About Michael
Over three decades of listening with my hands.
I’m an Upledger-trained CranioSacral Therapist. I help people re-establish balance Physically, Emotionally, Mentally, and Spiritually, by listening to what their bodies already know.
My path here wasn’t a straight line. It started with a question.
Upledger-trained CranioSacral Therapist · CAMTC Certified Massage Therapist #13967
Portrait of Michael
My path
After graduating from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, I went to work for a Fortune 500 company. It was a good job, but I kept wondering what was missing from the way most of us take care of ourselves. That question led me to alternative health care, starting with the mental and spiritual side.
Beginning in 1994, I trained in meditation and energy work at the Berkeley Psychic Institute. I graduated from several of its programs, went on to teach, and directed its Sacramento location from 2001 to 2004. In October 1997 I also graduated from the Hands-on Healing program at the Aesclepion Healing Center. For several years I worked full time as an energy worker.
The more I worked with the inner layers, the more I wanted to understand the physical body. So in 2007 I trained in massage and Neuromuscular Therapy at the Massage Therapy Institute in Davis, which put my hands directly on the body’s tension patterns. That hands-on work led me to CranioSacral Therapy, where the physical and the inner work finally met.
I’ve been learning ever since, through the Upledger Institute’s advanced courses and through every client who lies down on my table.
Why I do this work
Curiosity, and a place to heal.
I’m endlessly curious about how the body and mind work together. That curiosity keeps me studying, and it shapes every session.
My goal is to create a space where you can relax enough to notice what your body is telling you. The awareness you build on the table is something you take home.
I bring my best self to each session, and I’m committed to supporting a healthy, happy lifestyle long after you leave.
Training
Upledger Institute International
Core training
Assessing the central nervous system and fascia, working with acute and chronic conditions, and gentle trauma resolution.
- CranioSacral Therapy 1
- CranioSacral Therapy 2
- SomatoEmotional Release 1
- SomatoEmotional Release 2
Advanced training
Deeper study of the brain, nerves, digestion, and immune system.
- Touching the Brain 1 & 2
- CST Touching the Brain: Stimulating Self-Correction Through the Glial Interface, taught by Tad Wanveer, LMBT, CST-D
- CranioSacral Therapy for the Cranial Nerves
- Listening to the Second Brain (the enteric nervous system)
- CranioSacral Therapy and the Immune Response curriculum: thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and extremities, taught by Tim Hutton, PhD, LMP, CST-D
Earlier training
October 1997
Aesclepion Healing Center
Graduate, Hands-on Healing program
1994 to 2004
Berkeley Psychic Institute
Meditation and energy work. Graduate of several programs, teacher, and director of the Sacramento location, 2001 to 2004
2007
Massage and Neuromuscular Therapy
Massage Therapy Institute, Davis, CA. CAMTC Certified Massage Therapist #13967
A note on scope
CranioSacral Therapy works alongside medical care, not in place of it. I’m not a physician, and I don’t diagnose or treat disease. If you’re under a doctor’s care, please keep them informed, and let me know about any conditions before your session.
In their words
What clients have shared about their sessions.
I’ve been a Reiki practitioner in the same office building as Michael for a little over two years, and somehow this was my first time actually experiencing his craniosacral work. I’ve been going through a significant situation with my eyesight, and our session and conversation gave me so much to ponder. Michael helped me look at what I’m experiencing from a completely different perspective, particularly through his knowledge and understanding of how the body functions and its natural movement toward homeostasis. I’m genuinely grateful for the session, the conversation, and the depth of knowledge Michael shared with me. I only wish I had walked down the hall sooner!
Elizabeth R.
I have been dealing with neck and back issues for over 40 years. I’ve had virtually every modality of treatment during that time. While I’ve definitely experienced some relief, the underlying issues remained constant. I went to see Michael only because he was so highly recommended by my Rolfer. But this is something new! I am experiencing a kind of relief from pain and even optimism regarding my neck and back issues that is unprecedented. My body is changing. It’s gradual. But it’s significant. And it continues! I’m not exaggerating when I say Michael’s treatment has been life changing for me.
Elizabeth B.
I have been seeing Michael on almost a weekly basis since September 2020. Getting my weekly Craniosacral therapy has become a non-negotiable in my life because of how much relief I feel in my body and mind after each session. Michael has a very calm and peaceful energy (his office too). I started seeing Michael at a time where I was experiencing a lot of health issues and changes. My body, mind, and spirit seemed so disconnected and fearful. Over time, a lot of my issues with anxiety, digestion, joint, nerve, and muscle pain have decreased and life has become more manageable for me. It is a tool in my toolbox with helping me feel better. I always leave feeling peace and tranquility. The investment in your well-being is worth it.
