us into an awareness of our own self concept, our own embodiment, our own rhythms in how we walk through life. I watched as this relationship with horses taught people how to slow down their minds and have faith in the present moment.
-Shea

What Our Members Say
Shea , the class was fantastic on so many levels. I am still processing from a few weeks ago. It has definitely changed me in a way I didn’t suspect . . I can’t wait for more!
Shanda Eppinette Horizon Bodywork

Equine Craniosacral: The TMJ and Cranial Base Course

This next level is specifically designed to give you a deeper understanding of the vulnerable structures of the equine skull, teaching you to recognize deep straining patterns that can occur from various head traumas so you can help transform past injuries into a body acting in harmony with its own health. 

Course Content

Lesson 1 – Introduction and History Review
 
Lesson 2 – Tides in the System
 
Lecture 4 – Temporal Bones
 
Lecture 5 – Hyoid
 
Lesson 6 – Temporal Clock Contacts to practice before moving on to next lectures
 
Lecture 7 – Midline
Lecture 8 – Venous Sinuses
 
Lesson 9 – Cerebral Spinal Fluid
 
Lecture 10 – Fascia
 
Lesson 11 – Occiput and Myodural Bridge
 
Lecture 12 – Atlas_Axis
 
Lecture 13 – Noticings
 
Lecture 14 – The Core Link
 
Lecture 15 – SphenoBasilar Joint
 
Lesson 16 – Incisor Bone
 
Lesson 17 – The Vomer Bone
 
Lesson 18 – Medial Pterygoid Muscle Release
 
Lesson 19 – Sternum Withers Contact
 
Lecture 20 – DU20
 
Lecture 21 – Coccyx
 
Meditation

BCST works on the deeper rhythms that stabilize and ground the body. Allostasis – the body and brain returning to optimal functioning. The process that supports homeostasis. This is where BCST shines. Helping the body return to its original health. This level 2 class gives you 14 contacts to follow intuitively while you explore the TMJ system, cranial base, myodural bridge, and the connections down the spine to the tip of the tail.

What will you learn?

We begin with a brief overview of some of the concepts from level 1, then take a deep dive into the anatomical structures of the temporomandibular joint, the base of the cranium at the sphenobasilar joint, the associated sutures and foramen with more detail on specific cranial nerves. We also cover more biodynamic concepts and embryological beginnings of some anatomy to give you a full experience of how the deeper structures of the craniosacral system relate holistically with the TMJ.

FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Yes, there will be an exam.

 

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