Harmonya Wellness
Curious about how a therapy so gentle can make a real difference in how you feel?
Find out how it works, what to expect during a session, and why it’s becoming a go-to for those dealing with stress, chronic pain, and even migraines. If you’re looking for a relaxing, non-invasive therapy that supports your well-being from the inside out, CranioSacral therapy might be it.
Benefits of CranioSacral Therapy
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Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to release tension in the central nervous system.
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It helps reduce stress, relieve headaches, migraines, and ease chronic pain.
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The technique promotes deep relaxation and supports emotional well-being.
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It’s non-invasive and safe for all ages, including children and seniors.
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Often used to support recovery from trauma, fatigue, or nervous system imbalance.
What Is CranioSacral Therapy
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on osteopathic therapy developed by Dr. John Upledger in the 1970's.
It works with the CranioSacral System, which consists of the central nervous system and all the surrounding membranes and fluid around the brain. The therapist uses light touches to create rhythmic pulsations and helps the body improve naturally.
During the session, the therapist will assess for restrictions in the movement of soft tissues due to trauma or inflammation, and then apply very light pressure to release them.
CranioSacral Therapy has been increasingly utilized as a preventive and therapeutic measure, enabling individuals to maintain balance and promote overall health.
The idea of cranial bone motion was controversial for decades, but further research by Dr. John Upledger demonstrated the activity in X-rays of older skulls. Further investigation confirmed the correctness of this hypothesis. These studies increasingly suggest the effectiveness of CST in treating several health-related issues. Numerous studies have helped to prove that CranioSacral therapy can help treat concussions, neck pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, and autism spectrum disorders, among many other conditions.
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How Does CranioSacral Works?
Your brain and spinal cord are the major structural elements of the central nervous system. This is strongly influenced by the CranioSacral System, which comprises of membranes and fluid that coat, protect, and hydrate your neurons and glia cells.
Your body endures physical challenges that it must confront with daily. Unfortunately, those challenges often result in body tissues contracting. These tissue distortions cause muscle tissues to contract, creating tension around the brain and spinal cord. This tends to create an obstacle to the healthy functioning of the central nervous system and possibly other cells it interacts with.
Fortunately, such limitations can be identified and corrected.
During a session, the CST therapist focuses on the body’s different fields to find the most appropriate path of treatment. This gentle hands-on therapy brings balance to the cerebrospinal fluid channels that run from inside the brain, down the spinal cord, and to the sacrum. CST enables to impact both your mental and physical health. A healthy body system helps lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and fatigue, while improving digestion, sleep, pain management, and cognitive functions like memory and attention. CST is also known for strengthening your immune system and stress tolerance.​
During each session we work to help your body self-correct, self-regulate, and self-heal so you can attend to your everyday life with a well-balanced body.
​What Conditions Can CranioSacral Help With?
CST has been applied to treat both physical and emotional issues. There is a wide range of conditions found to be suitably treated by CST:
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Physical pain like back and neck pain
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Migraines and Headaches
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Immune disorders
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Anxiety and Stress
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Concussion & Brain injury
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Spinal cord injury
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Scoliosis
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Chronic fatigue
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Alzheimer's disease
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Dementia
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Autism
CranioSacral therapy can help alleviate pain and stress in various conditions. It has been known to help:
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Chronic pain
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Headaches
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Temporomandubular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
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Fibromyalgia
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
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Digestive issues
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Autism spectrum disorder
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Learning difficulties
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Neck flexibility & range of motion
Improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the body's tissues helps to reduce inflammation, promote deep relaxation, and release restrictions within the body, thereby promoting improved health.
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What Are the Benefits Of CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral therapy may be offered to people of all ages. It may also be prescribed as a portion of the treatment for conditions like the following:
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Migraines & headaches
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Bowel movements (e.g constipation, IBS)
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Chronic pain (e.g. Fibromyalgia)
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Ear infections or colic in infants
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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
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Trauma Recovery (e.g. whiplash)
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Anxiety or depression
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Conception and pregnancy issues
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Insomnia
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Scoliosis
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Sinus infections
Several studies support the claim that CST is an effective treatment for stress, but more rigorous studies are needed to confirm this conclusion. Other studies indicate that CST can serve as an important treatment or part of an effective treatment plan for specific conditions.
