Reference Library

 
 

Subsequent to losing our inventory in the great Boulder flood of September 2013, we have discontinued operations as a mail-order supplier of books relating to our classes. Now we only ship the books and posters that we produce, which can be viewed here. We recommend BooksAndBones.com for hard-to find titles especially those from osteopathic medicine. 

We continue to operate a mini-bookstore, so that titles that we mention in lectures can be browsed readily. We attempt to keep in stock the main reference books for the courses we teach, plus other new and relevant titles. In addition, we maintain this reference library online to help educate site visitors about books that we deem to be important for the study of specific topics.

To see a full list of suggested titles, select a category below:

Anatomy, Science & Heart

Babies

Counseling & Trauma

Craniosacral Therapy

Embryology

Osteopathy

Polarity Therapy

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

 
 

BCST Course Required Reading

Foundations in Craniosacral Biodynamics Vol. 1
by Franklyn Sills (UPDATED)
Summary of the Biodynamic approach; Volume One gives basic principles and theory; totally re-done in 2011

Foundations in Craniosacral Biodynamics Vol. 2
by Franklyn Sills (UPDATED)
Summary of the Biodynamic approach; Volume Two gives applications; totally re-done in 2013

Dancing with Yin and Yang
by John Chitty
This new approach to mental wellness shows how the universal principles of nature, known as Yin and Yang in the wisdom traditions, can be applied to psychology. General principles and specific applications are provided, including a fresh view of Fritz Perls' famous two-chair Gestalt method and a concise illustrated summary of Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory. 
Learn more about Dancing with Yin and Yang and purchase here.

Interface: Mechanisms of Spirit in Osteopathy
by Paul Lee, D.O.
Summarizes the esoteric origins of Osteopathy, including a biography of its founder, A. T. Still

In an Unspoken Voice
by Peter Levine
This is the basis for our approach to working with trauma and autonomic nervous system states.

Wisdom in the Body
by Michael Kern, DO.
Best first-read for the Biodynamic Concept

Atlas of Human Anatomy
by Frank H. Netter, MD
Artistic anatomy textbook used in our course lectures. (5th Edition)

Other Recommended Books about Craniosacral Therapy

**Scroll below for specifically Osteopathic titles

Cranio-Sacral-SELF-Waves
by Olaf Korpiun
New in 2011, explores a very promising hypothesis for a scientific explanation for primary respiration, plus gives innovative practical applications from the biomechancial approach.

Anatomy of Potency
by Nicholas Handoll, DO
Explores the question of what is causing the tiny movement of Primary Respiration; includes an easy-to-read introduction to quantum physics.

Craniosacral Therapy II: Beyond the Dura
by John E. Upledger, DO
Excellent overview of Upledger's ideas, by the founder of CranioSacral Therapy who brought Sutherland’s concepts from their osteopathic origins into large-scale public awareness and acceptance.

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy: Volumes 1-4
by Michael J. Shea
Wide-ranging explorations about Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy; includes commentary about psychological implications.

Cranial Intelligence
by Ged Sumner and Steve Haines
A course manual for the New Zealand-based Body Intelligence training

The Heart of Listening : A Visionary Approach to Craniosacral Work, Vols. 1 & 2
by Hugh Milne, DO
Creates a foundation for Milne's approach, including practitioner skills of meditative awareness.

Stillness: Biodynamic Cranial Practice & the Evolution of Consciousness
by Charles Ridley
Observations and comments differentiating biodynamic from other craniosacral styles.

Cranial Manipulation: Theory and Practice
by Leon Chaitow, DO
A thorough biomechanical-style summary.

BCST CDs

Primary Respiration Animations CD
by Charles Swenson
Beautiful animations of primary respiration in the cranium

3D Cranio: Craniosacral Movement in 3D
by Edward Muntinga
CD with dozens of computer animations of the movements of primary respiration in each bone of the head, spine and pelvis.

Polarity Therapy Books

The writings of Randolph Stone are the basis of Polarity Therapy; subsequent authors have greatly expanded applications. Five topic areas are included: theory, bodywork, exercise, diet and counseling.

 
 

Polarity Course Required Reading

Health Building: The Conscious Art of Living Well
by Randolph Stone
Best first introduction to Stone's writings, conveys his inspired, inclusive approach to health care concepts including diet, exercise, bodywork and counseling.

The Polarity Process: Energy as a Healing Art
by Franklyn Sills
Best Polarity Therapy theory overview; includes interpretations and links to Buddhist traditions.

Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis
by James L. Oschman
Best overview of energy health science.

In an Unspoken Voice
by Peter Levine
This is the basis for our approach to working with trauma and autonomic nervous system states.

