Services

Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy

What is Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST)?

“The gentlest thing in the world overcomes the hardest thing in the world.” -Tao Te Ching

BCST is a light touch form of bodywork that is non-manipulative.

Our bodies have an innate breath, an energetic breath that created, animates and sustains us.

During a session I am listening to that breath using a "listening" touch to tune into your body and nervous system. I listen to where it’s able to move freely within your body and where it’s not able to move freely.

Adverse life experiences influence the flow and vitality of this motion of breath that can be perceived in our bodies as restrictions. These restrictions can cause discomfort and pain. Accidents, illnesses, shock/trauma, major life changes, pregnancy and birth, aging can all create restrictions in our systems leaving us with everything from feeling a little “off” to deep chronic pain.

BCST practitioners are trained to feel these motions with their hands, recognizing where this expression of health is flowing and where it might be held.

I make light contact with your body, especially in the areas where the innate breath is not able to move through. During a session, your body begins to listen to itself allowing for a self-healing process, clearing the obstructions so that this innate breath can then move through that part of your body.

This light touch assists to regulate the nervous system and sparks a biological process which is unique to each individual and particular session. This process supports the release of held tensions, stresses and shock/trauma from the body restoring the opportunity for the full expression of our true nature, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Patterns of experience are imprinted on the body and are acknowledged during a session. This is often experienced as being completely seen and heard at a deep level.

Our bodies have an innate capacity for resolving obstructions to health. This capacity is potentiated within a therapeutic relationship with a practitioner who provides a light, non-manipulative “listening” touch and a grounded, centered, neutral presence.

BCST is based on the work of William Garner Sutherland, Doctor of Osteopathy. He first noticed subtle movement of the cranial bones and went on to discover that subtle motion is present in all cells of the body. BCST recognizes an essential ordering principle carried in the rhythms of the body's inherent life force, which Dr. Sutherland referred to as the "Breath of Life,” also known as primary respiration.

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy is helpful at all stages and ages of life. From newborns, supporting their integration into this world with more ease and safety to our elders navigating changes at the end of life and everyone in between.

The Breath of Life is what creates, animates and sustains our body. It is influential in healing and regulating our body throughout our whole life from conception to our last breath.

Clients report receiving BCST to be deeply relaxing and leave the session with a sense of balance, wholeness and wellbeing. During a session the body is held in the present moment with a sense of safety, spaciousness and compassion.

Care for the Dying - Death Midwifery

Caring for our dead is a story as old as humankind

A Death Midwife/Doula is a soul guide who provides support, resources, education and friendship for those who seek to accept and embrace dying as a natural part of life.

Much like a midwife or doula in the birthing process, a Death Midwife/Doula supports the spiritual, emotional, mental, physical and practical needs of individuals who are dying, their family and caregivers. We endeavor to create a loving space where together, we can work gently and effectively with fears and suffering that arise by providing education and support for conscious dying.

We provide non-medical end-of-life care. We guide and support a dying person and their loved ones through one of the most meaningful and difficult transitions in life – dying and death.

"Curing is hoping to return to the way things were-

Healing is using the present situation to bring us closer to God"

Ram Dass

For many people, the very thought of dying provokes fear and dread. As a culture, we deny the natural process of aging and death and focus on prolonging life at all costs. Sadly, the cost is often the price of a peaceful, natural, even joyful transition.

When we prepare ourselves spiritually, emotionally and mentally for our final transition, we intuitively know when the time comes to let go. This can be one of the greatest gifts we can leave our loved-ones.

Death midwives/doulas create a loving space in which a dying person, family member or caretaker can talk about their concerns and fears. We are not a replacement for hospice care. We complement hospice care, filling the gaps that hospice care does not provide.

Death midwives/doulas assist in guiding families back to our collective human roots, our innate knowing of the traditions of when we were born and when we died in our own homes, when the community came together to provide care for the family. We are reclaiming a very sacred and beautiful human experience and restoring death to its sacred place in the beauty, mystery, and celebration of life.

Please contact Lisa to discuss your needs or those of a family member.

Abdominal Massage Therapy

In the year 2000, I was introduced to womb care/abdominal massage by Miss Beatrice Torres Waight, a Yucateca Maya traditional healer of Santa Familia, Belize and further studied with her lineage holder, Ann Drucker in Colorado. I've also trained in the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® with Amy Colo, LMT, CPM and Wise Womb Medicine™ with Naomi Love.

I lovingly and respectfully work with practices from each of these teachers.

Sessions include a personalized weaving of a variety of modalities depending on your intention and particular needs during the session. A session may include anatomy and physiology orientation, abdominal massage, self-care instruction, biodynamic cranial-sacral therapy, nutritional guidance, SourcePoint Therapy, plant spirit medicine, plant brushings, spiritual baths, castor oil packs, yoni/perineal steams (see below), guided journeys, emotional/spiritual healing and prayer.

