Class Code
B1

The Brain Therapy Curriculum is an advanced-level course that takes us to the next realm of manual therapy. It explores the brain, spinal cord, white matter, grey matter, and also in this level brain nuclei such as corpus callosum, septum pellucidum, indusium griseum, fornix, thalamus, globus pallidus, amygdala, hippocampus, brainstem, cerebellum, etc.
The body often aligns itself around these precise structures, and they are frequently unaddressed key/dominant tissue restrictions.Brain 1 (B1): Brain Tissue, Nuclei, Fluid & Autonomic Nervous System

The techniques presented in this Course can probably help most of your patients, but it can specifically help pathologies such as closed-head injuries, whiplash, headaches, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, cognitive behavioral dysfunctions, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Students will learn specific techniques to release brain-centered restrictions as well as the damaging effects that these restrictions cause.

Brain 1 is an advanced class that uses a slightly different paradigm by working extensively with the brain parenchyma, grey and white matter, cranial and spinal structures, rather than mainly concentrating on the cranial bones and membranes.

This work requires perceptual skills to be able to address tissue microstructures, and we will have specific exercises in the class to help build up these skills.

This class will propose different ways to release these structures, and once learned, you will understand how these structures are repeatedly one of the most important, and yet least often addressed components of somatic dysfunctions.


Many topics will be covered in the Brain Therapy classes, in general, including:

  • 1. Cranial bones (intraosseous and interosseous lesions)
  • 2. Cranial membranes in all anatomical directions
  • 3. Fluid: 3 distinct compartments
    • a. Subarachnoid spaces and cerebral cisterns
    • b. Brain parenchyma and the glymphatic system
    • c. Ventricles
  • 4. Grey Matter: 3 and 6 layered cortex and brain nuclei
  • 5. White Matter: 3 types of organization
  • 6. Electromagnetic field (EMF) of the brain
  • 7. Emotions, as well as mental or spiritual dimensions.

 

I know that the normal brain lives, thinks, and moves within its own specific membranous articular mechanism." - Sutherland WG, The Cranial Bowl, Free Press, First Edition, 1939, reprint 1994, pp 51.


Class length 4 days


CEUs 24 hours for numerous professions (please see CEU page)

 

Conflict of Interest: All classes presented by Chikly Health Institute have no financial conflict of interest.

CHI is not sponsored by outside organizations or corporations.

Please read "Our Policies" for more information: https://chiklyinstitute.com/Policies

Contact Continuing Education (CE) Hours Total: 24 CEUs for massage therapists - NCBTMB Approved Provider # 451238-10

NCBTMB CEUs are accepted in every US state for NCBTMB certification renewal.

Most states accept NCBTMB for license renewal but not all. We are also an approved provider for NY state.

Please look here for more information: http://www.ncbtmb.org/map/requirements-map.

Because certification and license renewal policies vary from state to state, it's important for you to make sure the CEUs are accepted wherever you practice. Therefore, please be aware that this information may not apply in your state.

Check your state’s website at: http://www.ncbtmb.org/regulators/state-info.

 Alberta massage therapists: Members of the RMTA will receive 19 Continuing Education Credits (CEC) upon the submission of a certificate of completion for each course.

 

States Approved for PTs: 24 CEUs

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

 

• 24 hours approved by the Massage Therapy Association of Manitoba, Canada (MTAM)

 

• 20 hours approved by the Certified Registered Massage Therapy Association of Alberta, Canada (CRMTA)

 

We are in the process of providing Continuing education for numerous other professions.  Please check back to this page later as we will post all updates.

 

  • Identify and access very precise areas of the brain that hold primary lesions and traumaBrain 1 (B1): Brain Tissue, Nuclei, Fluid & Autonomic Nervous System

  • Explore methods for dealing with tissue trauma and cellular fear

  • Discover techniques to help release restrictions in more than 20 brain nuclei, including the corpus callosum, fornix, thalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, pituitary, and substantia nigra

  • Gain techniques for fluid dynamics and nuclei related to the ventricular fluid system, lateral, 3rd, and 4th ventricles, and central canal of the spine

  • Learn a gentle and respectful technique to release the whole brain and spinal cord parenchyma

  • Discover the suggested protocol for brain and spinal cord dysfunctions

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

  • Lecture
  • Study Guide
  • Question & Answer
  • PowerPoint Slides
  • Demonstration
  • Practice sessions
  • Review