Dancing with Yin and Yang
by John Chitty
This new approach to mental wellness shows how the universal principles of nature, known as Yin and Yang in the wisdom traditions, can be applied to psychology. General principles and specific applications are provided, including a fresh view of Fritz Perls' famous two-chair Gestalt method and a concise illustrated summary of Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory. 

Learn more about Dancing with Yin and Yang and purchase here.

 

Other Recommended Titles

Polarity Therapy: Volume I
by Randolph Stone
The majority of Polarity Therapy content is contained in a two volume set. Theory and applications are presented in a series of charts with commentaries on each.

Polarity Therapy, Vol. II
by Randolph Stone
Continues from Vol. I, consolidating what was originally several smaller booklets.

APTA Standards for Practice and Education & Code of Ethics
by American Polarity Therapy Association
Summarizes requirements for certification as a Polarity Therapy practitioner

Polarity Therapy: Healing with Life Energy
by Alan Siegel and Phil Young
Wide-ranging explanation of Polarity bodywork and diet.

The Art of Polarity Therapy: A Practitioner’s Perspective
by Phil Young
Unique commentary not found elsewhere in the Polarity literature.

Healing with Form, Energy and Light
by Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche
Summarizes cosmology and health care ideas of the Bon faith, which preceded Buddhism in Tibet. Confirms many Polarity ideas.

Murrieta Hot Springs Vegetarian Cookbook 
Polarity Diets Cookbook
by Murrieta Foundation
This is the only compilation of Dr. Stone's dietary ideas converted into actual recipes, including Purifying and Health-Building diet plans.

Energy Exercises
by John Chitty & Mary Louise Muller
Self-help postures and movements for energy balancing, plus a section on body reading. This is the only text compiling this material under one cover.
Purchase Here

Your Healing Hands: The Polarity Experience
by Richard Gordon
The first Polarity Therapy book produced after Dr. Stone retired: simple and easy to apply hand positions for energy balancing.

Esoteric Anatomy: The Body As Consciousness
by Bruce Burger
Describes Polarity theory from a Vedic perspective, by the founder of the Heartwood school.

Astrology, Psychology, and the Four Elements
by Stephen Arroyo
Fascinating study of how astrological archetypes provide a Polarity Therapy language for psychological understanding.

Guide to Polarity Therapy: The Gentle Art of Hands on Healing
by Maruti Seidman
Intro guide to practice of Polarity Therapy, by one of Pierre Pannetier’s leading students.

The Illuminated Chakras (DVD)
by Anodea Judith
Beautiful computer graphics and sound track provide a yoga-based introduction to the chakras and the Polarity Therapy Five Elements concept.

Intimate Communion
by David Deida
Not a Polarity book per se, but applies Polarity principles to the field of relationships, with numerous insights supportive of Polarity Counseling.

DVD Lectures by Anna Chitty made in 1987

  • Energy Exercises (one hour): Anna demonstrates the Polarity Yoga postures and discusses their applications. $25.

  • Man & Woman (two hours): Anna describes the “Sun and Moon” model of relationships that is a key basis for Polarity Counseling. $25.

Science & Anatomy Books

We select books that are particularly valuable for Craniosacral, Polarity and Trauma Therapies.

 
 

Anatomy Books

Acland’s Video Atlas of Human Anatomy
by Robert Acland
Beautiful dissections display and name all anatomical parts.

Atlas of Human Anatomy
by Frank Netter
This is our choice for an anatomy textbook, containing many of the images that are used in our lectures.

The Human Brain
by John Nolte
College-level textbook for the brain, updated periodically to include new findings. New 6th Edition as of 2/09.

Cranial Nerves
by Wilson-Pawels, et al
Nerve-by-nerve exploration, profusely illustrated and clearly written.

Autonomic Nerves
by Wilson-Pawels, et al
Excellent resource for autonomic NS study including fascinating case studies. Does not include Porges material at all.

The Second Brain
by Michael Gershon
Describes the enteric nervous system and gives a basis for distributed intelligence outside the central nervous system.


 

Heart Books

The Heart’s Code
by Paul Pearsall
Describes how the heart is much more than a pump, from the perspective of holistic medicine.

The Dynamic Heart and Circulation
by Craig Holdrege
Wide-ranging explanation of the esoteric heart, with Rudolf Steiner influences.

The Secret Teaching of Plants: The Intelligence of the Heart in the Direct Perception of Nature
by Stephen Buhner
Mis-named! The first half of the book is about the heart as a perceptual organ, and the last half about perceptual interface with plant intelligence.


Physics & Science

New DVD: Nassim Haramein at NCAR
Terrific description of Haramein’s proposals for solving Einstein’s search for a unified field theory.