This work supports the body’s inherent capacity for healing and nervous system regulation. The sessions are offered at my private studio in sacred space. I work in partnership with your body's wisdom and spiritual helpers.

:: Womb Wisdom ::

The womb is a powerful energetic space, it is a portal. The womb is more than the physical organ within a female body, it is a bridge between worlds that lives within us. Our bodies and our wombs hold the stories of our lives and those of our ancestors. We not only carry the wounds and traumas of our ancestors, but also their strength, resiliency and beauty.

Many of us are taught to rely only on external authorities at the expense of our internal knowing. When we work with our wombs, we orient back to our own authority, our own knowing and that of creation, heaven and earth. When we experience “symptoms” we can see it as a call back home to our center, rather than “something is wrong with me.” Our wombs know how to receive medicine for ourselves, families and communities.

The physical womb (uterus) moves in order to expand and contract with the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The womb is a hollow, muscular organ and is held in place by muscles, the vaginal wall and ligaments that attach it to the back, front and sides of the pelvis. Uterine ligaments are made to stretch to accommodate a growing fetus inside and to move freely when the bladder or bowel is full and through each menstrual cycle.

For a variety of reasons (see below) the ligaments and muscles can weaken and loosen, causing the uterus to fall downward, forward, backward or to either side. Inertia or shock is often held in the pelvis further impeding the vital flow of energy. A uterus held in any of these positions is often referred to as being “tilted or prolapsed” that can lead to many disharmonious symptoms.

Causes of a displaced uterus:

Emotional armoring, shock, inertia related to a trauma or abuse

Injury to the sacrum or tailbone from a fall, car accidents, etc

Pelvic ligaments that have weakened due to over stretching during pregnancy and birth

Repeated pregnancies close together with difficult births

Poor care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum

High Impact exercise, running on cement surfaces, high impact aerobics and sports

Lifting & carrying heavy objects just before or during menstruation and too soon after childbirth

Walking barefoot on cold floors/wet grass

Chronic cough

Straining during bowel movments

Surgical procedures

Weak pelvic floor muscles

Chronic muscle spasm around the low back and sacrum

A shift in position of the uterus causes pressure on the blood vessels, lymphatic vessels and nerves that feed the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The uterus can also put pressure on the other pelvic organs such as the bladder, rectum or ovaries, all of which leads to congestion, stagnation and disconnection. We can experience physical, emotional and spiritual disharmony when the uterus is out of optimal position.

:: Arvigo Techniques ::

Dr. Rosita Arvigo, an American Naprapathic Doctor and herbalist learned these techniques from her mentors, Don Elijio Panti, a Maya medicine man and Hortence Robinson, a traditional midwife of Belize with whom she apprenticed for many years. The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® (ATMAT) is founded on the holistic approach to healthcare of the ancient Maya. ATMAT (also called Abdominal or Womb Massage) is a non-invasive, external massage treatment of the abdomen, sacrum and back—that softens musculature, adjusts internal organs to their proper position, aligns pelvic bones, relieves diaphragmatic tension, physical and emotional congestion and blockages throughout the abdomen and pelvis to improve the flow of chi, fluids of the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems throughout the entire body.

As there are many overlaps of my training in this work, I will be referring to the work as Abdominal Massage for simplicity.

Abdominal Massage can be of benefit in the following ways:

:: For Women ::

This external massage of the abdomen, back and sacrum helps to gently guide organs back into proper position, enhancing the flow of blood, lymph, nervous system communication and flow of chi/energy in the abdomen, allowing for optimal support of the entire system.

For women who've had a hysterectomy, this modality improves circulation in and around the area of the scar and allows for proper flow of lymphatic fluid, preventing blockage after surgery. If the uterus or one or both ovaries have been removed, we continue to work with the energy of the organ. The energetic power and blueprint of the uterus and ovaries remain within. The organ’s original place in the body still functions as the energy center associated with that particular organ.

This work can benefit those who don’t have wombs or who don’t identify with a particular gender. This work not only supports our bodies on the physical level, but awakens a deep connection to our divine wisdom and creative energies within for all.

:: Maiden, Menarche and Beyond ::

Introducing Abdominal Massage to young women can be the beginning of a life-long healthy relationship with her body, womb and menstrual cycle. Young women can experience monthly bleeding that is not painful or uncomfortable, but understood, respected and empowering, effecting all aspects of their lives. Sessions include teaching simple, self-care techniques so that they know how to tend and support their own health and well-being. When women learn to use the power of their menstrual cycle from the beginning, connecting with their bodies, gaining insights and wisdom, they develop a true relationship with themselves that will serve them throughout their lives.

