Meet Marklan

For twenty years, I have specialized in slow-motion, non-force adjustments for the treatment and relief of structural imbalances throughout the body, focusing on facial, cranial, spinal and pelvic pain. 

Before choosing a career in manual therapy, my ten years of experience in ceramic arts, sculpture, and stone masonry strengthened my focus and trained my hands as a perfect preparation for working with the human structure and nervous system. 

My work is also influenced by more than 20 years of study and practice in the internal movement arts of Chi Gung and Tai Chi Chuan. Both emphasize the same slow biomechanical precision and a calm fluidity in motion that are hallmarks of CranioSacral Therapy.

I credit the effectiveness of my work to my studies in the CranioSacral Therapy of Dr. John Upledger, and Dynamic Manual Interface, the work of Frank Lowen, LMT. Training in techniques to facilitate circulation through the organs, including Lymphatics, has been a great complement to my work, allowing me to treat myofascial patterns and joint restrictions much more effectively.

Since 2012, I have been coached in Z-Health recovery and integration movement by my friend and colleague Dr. Kevin Teagle. This has deepened my kinesthetic awareness of biomechanics, greatly improving the effectiveness of my work with my patients.

I feel fortunate to live in Grants Pass, Oregon with my wife and children. Together we enjoy camping, hiking, skiing and paddling in the beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers of Southern Oregon and Northern California.

About CranioSacral Therapy

What Is It?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle specialized method of manual therapy which employs slow-motion, non-force adjustments for the relief of pain and dysfunction throughout the body, with special focus on the face and head, neck, back and pelvis. This therapy was developed by Dr. John Upledger in the 1970s, founded upon the principles and techniques of Cranial Osteopathy. 

The CranioSacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the skull, face and mouth, which make up the cranium, down to the sacrum, or tailbone area. An imbalance or restriction could potentially cause any number of sensory, motor or neurological disabilities, such as chronic pain, eye difficulties, scoliosis, motor-coordination impairments, learning disabilities and other health challenges.

When we experience physical pain, we also notice that our ability to move well is compromised. CST places a special focus on the importance of internal movements in the body that are expressions of ease and good function. These internal movements can become restricted when an impact or overuse injury causes a physical trauma. They can also be compromised by mental and emotional stress. 

How Does It Work?

The gentleness and effectiveness of its hands-on techniques are what make CranioSacral Therapy somewhat mysterious and difficult to describe. How can such gentle work be so effective? Certainly there must be some magic at work here! And indeed, there is.  

CST relies on finesse, precision, and patience rather than force and speed to facilitate the self-adjusting capacity of the body. This allows the nervous system time to participate in the process, integrating and owning the changes as they occur. The result is tremendous positive change that seems disproportionate to the subtlety of the techniques employed.  

Thorough and lasting relief from a pain pattern requires the recovery of easy motion within the body. As a CranioSacral Therapist, I use my hands to gently provide the precise leverage and pressure necessary to support the recovery of important internal movements of the body. Relaxation, pain relief and improved function are the result.  

How Does It Feel?

CST is performed with the patient fully clothed, reclining and resting comfortably. Bolsters, pillows and an adjusting table are available to accommodate the specific needs of the individual. 

CST techniques are used to evaluate mobility and tension patterns throughout the patients body. Then gentle, precise pressure (typically no more than the weight of a nickel), is used to release primary areas of restriction. The experience is relaxing and pain relief often progresses through the session. Patients often comment about how pleasant and relaxing their clinical experience is.

A session typically lasts an hour, and it can be used alone or in conjunction with other therapeutic procedures such as chiropractic adjustment, massage, acupuncture, and more. The result? A central nervous system free of restrictions and a body that’s able to return to its greatest levels of performance.

Patient Success Stories