DVD set: Nassim Haramein “Crossing the Event Horizon”
4-disk set lays out a sampling of Haramein’s wide-ranging finds in many areas of science, many being very supportive of energy principles.

The Field
by Lynne McTaggart
Among several interpretations of modern science, this one has more applications for health care.

The Holographic Universe
by Michael Talbot
Another contender for an introduction to modern physics, presents the ideas of David Bohm, who collaborated with Einstein and other pioneers

Energy Medicine, the Scientific Basis
by James Oschman
Excellent summary of research, wide-ranging implications for all health care. Packed with information.

Energy Medicine in Therapeutics and Human Performance
by James Oschman
Continues with more recent findings.

The Living Energy Universe
by Gary Schwartz and Linda Russek
Well-written proposal for a new cosmology based on quantum physics findings.

The Sense of Being Stared At
by Rupert Sheldrake
British biologist convincingly argues for his “morphogenic field” hypothesis using experimental findings.

The Rainbow and the Worm
by Mae Won Ho
OUT OF PRINT AS OF SEPTEMBER 2011
British biologist describes microscopic studies on still-living organisms, supporting the field concept.

Molecules of Emotion
by Candace Pert
Describes the discovery of neurotransmitters, while also telling a fascinating story of scientific community gender strife.

Sacred Geometry: Philosophy and Practice (Art and Imagination)
by Robert Lawlor
Fascinating and beautifully illustrated summary of sacred geometry concepts.

One River
by Wade Davis
Biological anthropology serves as an introduction to indigenous science, with great storytelling of explorations in the Amazon and Americas.

Protoplasm of a Slime Mold
by William Seifriz
DVD disk shows (in a very grainy reproduction) the 1950 work of botanist Seifriz, who discovered and detailed the remarkable qualities of protoplasm, including its unexplained attribute of streaming back and forth in 50-second cycles reminiscent of primary respiration. Spellbinding and a staple of Craniosacral Courses everywhere.

Babies Books

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy offers important applications for pre- and peri- natal therapies, including birth and post-birth care.

 
 

Working with Babies
by John Chitty
Brings together information from Autonomic Nervous System regulation, Polarity Therapy and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy and applies it for therapists of all backgrounds who wish to work with new babies and their families.
Purchase Here

Becoming Attached: First Relationships and How They Shape Our Capacity to Love
by Robert Karen
Thorough review of maternal bonding including key factors, significance and therapeutic implications.

Immaculate Deception II: Myth, Magic & Birth
by Suzanne Arms
Thorough review of all the factors to consider in evaluating birthing options, clearly describing the risks associated with excessive intervention.

The Mind of Your Newborn Baby
by David Chamberlain
Excellent resource for understanding how babies are sentient and highly functional long before conventional medicine has generally accepted.

The Tibetan Art of Parenting: From Before Conception through Early Childhood
by Anne Hubbell Maiden
Applies Tibetan and Buddhist principles to pre-parenting and early childhood.

Pre-Parenting: Nurturing Your Child from Conception
by Thomas Verny & Pamela Weintraub
Excellent overview of prenatal factors and research findings.

The Secret Life of the Unborn Child: How You Can Prepare Your Baby for a Happy, Healthy Life
by Thomas Verny & John Kelly
Compelling research proving that prenates are sentient and responsive to the environment.

Womb, Karma and Transcendence
by Namgyal Rinpoche
Applies principles of Tibetan esoteric understanding to prenatal experience.

What Babies Want (DVD)
by Debby Takikawa
Outstanding achievement in gathering the voices of leading researchers and practitioners. Must-see for new moms and their medical support, supporting the importance of maternal bonding.

Your Child's Growing Mind: Brain Development and Learning From Birth to Adolescence
by Jane Healy
Summarizes research in the intelligence of infants, often underestimated in medical environments.

Delivery Self-Attachment (VHS)
by Lennart Richard
Brief video clips show that newborns can move themselves to the breast; contains a strong caution about anesthesia.

Trauma & Counseling Books

 
 

The Polyvagal Theory
by Stephen Porges
New in 2011, the long-awaited first book from the originator of the Polyvagal Theory. Look in Resources for materials on this groundbreaking understanding of the autonomic nervous system, foundation of health.

Focusing
by Eugene Gendlin
The classic, from the originator of body-centered psychotherapy.

Crash Course
by Diane Heller
Very practical applications of trauma recovery principles, specialized for auto accidents but relevant for all PTSD.

The Power of Focusing
by Ann Cornell
Gendlin’s student expanded the concepts and provides numerous practical exercises.

The Journey of Souls
by Michael Newton
Hypnotherapist studies of regression to pre-conception; excellent for broadening a client’s perspective.