:: Pregnancy and Postpartum ::

Womb care practices have been used in several cultures for generations to support women during pre-conception, pregnancy and the postpartum period. When the uterus is aligned in optimal position, hormones are regulated and normalized, congestion and stagnation are cleared, and a healthy uterine lining may develop—all of which support fertility and pregnancy. Abdominal massage is also beneficial for men, to increase sperm count and motility.

During pregnancy, Abdominal Massage supports the growing uterus to be in optimal position within the pelvic bowl—this simultaneously supports growing babies to come into optimal positioning. Abdominal Massage tonifies uterine muscles, supporting strong coordination during labor and birth. Abdominal Massage nourishes uterine ligaments that are stretched to their fullest at this time, so that they may healthfully return to their former size after birth.

Common discomforts of pregnancy may be relieved with treatments, including: heartburn, indigestion, heaviness in the pelvis, stagnation, headaches, pain around the round ligament and in the low back and more.

After birth, abdominal treatments are an essential part of postpartum recovery. Sessions at this time are focused on returning the uterus and bladder to their optimal positioning, supporting the return of the uterine ligaments to their pre-pregnant length and strength, as well as deeply nourishing the whole body for the tremendous work just completed. Postpartum abdominal massage supports the digestive system as well, which is recovering from slowed digestive motility of pregnancy, labor and birth, and recovering from the weight of the enlarged uterus pressing into the stomach as well as the colon.

Abdominal massage can be received during the early postpartum period. Women who have had a cesarean birth may begin postpartum sessions as soon as the incision site is healed over—early on is an ideal time to soften scar tissue and to prevent adhesions from developing.

Abdominal Massage and supportive modalities are nourishing and healing for women who’ve experienced miscarriage or abortion.

:: Peri-menopause, Menopause, Post-Menopause ::

Abdominal Massage is beneficial to women during peri-menopause, menopause and well beyond by relieving pelvic congestion, increasing circulation, improving digestion, aiding in the absorption of nutrients, supporting and regulating the nervous system. Abdominal Massage aids in maintaining and strengthening the womb's continued alignment with the rhythm of the moon cycle. Receiving the work helps connect a woman to the inherent intelligence of peri-menopause and menopause, as well as her innate wisdom at this powerful time of the life cycle.

Abdominal Massage helps to maintain the strength and integrity of the pelvis to prevent prolapse of the organs later in life. During the transition to menopause, Abdominal Massage helps to balance the hormones and encourages a thorough clearing of the uterus. As our wombs eventually become a smaller size in menopause, it is important to support and work with the innate ability of the womb to release that which no longer serves us.

“The womb cycle is associated with transformation - it is most closely related to birth and death and the intimate working of the creative process. We have birth and death cycles, where new energy enters and old energy is released in every season of our lives.” Tami Kent

:: Men ::

Men have a spiritual or energetic womb called the Hara. Men can benefit physically, emotionally and spiritually from receiving Abdominal Massage. Circulation to and from the pelvis is improved, supporting healthy abdominal and reproductive organs, enhancing normal sexual function, improving sperm count and aiding in digestion.

By ensuring a full blood supply to the prostate, abdominal massage helps to prevent swelling and inflammation. The prostate is a glandular organ that rests behind the bladder, but has no ligaments for support. The prostate gland can become congested resulting in early stages of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH), impotence (depending on the cause), decrease sperm count, etc. Abdominal Massage supports healthy organ function and relieves congestion and swelling. It can also help to alleviate varicose veins, premature ejaculation and urinary frequency.

“Some of the greatest most fertile mothers I have known have not been women...some of the most powerful mothers have never had biological children.....we can all claim the power of that sacral chakra whoever we are.” Perdita Finn

:: Digestive Benefits for Everyone ::

Individuals with digestive unease benefit greatly from Abdominal Massage. Many common disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Indigestion, Constipation, and Heartburn are treated with antacids, muscle relaxants, and a variety of other medications. These treatments address symptoms, not the causes. In Abdominal Massage, the upper abdomen is also given attention. The solar plexus is also a place in the body where we store traumas and unresolved issues. The upper abdomen is gently and thoroughly massaged, allowing relaxation of restricted musculature around the diaphragm, stomach and the arteries that feed the digestive and eliminative organs with their vital blood supply.

:: Yoni/Vaginal Steams/Bajos ::

A traditional vaginal steam bath of many ancient cultures, steams are like a facial for your yoni and perineum. Working in partnership with water and plant allies, steams cleanse, tone, and nourish your cervix, uterus, and vaginal tissues. Yoni steams relieve stagnation and coldness in the body, dilate the blood vessels, increase blood circulation, provide oxygenation and relax the pelvic floor muscles. Yoni steams can support the healing of many discomforts and dis-eases of the pelvic area, including pelvic organ prolapse. Yoni steams bring gentle, loving nourishment to the pelvic bowl.

