Rancho La Puerta offers therapeutic one-on-one sessions throughout the week. From craniosacral therapy and chiropractic services to Feldenkrais®, acupuncture, and WATSU®, our therapists are highly skilled masters—the finest in their fields.
WATSU®: Water Shiastsu – 96 Degree Warm Pool
Therapist: Dave Towe
WATSU® is the leading therapeutic aquatic healing technique. This passive work is done while the body is supported and gently moved through warm water in graceful and fluid movements. WATSU® promotes a deep state of relaxation and often dramatic changes in the autonomic nervous system. Appointments available through health center; Ext. 625. A one-hour session is $145.
Craniosacral Therapy Sessions
Biodynamic craniosacral therapy is a light-touch healing method evolved from the cranial osteopathy. The therapist “listens” with his/her hands to the subtle rhythmic pulsations generated by the nervous system. Places of held trauma or pathology will generate perturbation in the fluids. These can be detected and treated while the client rests comfortably. (Lecture offered; see schedule for days/times) 50-Minute and 90-minute sessions are $85 and $125, respectively.
Jonelle Rutkauskas
Jonelle Rutkauskas is a Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist, a Holistic Health Practitioner and a graduate of The School for Enlightenment and Healing. Jonelle has been in the healing arts for 18 years studying and teaching biodynamic craniosacral therapy, energy healing, somatic trauma healing and spiritual counseling. She has been meditating for 11 years and teaching surya meditation for 8 years. Jonelle has been in private practice in La Jolla, California for 18 years.
Michael Brightwood
Michael Brightwood began working in the healing arts in 1977 as a massage practitioner. He combined Shiatsu, Swedish, and deep tissue massage techniques in his practice. In 1995, having completed his studies in psychology, he began counseling professionally in England. He then went on to train at the Karuna Institute in Devon, England, under Franklyn Sills -- a leader in the field of craniosacral therapy. In 1998 Michael established a private practice in San Diego, California, while developing craniosacral therapy at Rancho La Puerta. Returning to England in 2003 to further his studies in craniosacral biodynamics, Michael received the Advanced Diploma in Craniosacral Biodynamics from the Karuna Institute. He is now involved in clinical research in craniosacral therapy and energy medicine and is a member of the Craniosacral Therapists Association of North America and the International Massage Association.
Chiropractic Service
Steve Paredes
As a Holistic Chiropractor, Dr. Paredes utilizes an eclectic approach to health maintenance. With an intention of discovering the root cause of a problem, he evaluates each person’s strength, flexibility, posture, biomechanics, and gait. Dr. Paredes treats the condition with soft tissue massage, chiropractic adjustments and yoga exercises. He educates and provides solutions for one’s personal self-treatment program. A 50-minute session is $125.
Feldenkrais®
Donna Wood
The Feldenkrais® Method is a learning based system that utilizes the relationships of movement with thinking, feeling and sensing. Through subtle motion we explore our own sensations, developing our ability for internal feedback and natural self-correction. This leads to the re-organization of how we move, breathe, act, and experience ourselves in the world. The Feldenkrais Method has the power to change deeply-held patterns and habits that constrain our potential. It has profound positive effects on our abilities and reduces stress, tension and fatigue. A 50-minute session is $75.
Acupuncture
Regina Aguilera
Regina Aguilera M.S., L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist and resides in Julian, California. There she owns and operates Native Touch Acupuncture & Healing Arts. She practices acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, nutritional counseling and therapeutic massage.
Acupuncture is part of a comprehensive medical system that emerged in China over the past 2,000 years through empirical study and observation of the body’s “life force” energy (“Qi” or chi). When this energy flows through the body without obstruction, it carries nourishment (blood, oxygen, food) to the cells, and helps eliminate cellular toxins. This proper flow of Qi manifests itself via a more healthy and balanced state of wellness. Acupuncture involves inserting hair-thin needles into specific points on the body that are located along a network of specific pathways (meridians). Guests should consider eating lightly before therapy and wear loose, comfortable clothing. A 50-minute session is $125.
