Here is an overview of the Craniosacral Anatomy course and the subject material. 

The Craniosacral Anatomy Course is an intensive, but very well resourced, exploration of the anatomy of the Craniosacral system and its relevance to clinical practice. The teaching manual provided beforehand allows students to review their current knowledge and explore the texts and internet resources available to them in preparation for the course.

During the 5 days of the course we cover the bones, joints, ligaments, blood vessels, lymphatics, muscles and nervous tissue that make up the Craniosacral system. An important aspect of the teaching is the use of repetition of material in as many learning modes as possible. Thus, the same subject matter may be covered as lecture (Powerpoint), video, discussion, class practical exercise, work with models, dissection and/or Wetlab visit.

Discussion and questioning is an important part of the teaching program. As your teacher is also a practitioner he has spent many years unraveling the relevance of the anatomy and physiology of Craniosacral Therapy. The “How” of it all is always being explained or at least explored.

The sheep skull dissection allows students to appreciate the textures, strengths and inter-relation of the various structures they have been studying in the previous few days. It also tests and expands the student’s spatial modeling of the structures as they work in 3D. The challenge is that the anatomy is subtly different due to the difference in species.

The Anatomy Museum/Wetlab visit on the final day allows students to integrate their knowledge with real human specimens. Everyone comes away with much more confidence in their ability to visualise and work with the structures of the Craniosacral system.

Paul Doney is a registered Chiropractor specialising in Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy. Paul has a Bachelor of Medical Science (Anatomy) from Sydney University, a Masters of Chiropractic from Macquarie University and a Graduate Diploma in Animal Chiropractic from RMIT. Paul’s style of treatment varies with each patient’s condition, but often involves massage and muscle release techniques, Craniosacral and Myofascial therapies, spinal manipulation, exercise and stretching programs, as well as lifestyle recommendations. Paul is also an Animal Chiropractor who works with dogs and horses.