NADINE SAXTON, MA,CMA,CST, RSMT

With a background in dance, Nadine has over 26 years working with the body.  She was a faculty member in the Dance Department at York University for over 10 years and created a course in Experimental Anatomy for Ryerson University's Theatre School which she taught for several years. She is co-author of the book Toronto Dance Theatre 1968-1998: Stages in a Journey, and continues to work as a freelance writer in the field of Movement Analysis.

Nadine acquired advanced studies as a CMA in the area of chronic pain focussing of treatment protocols, gait analysis, and myofascial tissue release with Dr. Dianne Woodruff. She completed her Pilates mat training in 1997 which she modified to include a greater somatic approach.

A CranioSacral practitioner since 1999, Nadine has completed 6 levels of training and is a Certified Therapist with the Upledger Instintute. She continues to work as a Teaching Assistant with the organization.  In addition Nadine works as a Support Therapist on Comprehensive Treatment programs with Integrative Intentions  Nadine has developed a practical workshop applying CranioSacral techniques for Yoga Instructors and is available to give Share Care lectures explaining the efficacy of CranioSacral Therapy.

Nadine was core faculty for the LIMS Certification in Movement Analysis program hosted by York University in 2003 and is a core faculty member of the Laban/Bartenieff and Somatic Studies Canada program at Ryerson University.

Introduction to Laban Movement Analysis
Introduction to Bartenieff Fundamentals

What is CranioSacral Therapy?
Our bodies hold the history of our lives. When a stress (be it physical or emotional) comes into the body that is too intense, in an attempt to achieve balance, the body stores the energy and then compensates around it. These stored or blocked areas show up as connective tissue restrictions. CranioSacral Therapy is a gentle noninvasive therapy that modifies and corrects restrictions in the CranioSacral system as well as the connective tissue throughout the body to improve wellness and enhance the body's self-regulating mechanism.

What is the CranioSacral system?
CranioSacral System is a physiological system that consists of the structures for the production, circulation and absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. These structures are: The bones of the skull and the vertebrae, the  dural membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, the bony and fascial attachments of the membranes in the skull and spine.

Cerebrospinal fluid, provides nutrients to the brain and spinal cord and is made from blood in the ventricles of the brain. It is pumped through the brain and spinal cord creating a wave like pulsation which can be felt throughout the whole body similar to the rhythms of the heart and respiratory system. Since the brain is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid, any restrictions in tissue that affects the flow of this vital fluid will affect the nervous system. The CranioSacral System influences the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord which is why it is a helpful treatment for children with any movement or learning disorder.  Connective Tissue is like an endless web that extends over and throughout the entire body. It acts as a link to all body systems.

What does a Practitioner do?
A CranioSacral practitioner, acting as a facilitator for the patient/client monitors the rhythm of the CranioSacral system to detect potential restrictions and imbalances in the body. Whenever the wave of flow is not fully perceived, it alerts the practitioner to certain fascial restrictions. If these restrictions are not relieved, they may eventually produce symptoms of dis – ease and discomfort.

Just as in a physical trauma, there is an energetic component to the impact of any emotional trauma.  The body aims to wall off this embedded energy. In CranioSacral Therapy this is known as an energy cyst. Suppressed emotions and traumas are a key factor in the development of muscle tension, high blood pressure, and heart disease.  A practitioner uses imagery, touch and dialoging techniques to locate energy cysts and to guide the patient/client through the process of releasing and resolving old traumas. The practitioner may also channel and direct energy to assist the body's innate healing force. Real healing begins when these energy cysts are released, and vital body energy is freed.  At all times the practitioner relies on the innate wisdom of the body to search for the optimal level of functioning and acts as the follower in the patient/client's process of release. The CranioSacral system is a core system in the bridge between energy and matter and therefore the bridge to better health.

It helps alleviate a range of illness, pain and dysfunction, including:

See how Craniosacral Therapy can help you.

Study Group dates and suggested topics

Upledger Institute study groups are student driven. Nadine functions as a facilitator for the desires of the group. The following topics are suggestions and are geared towards those interested (but not limited to) in taking the technique certification.

February 22, 2009- 10 step protocol + mouth work

April 26, 2009- Sphenoid

June 14, 2009- Whole body evaluation

August 30, 2009- Direction of energy and facial glide

October 25, 2009- Facilitated segments

Please contact Nadine via e-mail at nadine.saxton@gmail.com  if you are planning to attend.There will be a nominal $10 participation fee.