Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1515580
"Welcome to the Grand Bahama," my taxi driver said as I stepped out of the airport and into the warm, humid air. With that simple greeting, I knew I would feel at home on this island for the next four days. My temporary home was also the location of a bioaquatic class where I would be part of a small group learning how to use craniosacral therapy (CST) techniques in the water and how to support one another during dolphin- assisted craniosacral therapy (DACST). As 16 of us sat in a circle awaiting that first day, questions tumbled through my mind: Is there anything new offered? How will this help my practice? How will this translate for me when I don't own a swimming pool or dolphin? My curiosity brought me here, but will it be worth it? Quieting all the questions in my head, Kat Plasencio, one of the co-founders of Integrative Intentions International (III), the organization that runs the bioaquatic classes and DACST programs, welcomed us to the class. She explained how the next four days would be structured and gave us 62 m a s s a g e & b o d y wo r k m a rc h /a p r i l 2 0 24 Making Waves in Massage Therapy Dolphin-Assisted Craniosacral Therapy By Kate Mackinnon some of the history of the organization. Plasencio explained how Dr. John E. Upledger, developer of CST, spent many years fostering his clinical experience in an aquatic environment with dolphins present. He observed and measured positive results such as pain reduction, increased ease of breathing, greater relaxation, reduced hypertonicity, enhanced strength and f lexibility, and more restful sleep. Dr. Upledger asked III co-founders Plasencio and Chas Perry to continue his bioaquatic CST work. In 2011, a cooperative relationship with the Upledger Institute International was agreed upon, and III has continued to steward the bioaquatics exploration classes and dolphin-assisted therapy programs. Plasencio also explained how the dolphin facility for this program was one of the top places in the world. The first dolphins were wild captures used in television and movies and rescued by the facility. They had remained there for over 20 years, had calves, and populated their pod. The dolphins are now free to come and go during classes and therapy programs, which means they are not forced to participate. They are exceptionally well cared for and given the best food and provision of health care. They reside in a bay where the ocean water constantly refreshes itself, and the staff provides regular trips out to the open ocean, where the dolphins can follow and swim freely. HOW THE PROGRAM CAN IMPROVE YOUR CLINICAL SKILLS The DACST classes for Upledger-trained therapists are four days long, as are the programs for clients. Practitioners learn how to use CST techniques in the pool, ocean, and at the dolphin facility. A range of classes are offered, some