EQ1220: Equine CranioSacral Therapy – Level 3

In this advanced class, participants will deepen their understanding of the theory, concepts, and application of advanced CranioSacral techniques while integrating this knowledge with the nervous and fascial systems. Emphasis is placed on recognizing specific dysfunctions and learning new corrective approaches, as well as refining and expanding the use of foundational CST methods to enhance clinical effectiveness.

Key areas of study include:

• Anatomy and neurological function of the equine cranial nerves, brachial plexus, and lumbosacral plexus

• The role and impact of terminal nerves of the forelimb and hind limb

• Understanding and addressing the Myodural Bridge

• Identifying and addressing dysfunctional intervertebral spinal segments with aberrant nerve function

• Advanced techniques for rebalancing and restoring biomechanical function in the os coxae, pubis, and sacrum

By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with advanced skills to recognize, assess, and address complex dysfunctions, taking their CST sessions to the next level.

**PLEASE NOTE – Level 2 and Level 3 are NOT designed to be taken immediately back-to-back.  The student needs time to practice the moves from Levels 1 and 2  in order to benefit from Level 3. We recommend at least 5 months between the levels.**

After attending this class, the student will be able to:

• Understand the variability of CST Level 1 and Level 2 techniques as they can be applied to neurological pathologies and/or deficits
• Understand the progressive application of learned techniques
• Learn how to assess for neurological deficits and which techniques can be applied to assist in release, rebalance or recovery from the deficit
• When and how to apply a technique when assessment information may contradict a veterinary diagnosis
• How to recognize neurological deficits within a static and dynamic assessment
• Recognizing when a deficit requires veterinary diagnosis and staying within your scope of practice
• Understanding the veterinary contraindications to CST techniques as they may apply to an Advanced CST session
• Be able to communicate your findings within a professional team environment (veterinarians, chiro, farrier, dental, etc.)

OUTLINE OF COURSE:

Theory

• Review of Level 1 and 2 techniques and application, Q&A
• Overview of the Myodural Bridge
• Recognizing the signs of neural impingement and impact through dynamic evaluation
• Cranial Nerve anatomy and function
• Brachial Nerve Plexus anatomy and function
• Lumosacral Nerve Plexus anatomy and function
• Terminal Nerves of both the Brachial and Lumbosacral Plexus
• Palpate and Assess (listen) to the Nervous System as it relates to Neural Manipulation being integrated with CST

Craniosacral Therapy Techniques

• Myodural Bridge Rebalance
• Dysfunctional Intervertebral Segments (formerly known as Facilitated Segments)
• Recognizing and Addressing Energy Cysts
• Introduction to Cranial Nerve Assessment
• Overview of Neurological Evaluation of Cranial Nerves
• Recognizing, addressing and rebalancing Cranial Nerve lesions
• Recognizing, addressing and rebalancing Brachial Nerve Plexus lesions including terminal nerve impacts using Integrated cranial neural fascial techniques
• Recognizing, addressing and rebalancing Lumbosacral Nerve Plexus lesions including terminal nerve impacts using Integrated cranial neural fascial techniques
• Pelvic Anatomy – Assessing, addressing and rebalancing the Os Coxae
• Pubis: Pubic tubercle and pubic symphysis – release and rebalance
• Static and Dynamic evaluation of the Equine through an Advanced CranioSacral Lens
• Application of Level 1 and 2 techniques through an Advanced CST lens and focused application
• Application of Level 1 and 2 techniques as applied to foals and young horses, with special emphasis on the sacrum

Completion of EQ1210: Equine CranioSacral Techniques – Level 2 is required before moving on to Level 3. While Level 2 externships do not have to be completed prior to class, the student should be comfortable with the material covered in the Level 2 course.

**PLEASE NOTE – Level 2 and Level 3 are NOT designed to be taken immediately back-to-back.  The student needs time to practice the moves from Levels 1 and 2 in order to benefit from Level 3. We recommend at least 5 months between the levels.**

Course Materials (included in tuition):
Course Handouts

Externship (included in tuition):
Externship Grading (Case Studies and Visual Presentation)

Dr. Sandra Howlett, DC. CST-D, ECST, Certified Veterinary Chiropractic, EFLC

Dr. Howlett came into this world with a love of people, animals, and health. She has three passions in life: people helping people, people helping animals, and animals helping people.

Dr. Howlett graduated from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 1987.  Her early days in practice were successful, yet she quickly began searching for more education and more diversity. She discovered Dr. John Upledger, DO, OMM and fell into the osteopathic approach, especially cranial osteopathy, in facilitating self-correction.  Over the years with Upledger, she became diplomate certified and was an instructor and examiner for Upledger’s students.

Dr. Howlett pursued further training offered under the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators, including neural manipulation, visceral manipulation, lymphatic drainage, and manual brain/glial matrix work. She has also completed the animal chiropractic training, which is a post-doctorate program offered only to veterinarians and chiropractors.

With a further quest for understanding animals, especially horses, Dr. Howlett completed two different certifications in Equine Facilitated Learning/Therapy. When she discovered that addressing “head cases” (including what is often referred to as behavioral) was lacking in the therapeutic approach to helping animals, she developed a curriculum in CranioSacral Therapy. This curriculum is focused on integrating the craniosacral system, the fascial system and the nervous system, thereby facilitating self-healing. This program was originally offered through Integrative Intentions, then Upledger, and now she is pleased to be offering this curriculum through Equinology and its Independent Licensed Companies, including the EquiLearn Institute. She is excited to delve deeper into the science behind the techniques being offered and the overall approach to animal health care.

A $350 deposit is required to hold your spot in a course – the remainder of the tuition is due at least 45 days prior to the course start date. The $350 deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable, and is credited to the total tuition for the course. Confirmation letters, course outlines, required pre-study (if applicable), directions and lodging options will be sent when the $350 deposit has been received.