Student Resources
Our Content
Others' Work
We have a Youtube channel: @craftedtouch2723
Here are just a few of the videos we've made over the years:
• MFB: How to make sense of muscle pairings
• MFB: Upper cervical joint assessment
• Dural traction from the feet
• Using light touch gives us more information
• Follow what's vivid in palpatory assessment
Check out our channel for updates. Let us know if there's something you'd like to see!
Articles & Handouts
Specialize in Bodywork for Children (online link)
Article published in Massage Magazine (in print and online, 9/23/2022)
Developmental Considerations in Structural Work with Small Children (pdf)
Article published in the International Association of Structural Integrators Yearbook of Structural Integration, 2013.
Massage Therapy Research Conference - May, 2010 (pdf)
Fascia Research Congress—selected notes from Amsterdam 2009, prepared for Massage Therapy Research Conference, in Seattle, 2010
TMJ Homecare (pdf)
Client brochure with instructions for home jaw muscle care
Getting Results by Working Inside the Mouth (pdf)
A key territory for treating headache, whiplash, and jaw pain, by Lauren Christman, LMT and Richard Polishuk, LMT
Effects of Obstetrical Interventions...Effects on Breastfeeding, Ben Shield, DDS (pdf)
Anatomy Atlases
- Thieme Atlas of Anatomy: this atlas was first published in 3 volumes; the combined atlas (with some pictures reduced in size) sells for $69 in paperback. Beautiful illustrations and much useful verbiage as well. Glorious!
- Netter Atlas of Anatomy: I (Richard) used to disparage this atlas, because the paintings are so gaudy and crude relative to some other atlases. I've grown to appreciate the clarity of the plates over time. It's also the only anatomy atlas that currently has a good Kindle implementation, so it's THE atlas to have on an iPad. The Kindle version is $60.
For the Essentials of Intraoral Work
- Thomas Myers, Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians
- Hugh Milne, Heart of Listening: A Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work
- Chaitow, Leon & DeLany, Judith, Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques
For the Advanced Intraoral Work
- Hugh Milne, Heart of Listening: A Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work
- Jean-Pierre Barral & Alain Crobier, Trauma
- Alain Gehin, Atlas of Manipulative Techniques for the Cranium & Face
- Fernández-de-las-Peñas & Mesa-Jiménez, Temporomandibular Disorders
For the Balancing the Face for SI
- Thomas Myers, Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians
- Hugh Milne, Heart of Listening: A Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work
- Jean-Pierre Barral & Alain Crobier, Trauma
- Alain Gehin, Atlas of Manipulative Techniques for the Cranium & Face
- Fernández-de-las-Peñas & Mesa-Jiménez, Temporomandibular Disorders
- John Smith, Structural Bodywork
Anatomy DVDs
- Robert Acland, Acland's DVD Atlas of Human Anatomy, 6 DVD set: beautiful, clear depiction of standard anatomical approach (not much fascia, but lovely dissections and multiple views). (Amazon, medical bookstores, etc.)
- Gil Hedley, Integral Anatomy Series, 4 DVD set: lovely dissections of unpreserved specimens, from a bodyworker's perspective.
gilhedley.com - Thomas Myers, Anatomy Trains Revealed, 3 DVD set: new footage from fresh tissue dissection to trace the fascial meridians. anatomytrains.com
- Primal Pictures & Anatomy Trains CD-ROM: versatile program gives all muscles, origins/insertions, enervation, synergists/antagonists. This specialized program also cross-references to Thomas Myers' Anatomy Trains.
anatomytrains.com
Supplies
- Bach Rescue Remedy Cream: Lauren's favorite 'lubricant' for fascial work, precisely because it doesn't lubricate as much as it increases tack; in my experience, the herbal remedy also helps client's tissue receive vigorous work without bruising and it soothes my hands too! Available in single tubes through many health food stores, or you can buy in bulk on line.
- Tennis balls, large and small: for self-care stretching the plantar fascia, iliopsoas, IT band, etc., these balls are great—inexpensive and easy to use. We get ours in bulk through Pet Edge.
- Foot reflexology balls: these are getting harder to find. They are solid and quite dense (not to be confused with the prickly, softer balls that are so popular); they are great, when used judiciously, for stretching the soles of the feet while standing. Sold as foot reflexology tools.
- Gloves (latex, non-latex, finger cots): available through a variety of medical suppliers; it's good to shop around for any special deals. Usually you have to buy in bulk (at least a case of boxes - 12) to get the low prices:
- Corks (for TMJ self-care): available through home brewing companies, locally and on the net. It's nice to get natural corks, and keep them in a dry, scent free place.
- Skull Models or charts can be an invaluable support when talking with clients about their condition.
General models and charts: anatomicalchart.com (through LWW publishers)
For models that are more rare (real bone, pediatric, animal), take a look at Skulls Unlimited.