 

CLASS OUTLINE  (Subject to Change)

Day One

8:30                                      Registration

9:00 - 11:00                        - Introduction, teachers, students, teaching assistants, and facilitator

                                            - Teaching material

                                            - Autonomic nervous system/trauma/upregulation/downregulation: theory and scientific evidences

11:00 - 11:15                      Break

11:15 – 12:00                      - Release autonomic nervous system/trauma/downregulation technique practice

12:00 - 12:30                      - Determine the location of an autonomic nervous system/trauma dysfunction in the face or cranium

12:30 - 2:00                         Lunch

2:00 – 3:30                          - Brain Ventricles technique and central canal of the spinal cord

3:30 - 3:45                           Break

3:45 - 5:30                           - Microanatomy and microphysiology techniques

 

Day Two

9:00 - 11:00                        - Review, questions, and answers

                                              - Brain nuclei: corpus callosum, septum pellucidum, fornix, indusium griseum

11:00 - 11:15                       Break

11:15 - 12:30                      - Brain nuclei: basal nuclei, caudate nucleus, globus pallidus, putamen, claustrum, insula of Rheil (Reil)

12:30-2:00                          Lunch

2:00 - 2:30                           - Brain nuclei: clinical case

2:30-3:30                             - Brain nuclei: thalamus, pulvinar, interthalamic adhesion

3:30 - 3:45                          Break

3:45 - 5:30                          - Brain nuclei: hippocampus, amygdala

 

Day Three

9:00 – 9:45 am - Review, questions, and answers

                                              - Brain nuclei: hypothalamus, pituitary

9:45 am – 10:30 am - Brain nuclei: mammillary bodies, olfactory nerves, substantia nigra, red nucleus, ventral tegmental area (VTA)

10:30 - 10:45                        Break

10:45 - 12:30                      - Brain nuclei: cerebellum: intra, inter and cerebro-cerebellar lesions. cerebellar nuclei

12:30 - 2:00                          Lunch

2:00 – 3:30                           - Brain nuclei: pineal / habenula                                    

3:30 - 3:45                          Break

3:45 - 5:30                          - Universal Rhythm Lab

                                            - Motility and release of the brain parenchyma

 

Day Four

9:00 - 10:30                        - Review, questions, and answers

                                            - Release of the brain/mobility: anterior release

10:30 - 10:45                       Break

10:45 - 12:30                      - Release of the brain/mobility: posterior release

12:30 – 1:30                        Lunch

1:30 – 2:45pm                    - Release of the spinal cord/mobility

                                           - Final questions and answers.

                                           - Take home protocol.

                                           - Self-reflection and identification of changes for practitioner’s practice.

 

LEARNER’S OBJECTIVES (Subject to Change)

 DAY 1:

- By the end of the 1st-day participants will be able to correctly explain the scientific theory of autonomic nervous system upregulation and downregulation in relation to physical trauma

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly determine on a live person’s face or cranium at least one specific area with autonomic nervous system dysregulation

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person Brain 1 ventricles technique

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one microanatomy technique

 

DAY 2:

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one technique on corpus callosum

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one technique on fornix

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one technique on basal nuclei

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one technique on the thalamus

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one technique on the hippocampus

 

DAY 3:

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one technique on pituitary

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one technique on mammillary bodies

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one technique on substantia nigra

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one global technique on the cerebellum

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one technique on the cerebellum nuclei

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate on a live person one technique on the pineal

 

DAY 4:

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate universal rhythm techniques on the brain

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate how to release the brain mobility

- By the end of the course participants will be able to correctly demonstrate how to release the spinal cord mobility

A TOTAL OF 3 hands-on classes in ANY of the following curriculums, in ANY combination: LDT, CST, VM/NM, or ML curriculi (except dissection classes).

Being in clinical practice, strong preparation in neuroanatomy, good proprioception, being able to use a subtle touch. 

Advanced practitioners with significant training and clinical experience in neuroanatomy and refined/fluid techniques may be eligible to take this workshop without pre-requisite classes (e.g. osteopathic classes, cranial biodynamic classes, etc.)

If you think you may qualify, please fill up the "Application for Exception" to be submitted to the developer.

