SAGE HEALTH: Meet Chris Cravens

Over the past decade, Chris has been a student of many forms of expressive whole body movement and Holistic Health practices.

Chris began movement therapy training in her first "Introduction to Dance" class in 1999.  She spent the next few years exploring various styles of expression and movement.  In 2004, she became highly involved in ethnic dance under the direction of Morwenna Assaf at the Art/Dance Academy in Oceanside.  During this time, she attained her Massage Therapist Certification at the Academy of Professional Careers in San Marcos.   Additionally, she has studied  CranioSacral Therapy- The Upledger Institute, The Body Talk System - IBTA and Herbalogy-Self Heal School of Herbal Studies. By 2006, Chris had gained the level of instructor in Middle Eastern Dance and began teaching classes to students of all ages. The element of yoga was added to her teaching in 2007 when she began her Anusara Yoga Teacher Training with Sherry Schreck at The Willows Yoga, in Encinitas.  Currently,  Chris has spent time learning the art of hooping with Michelle "Nayeli" Bouvier of Hoop Nectar. All of these skills coalesce to create a well rounded instructor that has deeper understanding of the human body; then integrates mind and spirit. 

Chris's movement therapy classes are designed to assist with proper alignment principles and core dance technique while encouraging creativity. The most recent addition of the hoop seems to bring about an element of completion by incorporating the flow of sacred geometry into personalized wellness programs. These programs are suited for those seeking self-expression  in a safe, supportive and loving environment;  while developing a better connection between body, mind and spirit.

In her massage practice, Chris combines and melds various therapeutic modalities such as: Deep Tissue Massage, Acupressure, Swedish Massage, Yoga, Reiki, CranioSacral Therapy, Meditation/Pranayama, The BodyTalk System, Flower Essences and Aromatherapy.  During a session with Chris, you can expect to be guided inward, learning to use the breath as a tool  and a platform, to aid in the release areas of chronic tension. Utilizing all of these modalities, Chris will create an  session that is designed uniquely for you.

When she's not at the clinic or studio, it is common to find Chris teaching children as well as adults, to hoop in the local neighborhoods.  She also sells hand-crafted hoops made with intention.  The intention is that those who use them will open port-holes to self-love and self-discovery within themselves.   This supports her growth on her journey with the  belief that:

You Learn, You Teach.
You Teach, You Learn.

Massage Certification
Academy of Prof. Careers
CranioSacral Therapy
Upledger Institute