This course will focus on the development of the cranial sutures especially around the cranial base from the birth experience. This includes biodynamic work with the basisphenoid and basiocciput. Students will learn how a vaginal birth imprints the cranial base and specifically the sutures between the base, the vault and the face. Palpation skills will be taught for the movement of the meninges and the movements of the bones especially those with beveled sutures that affect the ventricles.

An advanced understanding of coming into relationship with the atlanto-occiptal (A-O) joint space and its related sutures will be taught. The A-O plays a significant role in the tone of the autonomic nervous system and the vascular supply to the head. This course will also focus on the effects of a vaginal birth on the 4th ventricle in the cranium. Students will learn how the fluid body goes into a stillpoint during birth and its clinical implications through the lifespan.

A biodynamic understanding of cranial structure will be presented within the functional techniques that are taught. This course blends functional and biodynamic craniosacral therapy.

• Work with birth imprints in the cranium.
• Learn the 4 stages of labor and delivery from the point of view of the infant’s craniosacral system.
• Learn the sequential release of the birth relevant sutures especially the occipital-mastoid suture.
• Learn advanced techniques for releasing the atlanto-occipital joint space.
• Learn the embryological formation of the cranial base

Class prerequisites: Participants must have some training and experience in craniosacral therapy.