 

The Reason for the prerequisite combinations

The brain is a delicate and sentient structure. It is important to have advanced skills for this class, heightened sensitivity, and in-depth knowledge.

The brain is an "interface" between structure and function, its structures are extremely sensitive and conscious. The clarity of the practitioner has an important effect on the treatment and response of the brain tissue. The practitioner must be able to hold a pure space to safely and successfully do this work.

 

We also strongly recommend taking a dialoguing class to enhance your practice as well as your personal growth, even if you have already qualified without these classes. Your dialoguing skills will be especially important in B3 when we work with the Autonomic Nervous System.

One CHI Dialoguing class Brain students have found very helpful is Heart Centered Therapy. There are elements of Heart Centered Therapy (HCT) that are important to know as you connect to brain tissue. HCT is a non-invasive modality that allows the practitioner to create a safe and sacred space and connect from the resonance field of their "heart".

It prepares the practitioner to be an objective, compassionate witness to the process of patient-client. It empowers the facilitator to clear the emotional and spiritual component of trauma that may still be held in the tissue as well as the related dissonant patterns held by the family, ancestral and cultural lineage. These skills and principles have supported and imprinted this work and inherently enable us to more deeply understand the importance of a loving, respectful and conscious touch.

Advance study of anatomy is required.

It is of utmost importance that you prepare for this class as far in advance as possible. Many students feel it is never too early to begin the study of neuroanatomy structures.

 

The DVD "Dissection of the Brain and Spinal Cord" was specifically made to facilitate preparation for this class.

This DVD will show you structures such as the ventricular system, the brain parenchyma; the major components (nuclei) of the brain and spinal cord including corpus callosum, fornix, thalamus, putamen, globus pallidus, caudate nucleus, amygdaloid bodies, hippocampus, mamillary bodies, red nucleus, substantia nigra, pituitary, hypothalamus, cerebellum, and associated nuclei, cauda equina, conus medullaris, filum terminale internum and externum.

 

You will be spending class time reviewing specific areas of the central nervous system. You, therefore, need to pay particular attention to the anatomy (and physiology) of the brain and spinal cord along with the central nervous system as you prepare for class.

 

For this class, it is more important to know the 3-dimensional location of a brain structure and its relationship to the surrounding structures, than its classical described physiology.

It is recommended that you review some books such as "Netter's Atlas of Human Neuroscience" (see list of references below).

Terminology

We have provided a list of terms below you need to study before attending this course.
It is very important for you to be familiar with the following words and concepts.

 

Anatomical/Physiological Terms

  • All cranial bones, meninges, and associated structures
  • Structure and physiology of brain ventricles: frontal horn, temporal horn, occipital horn, central part, interventricular foramen of Monro, optic recess, interthalamic adhesion, aqueduct of Sylvius, foramen of Luschka, foramen of Magendie, choroid plexus of lateral, third, and fourth ventricles, and central canal of the spinal cord
  • Major structures of the brain, including corpus callosum, septum pellucidum, indusium griseum, fornix, thalamus, pulvinar, interthalamic adhesion, putamen, nucleus accumbens, globus pallidus, lentiform nucleus, caudate nucleus, basal ganglia, internal capsule, external capsule, claustrum, limbic system, amygdala, hippocampus, mamillary bodies, brain stem, hindbrain, medulla oblongata, pons, diencephalon, mesencephalon, cerebellum and associated nuclei (fastigial, globose, emboliform, dentate), red nucleus, substanta nigra, pituitary (hypophysis), hypothalamus and its numerous nuclei, pineal(epiphysis), locus ceruleus, colliculus, and geniculate bodies.
  • Astrocyte, oligodendrocyte, microglia, ependyma, organelles, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, centriole (centrosome/basal bodies), Golgi apparatus or Golgi complex, ribosome (ribonucleoprotein), Endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, granule/vesicle/vacuole, microfilaments (actin filaments), intermediate Filaments, microtubules, extracellular matrix (ground substance) (You can use "Silent Waves" Part 6, Chapter 3 as a reference for this topic).

Pathologies

Be sure you are familiar with the following pathologies: closed-head injuries, whiplash, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, cognitive behavioral dysfunctions, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.