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CST can be used on its own or in conjunction with other forms of therapy for greater effectiveness. As a form of holistic healing, it is often used as one of the alternative therapies when traditional medicines fail to provide relief.
Its effects are usually felt immediately after a session and with continuous sessions tends to provide lasting relief from chronic pain or illness caused by stress or trauma. CST is a safe and effective way to restore balance to the body's nervous system while providing numerous benefits that can improve overall health and well-being.
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If you have any further doubts or questions regarding CranioSacral Therapy please contact us so we could further assist you.
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About
Maya Barak
CST-T, LMT, BHA
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"Self-healing is inherent in each human being"
Dr. John Upledger
Learning how to support my clients better began many years ago when I provided an in-depth analysis of my client’s personality and early childhood experiences, as well as discovering their hidden potentials and gifts they came to the world with. PsychoDiagnostic Chirology, a unique hands analysis (hands are just one of the many maps of our body), provided the root cause of why our life is the way it is: why we experienced challenges in our relationships, work and social life. This analysis counted for 50% of the path to improve one's life.
With time I realized most of my clients needed some type of body-mind therapy to help them with the reminder 50%. I went back to school and became a Licensed Massage Therapist. I quickly realized that my hands naturally knew what to do. I continued my learning with The Upledger Institute where I certified as a CranioSacral Therapist - Techniques.
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Since then I continued taking many other courses, learning about other body systems like the brain and nervous system, glymphatic system, cranial nerves, immune system, endocrine, breath and more.
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I am honored to support my clients of different ages, from fetus to adults, move from experiencing an aching body, sometimes from pains they had for years, to feeling better and stronger. Those who experience a heightened nervous system leave relaxed and enjoy deep breaths and a better overall sensation. Throughout the years I am always at awe seeing how our body has a self-correcting mechanism with an innate ability to self heal. ​​​​​​​
My Skills & Training
CranioSacral Therapy 1 & 2 (CS1 and CS2)
SomatoEmotional Release 1 & 2 (SER1 and SER2)
CranioSacral Therapy for Longevity: Reversal of the Aging Process (CSLRAP)
CranioSacral Touching the Brain 1 & 2 - Stimulating Self-Correction through the Glial Interface (CTTB1 and CTTB2)
The Brain Speaks 1 & 2 (TBS1 and TBS2)
CranioSacral Therapy and the Immune Response (CSIR)
CranioSacral Applications for Conception, Pregnancy and Birthing (CCPB1)
CranioSacral Therapy for Pediatrics 1 (CSP1)
CranioSacral Therapy for Cranial Nerves 1 (CSCN1)
CST Working with Chronic Depletion (CSWCD)
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Teacher's Assistant for CS1, CS2, CTTB1, CSLRAP
CranioSacral Therapist - Techniques Certified (CST-T)
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) in the states of Texas
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Professional Associations / Memberships
Approved Therapist for the Heal It Forward Program (HIFG) - The Upledger Institute
Member International Association of Healthcare Professionals (IAHP) - Medallion Member
Member American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
Services
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CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a light touch manual therapy that works to release tensions deep in the body, relieve pain and dysfunction, and improve whole-body health and performance. The goal of this therapy is to provide an assisting force and allow the body to make micro-adjustments to tissue. These adjustments bring the body back into its optimal state of function.
Few body structures have more influence over your health and well-being than your nervous system. And few body systems have more impact on your central nervous system than the cranioasacral system - the soft tissue membranes and fluid that protects your brain and spinal cord.
By freeing the central nervous system to perform at its best, CST naturally reduces pain and stress, strengthens your resistance to disease, and enhances your health and well-being. And because it's so gentle, CST has proven effective for all ages.
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When you endure stresses and strains, your body absorbs them. But your body can only handle so much tension before the tissues begin to tighten, and potentially affect the brain and spinal cord. Unfortunately, this can compromise the function of the central nervous system and nearly every other system in your body.