Remote Viewing Secrets
by Joseph McMoneagle
Osteopaths report developing the ability to accurately visualize sub-surface tissue; this book gives a hypothesis for how to develop that capacity.

In an Unspoken Voice
by Peter Levine
New in 2011, an updated summary of Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing method.

Waking the Tiger
by Peter Levine
The foundation of our approach in both Craniosacral and Polarity contexts. Superseded by ‘In an Unspoken Voice’, Levine’s follow-up book to ‘Waking the Tiger’.

Trauma and the Body
by Pat Ogden, Kikuni Minton, et al
Academic summary of body-centered trauma recovery theory and practice.

Heal Your Body
by Louise Hay
Gives pointers for exploring mental-emotional factors in specific diseases. Useful to help clients entertain new ideas and about their conditions.

Open Focus Brain
by Les Fehmi
Excellent method for developing practitioner perceptual skills. CD included for daily practice.

Embryology Books

Embryology is studied to increase capacity to recognize the formative forces in the body, which are still present in all ages.

 
 

Development Dynamics in Humans and Other Primates: Discovering Evolutionary Principles through Comparative Morphology
by Jos Verhulst
A truly exceptional book! Examines embryological morphology, revealing the uniqueness of the human form and exploring a huge problem with Darwinism.

The Ontogenetic Basis of Human Anatomy: The Biodynamic Approach to Development from Conception to Birth
by Erich Blechschmidt
Revolutionary findings of the pioneer in embryology studies, establishing the concept of pre-genetic formative forces based on a lifetime of arduous research.

Functional Morphology
by Johannes Rohen
Approaches anatomy through phenomenology, tremendous detail about how form follows function.

Human Embryology
by William J. Larsen
Fourth Edition; The definitive textbook for embryology.

The Complete Three-Day Embryology Seminar
by Jaap van der Wal
Price: $130
8 DVD disks, plus a CD containing 4 class handouts, showing the entire class entitled “The Speech of the Embryo” given at CSES in 2005. 
Order Here

Bolk’s Companions- Embryology
Bolk Instituut in Holland carries on the work of Louis Bolk. Many unique observations about embryology and related topics.

Foundations Of Anthroposophical Medicine: A Training Manual
by Guus van der Bie
Contains a chapter by Jaap van der Wal on the polarity of early-life morphology.

Osteopathy Books

Craniosacral Therapy is indirectly derived from the medical profession of Osteopathy. This page provides selected readings for students to deepen their understanding of the origins and implications of the larger field. Of particular interest are works by Sutherland (considered by many to be the founder of the cranial concept), Becker (Sutherland’s protege), and Fulford (legendary practitioner celebrated by Andrew Weil, MD).

 
 

Teachings in the Science of Osteopathy
by William G. Sutherland, DO
The main textbook by the originator of the cranial concept.

Contributions of Thought
by William G. Sutherland, DO
Shows the progression of Sutherland's ideas over a span 50 years, via articles and lectures.

With Thinking Fingers: The Story of William Garner Sutherland
by Ada Sutherland
Sutherland's wife's reflections, written in a sweetly quaint Victorian style.

The Cranial Bowl
by William G. Sutherland, DO
Detailed description of cranial bones and sutures, including relationships and implications.

Are We On the Path?
by Robert Fulford, DO
Continues the posthumous collection and publication of Fulford's wide-ranging personal notes.

Dr. Fulford's Touch of Life: Aligning Body, Mind, & Spirit
by Robert Fulford, DO
First introduction to Fulford's philosophy and approach.

Robert Fulford, D.O. and the Philosopher Physician
by Zachary Comeaux
Contains many Polarity references and insights in addition to descriptions of Fulford’s eclectic approach.

Interface: Mechanisms of Spirit in Osteopathy
by Paul Lee, D.O.
Required in the Craniosacral Program
Summarizes the esoteric origins of Osteopathy, including a biography of its founder, A. T. Still

Cranial Osteopathy
by Torsten Liem, DO
Encyclopedic summary of the whole of Cranial Osteopathy, profusely illustrated. Includes an insightful chapter on the Biodynamic approach as distinguished from the main ("Biomechanical") themes in Osteopathy.

Stillness of Life
by Rollin E. Becker, DO
The private correspondence of Sutherland's protege. Insightful and revealing insider’s view of development of ideas.

Life in Motion
by Rollin E. Becker, DO
Becker’s public writings and speeches, provides a useful contrast to ‘The Stillness of Life’ and shows how Becker sought to find wording to capture his experiences with patients.

Trauma: An Osteopathic Approach
by Jean-Pierre Barral, DO
Only thorough linkage of symptoms and Osteopathy's lesion locations.