 

List of words from the Netter's Atlas of Human Neuroscience

Be familiar with the brain structures from each of the following pages of “Netter's Atlas of Human Neuroscience” First Edition, (2nd  edition in parenthesis), [3rd edition in brackets]:

Page 7 (page 6-7) [page 7-11]: The different cells of the CNS: Astrocyte, oligodendrocyte, microglia, ependyma, [glial]

Page 23 (page 34), [page 52]: Insula

Page 25 (page 37-38), [page 55-56]: Corpus callosum: genu, body, splenium; cingulate gyrus, pituitary, interthalamic adhesion, pineal, cerebellum, medulla oblongata

Page 27 (page 40), [page 58]: Olfactory bulb, pituitary, mammillary bodies, red nucleus, substantia nigra, splenium of the corpus callosum

Page 29 (page 46), [page 64]: Ventricles, thalamus, putamen, globus pallidus, lentiform nucleus, caudate nucleus, external and internal, capsule, claustrum, insula

Page 30 (page 47), [page 65]: Corpus callosum, indusium griseum

Page 31 (page 48), [page 66]: Corpus callosum, medial and lateral longitudinal striae

Page 32 (page 50), [page 68]: Corpus callosum, mammilary bodies, fornix, columns and commissure of fornix, hippocampus, thalamus, putamen, globus pallidus, caudate nucleus, amygdale

Page 33 (page 51), [page 69], [page ]: Corpus callosum, fornix, hippocampus, pineal gland

Page 34 (page 52), [page 70]: Thalamus, interthalamic adhesion, mediodorsal nuclei (MD)

Page 36 (page 56), [page 74]: Cerebellum, cerebellar nuclei: fastigial, globose, emboliform, dentate

Page 43 (page 68), [page 86]: Ventricular system: frontal horn, temporal horn, occipital horn, central part, interventricular foramen of Monro, optic recess, interthalamic adhesion, aqueduct of Sylvius, third and fourth ventricles, lateral recess, foramen of Magendie, foramen of Luschka, choroid plexus of lateral, third and fourth ventricles

Page 44 (page 70), [page 88]: Cerebellum, thalamus, pituitary, pineal

Page 45 (page 73), [page 91]: CSF and ventricular system

Page 77 (page 128), [page 149]: Foramen of Monro, aperture of Luschka and Magendie

Page 177-178 (page 261-263), [page 291-293]: Hypothalamus

Page 190 (page 288), [page 318]: Nucleus accumbens

Page 191 (page 290,417), [page 320,455]: Amygdala

Page 208 (page 318,382-383), [page 349,416-417]: Substantia nigra

Page 258 (page 257,380), [page 287,414]: Cerebellar nuclei: fastigial, globose, emboliform, dentate

Page 265-269 (page 262,390-394), [page 292,424-428]: Hypothalamus

Page 282 (page 404-405,407), [page 438-440,442]: Anterior, preoptic and posterior nuclei of the hypothalamus

 

If Needed, Other in-Depth Resources

  • "Atlas of Anatomy", Thieme, Head and Neuroanatomy, ISBN: 978-1-58890-441-6
  • "Color Atlas of Human Anatomy, Vol. 3, Nervous System and Sensory Organs", Thieme, ISBN: 978-1-58890-0647
  • "Neuroanatomy, 3-D Stereoscopic Atlas", M. Hirsch, T. Kramer, Springer Ed, ISBN: 3-540-65998-6
  • "The Human Brain", John Nolte, Mosby, ISBN: 978-0-323-01320-8
  • "Neuroanatomy, Text and Atlas", John Martin, Appleton & Lange Ed ISBN: 0-8385-6694-4

If you use the 4th edition of "Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy" you should specifically review plates 102-127 (formerly 96-121) and 160-170 (formerly 153-162).

 

If you need a plastic brain model to help you assimilate these anatomical structures, Dr. Chikly recommends a 15-part, life-size model that is made of SOMSO Plast

Price: $950

Registration Discount: $750

You can receive the discounted price of $750 by using your CHI-Pak or by registering and making a minimum deposit of $200 at a prior CHI class and pay the balance in full 45 days before the class start date.
(If the class is not paid in full 45 days before the start of the course, the rate automatically goes up to $950)

Repeat: $475

 

Chikly Health Institute

Your lecture and workshop were splendid…For the first time the brain component of the Primary Respiratory Mechanism was addressed as palpable structures…I was convinced that I actually felt the lateral ventricles change their orientation in your workshop.
I was amazed how quickly you located the infarction in my right temporal lobe without even knowing my stroke history.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.
KEEP DIGGING ON,

Fred L. Mitchell, Jr
Chikly Health Institute

We are so grateful that the Chikly Institute has seamlessly adapted by bringing their cutting edge classes to students worldwide via online webinars, without sacrificing quality and in-depth instruction.  Bruno and Alaya's breakthrough work in both manual and emotional therapy is pivotable to the integrative care and techniques we bring to our patients, and thanks to the quality of their online classes, we can continue expanding our skills even during these trying times.