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Using gentle touch, starting with about the weight of a nickel, CST enables the therapist to evaluate your specific strain patterns and use distinctive light-touch techniques to release any restrictions.​ Thus, CST improves your body's ability to take better care of you. It has been shown to help people with a full spectrum of pain and dysfunction, including migraines and headaches, chronic neck and back pain, stress and tension related disorders, depression, immune disorders, chronic fatigue, TMJ, Alzheimer's, regulating moods, better digestion, improving sleep, and other conditions.
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A craniosacral session typically lasts about one hour. It takes place in a quiet, private setting. You remain fully clothed as you relax on a comfortable padded table. Each session is highly individual and is generally deeply relaxing.
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How Does CranioSacral Therapy work?
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The therapist beings by gently touching various parts of the head and body to monitor the rhythm of the fluid that is flowing around your central nervous system. By carefully listening with the hands to locate areas of weak fluid or tissue motion, the therapist can trace those areas of weakness through the body to the original source of dysfunction.
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Delicate manual techniques are then used to release those areas and improve the form and function of your central nervous system. The treatment itself exerts a gentle pressure that does not exceed 5 grams (about the weight of a nickel).
Each session alleviates restrictions to restore inner flow. As a result, the entire body is integrated towards seamless communication and better ”team work”. CST helps the body awaken its self-healing ability, regenerates the vitality of the brain and nervous system, and the whole body.
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What Can I Expect From a Session?
A typical craniosacral session takes place in a quiet, private setting. You remain fully clothed as you relax on a comfortable padded table. Each session lasts about one hour.
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The session starts by gently touching various parts of the head and body to monitor rhythm of the fluid that is flowing around your central nervous system. By carefully listening with the hands to locate areas of weak fluid flow or tissue motion, the therapist can trace those areas of weakness through the body to the original source of dysfunction.
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Delicate manual techniques are then used to release those problem areas, and improve the form and function of your central nervous system.
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What you experience from your own session is highly individual.
The sessions are generally deeply relaxing, creating feelings of warmth or gentle pulsing.
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​1 Hour Session: $110​
* Reduced Rates for Veterans and First Responders ​
Ask about our gift certificates
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Longevity & Brain Health
Reversal of the Aging Process
What if growing older didn’t have to mean a decline in health and brain function?
What if you could protect your brain and enhance your spinal fluid reserves with craniosacral therapy, thus protecting your brain and central nervous system function, improving your overall immune response and your brain health?
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Craniosacral Therapy is used to support longevity by evaluation, treatment and support of the entire range of the mid to late age adult population, from 60-100+ years of age.
A variety of conditions that are inflammatory in nature may begin to develop in adults from their 30s onward. What may seem like minor issues at first, can gain momentum and cause more severe problems and complications as we age.
Dr. Upledger’s pioneering work in inflammatory processes and mechanisms of immune system dysfunction allows to treat a greater range of clients who display the pathologies described as the diseases of aging. It also may help with long-covid symptoms, and more.
As Craniosacral Therapy helps increase cerebrospinal fluid volume, flow and circulation, CST techniques proposes to typically assist the brain in clearing toxicity and warding off problems associated with inflammation. This is done via the glymphatic system (a term made from combining glia cells and lymphatic), a system that explains how the brain is so efficient in clearing out unwanted waste products and toxins.
Research conducted at the start of the millennia suggests that an application of Craniosacral Therapy techniques may aid the prevention of Alzheimer's and Dementia. Patients treated by qualified practitioners in the early to mid stages of these diseases show improved health of the central nervous system. Craniosacral Therapy helps to improve the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid and release restrictions in the body and brain that contribute to impairment of cognitive function. The resulting unrestricted flow of cerebrospinal fluid helps reduce inflammation and remove harmful toxicity in the brain.
Craniosacral Therapy is also known to affect the immune and endocrine system functions, as well as create neurological balance.
Working and supporting these systems of the body could gradually and overtime support overall health.
Craniosacral Therapy has been shown to positively affect the functioning of the body.