Our wombs are calling us back home, to our hearts, to our bodies, to the path of love and the honoring of all of life. It is my joy to support you in deepening your relationship with your womb.

SourcePoint Therapy

SourcePoint Therapy is a non-invasive, energetic, diagnostic and treatment modality that works with points in the human energy field that connect us to an energetic template, or Blueprint of health, the matrix of healing energy containing the information of order, balance, harmony and flow that sustains all life.

These points in the human energy field connect the physical body directly to the Blueprint of health: the information of order, balance, harmony and flow that is your original nature. It is inherent in the body and in the universal energy of Source.

The universal Blueprint of health contains the source code; the information of the full potential of the human being in our most complete and vibrant state of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health.

Our physical body has a memory of the original blueprint, even though its connection to it may have become disrupted. The physical body still arises from that Blueprint, affected by space, time, polarity, incarnation, ancestry, karma and other factors. SourcePoint Therapy is re-awakening that memory through strengthening the connection to the Blueprint.

Source Point Therapy is suitable for everyone, especially those who prefer light touch.

SourcePoint Therapy is woven into most of my sessions as it supports and enhances other modalities. SourcePoint helps to support and guide the session in a way that respects and aligns with what the body has to share about its own healing. These sessions may include work in the emotional, karmic, trauma and ancestral levels.

Effective sessions can also be done remotely - please let me know if this interests you.

SourcePoint Therapy can benefit in many ways including:
-Strengthens the connection to the universal blueprint of health
-Strengthens and nourishes the body’s guardian energies - our energetic and psychic immune system.
-Working with sacred geometry to support and strengthen the energetic structure of the body
-Integrate, organize and repair the chakras (energy centers)
-Regulate the rhythms and tides of the body
-Seal any places in the body that may be leaking vital life force energy
-Clearing the body of external intrusive and obstructive energies

SourcePoint is easy to learn and can be used by oneself at home to strengthen the connection to the energetic template, or Blueprint. While we work, I would be happy to teach you how to acknowledge and strengthen the points in your field that connect you to this information.

Please visit www.sourcepointtherapy.com for more detailed information, trainings, inspiring artwork, articles and guided audio meditation practices that can support you to connect directly and personally with the Blueprint of Health.

Book also available - Sourcepoint Therapy: Exploring the Blueprint of Health by Donna Thompsom with Bob Schrei.

Artwork - Bob Schrei

Earth Wisdom/Plant Walks/Animism

When working with my dear fellow humans, I will always invite in other trusted helpers with whom I work in partnership with - they are a part of my team so to speak, and includes the plants, stones, elements, directions, spirit helpers, etc. I am never truly working alone. The helpers have a spirit of their own as well as spiritual and energetic properties of their own. For instance, plants can be used on or around the body, they increase the power of a prayer, a bath, a clearing or healing intention. They carry ancient intelligence and information. They know where to go and what to do.

:: animism ::

“Nature is alive and speaking to us. This is not a metaphor.”- Terence McKenna

From the Latin word "anima": "breath, spirit, life" is the worldview that non-human entities—such as animals, plants, and inanimate objects—possess a spiritual essence.

“Animism is inherently relational, relating with multiple species and multiple spirits, and as relational beings, we care about the whole web of life. It is the recognition that we are continually in a state of creation and re-creation and that we are connected and in relationship with thousands, if not millions of other people as well as by millions of other non-human relations. In animistic cultures, everything is considered alive, conscious and relational. When we allow ourselves to open with discernment and engage with particular energies within and beyond ourselves, we can come into a greater experience of who we are and why we are here. It is a state of listening. A state of communion. A state of pausing, stillness and utter simplicity and it is about direct experience.” Mary Shutan

Though animism is the default way that humans have longed experience reality, many of us were not raised or nourished in a way to see the non-human world as alive and with consciousness. Many of us were not taught to relate to our own bodies as being intelligent, wise or conscious. This is the foundation of my work - to encourage this remembering of our bodies, the body of the earth and the universe itself.

We all carry this blueprint within - let’s remember together....... Our survival and thriving depend on our knowledge of and respectful treatment of our own body, the land, plants, animals and all beings.

Animism is the hands-on spirit work of building an awareness of and relationship with the spirits of plants, trees, fungi, animals, insects, waters, forests, rivers, mountains, prairies, deserts, elemental forces, and the ancestors under our feet.

I bring this relational awareness to my sessions at my studio and to those interested, I also offer solo or small group outings where I will make introductions to some of the non-human relatives in our area. Through direct experience, listening to the land’s dreaming and learning simple practices, we support and nourish our innate knowing and remembering that resides in our bodies, engendering and deepening relationship with ourselves, the earth and universe.