Michael Allen MD, Linda Lazar Allen CAMT. Center for Living Health
Chikly Health Institute

As a seasoned practitioner who is a course junkie, collecting techniques from wonderful mentors.  My favorite techniques are from the Chikly's.  I use them the most often and the people I treat think that I have great hands.  The Chikly's cover both the academic problem solving and the heart.  I couldn’t be happier taking all of their coursework. Thanks to both of them.

Luanne Olson, DPT
Chikly Health Institute

Today is a big milestone for me. In 2012, I first learned about the Chikly Health Institute and had to wait longingly for the time I would be able to have the resources to begin the program. Three years ago I took a deep dive into the coursework, and as of today, I have now completed all of Chikly Health Institute courses in the Lymphatic, Brain, and Heart Centered Therapy (HCT) programs*. This education has radically altered the way I practice my work and the health issues I can address with my clients. The classes are comprehensive, rich in content and experiential learning, and delivered with the highest professional standards. When I began the classes with LDT 1, it immediately became apparent how essential the integration of the Lymphatic, Brain and HCT programs was going to be to ultimately be able to have an elegant intersection of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of manual treatment. This curriculum is a pinnacle of excellence in bio-psycho-social hands on manual therapy. This is a truly unique program. Many of my colleagues in the classes with far more experience in other CEU training programs, repeatedly commented how superior the classes where with the Chikly Health Institute. Since I had dropped all of my eggs in this one primary CEU basket, I was thrilled to know I had made an extraordinary choice. In March 2020, when the world was turned upside down by the Covid19 pandemic, Dr Chikly and Alaya and the entire staff of teachers and administrative team made an extraordinary pivot from live to online classes showing their tremendous commitment to continue this great work and meet the demands for their student's advanced education. I have great gratitude for them all and look forward to all of the new work Dr. Chikly and Alaya will continue to develop and teach.

 

Patricia Anahata Little, LMT
Chikly Health Institute
I was a student of yours last June attending the B1 class and wanted to give you feedback.
When I came back to my office, I integrated the B1 material into my regular massage routine—just a couple of minutes of brain work, which usually was some CST work.
I didn't mention to my clients what I was doing. Nearly all my clients recognized a difference in what I was doing. They experienced more profound relaxation, visuals, and emotions coming up. So in short everybody loves it.
I also am treating a client who has had daily migraines since a head and brain trauma in 2016. Since applying B1, she has now had phases of 2 weeks without migraines, dropping her strong medications.
Another client, she has been having migraines since age 8, stemming probably from birth trauma, had after her 1st visit, doing 20min brain work, a 1-week phase without any headaches.

This is all awesome. I plan to come back this June to repeat B1, this time paying more attention because this stuff works.

Alex Z, LMT.
Chikly Health Institute

l love this course! I use what I have learned in Bruno Chikly's courses with every patient. 

Laura Disenhaus, PT, DOMP, D.Sc.O
Chikly Health Institute

I love all of Bruno Chikly’s courses. I combine all the techniques he teaches with all the other techniques I’ve learned through other curriculums and his techniques really take my skills to a deeper level. My clients definitely benefit.  

Theresa Medellin, RN, LMT, CST-T
PT Treatment of Severe Ankle Fractures & Post-Surgical Scars Using Lymph 1, Brain 1, FAR, HCT, etc.
The Reciprocal Motility of the Brain (a "Universal Rhythm"). Brain Level 1 - B. Chikly, MD, DO.
Stephen Porges, PhD, The Polyvagal Theory: From Social Engagement to Collapse and Dissociation.
Guidelines for a Non-Smoking Protocol using Lymph (LDT) & Brain Techniques by Bruno Chikly.
How to Work with Burns? Lymph, Brain and Emotional Techniques. Alaya & Bruno Chikly.