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Increasing volume of cerebrospinal fluid, which may help:
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Clear heavy metals across the blood brain barrier
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Protect the brain from inflammatory processes
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Enhance health of the neuro-skeletal-muscular-vascular system
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Enhancing immune and endocrine system function, which may help:
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Improve the ratio of bone production and reabsorption
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Improve and promote red blood cell health and platelet production factors
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Enhance endocrine and pituitary function
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Increasing fluid flow, which may help:
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Relax connective tissue
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Positively influence vision and related structures
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Strengthen connective tissue fluid flow and the character of the skin
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Increase oxygen intake and therefore positively impact respiratory function and overall energy
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Support increased muscle elasticity
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​Assisting with neurological balance, which may help with:
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Address deep structures within the central nervous system
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Stabilize sleep patterns, improve balance and vestibular control
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​1 Hour Session: $110​
* Reduced Rates for Veterans and First Responders​
Ask about our gift certificates
Conception, Pregnancy and Birth
Supporting Mom, Baby and Family Members
During pregnancy tremendous changes occur in the maternal
biology. Craniosacral Therapy works with the inner wisdom to help the body realign and alleviate challenges and discomfort that may affect conception, pregnancy and birth.
For example, the uterus grows above the bony pelvis and is no longer supported by the strong pelvic ligaments. Add to that the natural softening of the joints and ligaments from hormone changes, all can add increased strain and potential discomfort and aches in the lower back, legs and belly.
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The growing uterus also puts pressure on the surrounding organs and ligaments. Craniosacral Therapy can help the uterus be in the proper, centered position and help the body balance the many changes necessary for the optimal health and development of the baby.
CST alleviates physical discomfort, low backache, ligament pain and headache; increases circulation to the mother and baby; diminishes morning sickness; lessens heartburn, constipation and fatigue; supports breathing; and facilitates hormone movement.
Along with the added physical stress during pregnancy, it is common for the mother-to-be to have emotional stress, also due to the vast hormonal changes. An imbalance in the emotional body can be stirred up during pregnancy and will need attention.
Because the craniosacral system surrounds the autonomic nervous system, it works well to help create more balance in the hormones as well as better communication throughout the body, as well as with baby and other family members.
1 Hour Session: $110
* Reduced Rates for Veterans and First Responders
Ask about gift certificates
IntraOral Massage
Intra-Oral massage is an effective manual technique that works on muscles in and around the mouth. This technique can be intense, but it is not necessarily painful. Since it deals with muscles that are rarely touched, they respond to slow, methodic and gentle pressure.
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During Treatment gloves are worn while working inside the mouth to release the muscles and fascia involved with chewing and jaw clenching. Other areas that are typically worked during this type of treatment may include; muscles in the back and front of the neck, muscles on the outside of the mouth, scalp and muscles at the base of the skull. The results can be life-changing for those with chronic pain.
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​ Many patients have been successfully treated for TMJ syndrome using Intra-Oral Massage Therapy, by using these specific massage techniques to the face, head, neck, jaw and oral cavity. Facial massages have also been shown to reduce fine lines and help overall skin health. ​
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Please notify your therapist of any physical and emotion trauma no matter how long ago the incident occurred. Emotional releases are common and normal with this type of work.
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60 minute session: $150
90 minute session $200
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Ask about gift certificates
BreatheWork
Breathwork refers to conscious and intentional control of one's breathing pattern to potentially improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It encompasses various techniques, from simple practices like deep belly breathing to more complex methods like Holotropic Breathwork. Breathwork is used to induce relaxation, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm, but it can also be used to energize and invigorate the body.
Breathwork is essentially manipulating the way you breathe to influence your state of mind and body. Unlike mindfulness meditation, which focuses on observing the breath, breathwork involves actively changing your breathing patterns. This can include controlling the depth, speed, and rhythm of your breaths, as well as the specific breathing technique used.
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Breathwork techniques can activate the body's relaxation response, potentially lowering heart rate and blood pressure. By consciously controlling your breath, you can influence your autonomic nervous system, shifting from a stressed state (fight - flight) to a relaxed state (rest and digest).
Heal It Forward
The Dr. John E Upledger Foundation (JEUF) Heal It Forward Program is a program launched in 2021 after having been concepted by John Matthew Upledger prior to his passing in 2017.
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This program helps provide CranioSacral Therapy sessions for qualified patients who lack the resources to pay for treatments.
Please contact me at (646) 400-3430 or mayabarak11@gmail.com to help get you started.