Victoria G.
I’m not one to post a review but feel compelled here… Cranial Sacral Therapy has changed my life so dramatically that I cannot imagine life before. Michael helped me understand the mind body connection I needed to finally conquer things like my anxiety, jaw clenching, even recurring body ailments like neck and back pain I’ve had for years. My body now feels closer to a homeostasis that allows it to juggle all of life’s stressors without the wheels falling off! If you’re ready for change you have nothing to lose here in breaking these cycles. He’s an extremely caring, compassionate individual.
Dillon R.
My first appointment was the New Client Experience, which I highly recommend. I had done research on Craniosacral Therapy and was curious if it could help me. I felt like my body was out of balance, and I had anxiety and trouble relaxing. On my first visit, Michael did a great job educating me and answering all my questions, then I had my first session. It is very light touch. I quickly felt deeply relaxed, comfortable, safe and peaceful. It has helped me heal physically, mentally and emotionally. Michael is professional, compassionate, trustworthy, understanding, caring and kind. If you are curious about Craniosacral Therapy, Michael is the one to see.
Marlene H.
Michael is extraordinarily gifted. He listens attentively, asks the questions that lead one to their own solution or knowing, then fully delivers on what is needed. CranioSacral work is very subtle but also very powerful. I am so glad I found Michael Spackman. He is the best.
Ruth M.
Michael knows what he is doing! He is grounded, mindful, and exceptionally skilled. In my first craniosacral visit, he was able to release a knot in my upper thoracic region that has remained impenetrable to more than a dozen massage therapists, acupuncturists, and even my husband for well over a decade. In subsequent visits, he has supported a process of continual “release” of extraneous tension. This is, hands down, the best bodywork I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a lot of it. Michael has my highest recommendation.
Susan
I experienced my first Cranial Sacral session about 20 years ago. Its effect on the trajectory of my life is beyond measure. After many years receiving this healing modality, it was a treat to find that Michael has his own unique approach to the work. With a subtle invitation to go inward, he supported me with a tender touch as I began to notice the gentle unwinding of my web of thoughts as my body followed… or was the body unwinding as the thoughts followed? Perhaps they were in unison. Find out for yourself.
Donna K.
I truly enjoy my cranial sacral sessions with Michael. My headaches are gone and sinus pressure is extremely minimal. Michael is constantly learning, taking the latest classes, and reading up on the magnificent human body and the brain, and I am reaping the benefits and always learning something new myself. During my extremely relaxing sessions, I experience my body shifting, healing, aligning. I highly recommend Michael to friends and neighbors. Five stars for sure!
Erica C.
Michael’s over 20 years of experience and deep study in energy medicine as well as his Craniosacral therapy practice created a profound healing experience in my inner well-being and in eliminating pain, increasing flexibility and balance. I recommend Michael highly for those who wish to successfully address chronic issues and recovering from physical or emotional trauma.
Laura H.
I started seeing Michael well over 10 years ago. In 2008 or so I saw him weekly for several years for neuromuscular therapy. I was in a lot of physical pain and the massages greatly contributed to my recovery. A few years ago I returned for cranial sacral therapy due to autoimmune issues. Weekly therapy sessions have really helped. Michael is a great healer and I highly recommend him!
Judy H.
Michael truly enjoys learning all about the human body and mind. I currently go for cranial sacral therapy and he is perfect. I relax deeply in my sessions. I deal with TMJ and sinus issues and they seem to have dissipated. He aligns the body ever so slightly and days after my session I can feel my body adjust. I highly recommend Michael if you are on a healing journey. Feeling grateful.
Erica
I didn’t just get relief from a pain I’d been suffering with for years but learned a lot about how to continue to live a healthier life pain free.
Sue S.
With every cranial sacral therapy session with Michael, my autoimmune condition improves. I highly recommend his services.
Rev.
I really liked the way Michael explained how my body functioned. That really helped me understand the things that weren’t functioning properly and thus the reason for my pain.
Yvette
Individual experiences. Results vary.
Stop thinking about it. Feel it.
You don’t need to understand the theory for a session to work. The best way to know CranioSacral Therapy is to experience it.