16–19 JULY 2026
The birth of Intelligence - Sphenoid studies with Etienne Peirsman
Fellworth House, Nelson, New Zealand
A rare opportunity for craniosacral therapists, practitioners and bodyworkers to study with one of the most respected CranioSacral teachers worldwide. Over four immersive days, Etienne Peirsman invites you into a profound exploration of the sphenoid and cranial base — refining your perception, deepening your treatments & expanding what is possible in your clinical work.
SPHENOID CLASS (32 HOURS)
The Sphenoid: Maturation of the Cranial Base and the Expression of Intelligence
With Etienne Peirsman
Hosted by Soma Academy, Nelson, New Zealand
The sphenoid rests at the heart of the cranial base - a central meeting place where midline, perception, and orientation converge.
Early life experiences - including the powerful compressive forces of birth - shape the cranial base in ways that support survival and adaptation. These early organisational patterns are intelligent responses. Over time, however, some of these patterns may remain as fixed strategies in the system.
Rather than “correcting” these patterns, this seminar explores how we can gently invite the cranial base to reorganise toward greater spaciousness, coherence, and adult maturation.
Through refined anatomical understanding and subtle hands-on exploration, we will:
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Deepen our perception of the sphenoid as a fulcrum within the primary respiratory system
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Explore how early adaptive patterns are held within the cranial base
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Support increased fluidity and flexibility in the sphenoid and surrounding structures
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Work with the trigeminal nerve as a gateway to perception and relational intelligence
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Explore the continuity of the dura from cranial base to sacrum, including the ethmoid and coccygeal relationships
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Integrate pelvic and cranial work within a unified field
As the cranial base settles and reorganises, practitioners often observe changes not only in structural relationships, but in clarity, orientation, and cognitive spaciousness.
Etienne’s teaching brings together decades of anatomical precision and deep clinical experience. His approach allows us to appreciate how detailed structural understanding can serve — rather than override — the system’s inherent movement toward health.
This 32-hour immersion offers an opportunity to refine both perceptual depth and technical clarity within the living field of craniosacral practice.
A Message from Etienne
Etienne has recorded a short video message to introduce the upcoming training in Nelson and share a little about the intention behind The Birth of Intelligence.
In this message, he reflects on the sphenoid as a mysterious and essential bone at the centre of the cranium, and explains why he dedicates four full days to exploring it. He shares how this work developed from his own teaching experience and offers a glimpse into what participants will explore together during the training.
Meet Your Facilitator
CRANIOSACRAL TEACHER & AUTHOR
Etienne Peirsman
Etienne Peirsman came to Craniosacral Therapy through a deeply personal and unexpected path. In his thirties, a severe staph infection left him with nearly 20% kidney function. Facing the possibility of death brought him into a profound experience of inner silence — a turning point that transformed the direction of his life.
As his health recovered, he began travelling and immersed himself in meditation and bodywork training, where he encountered Craniosacral Therapy. What began as a personal journey of healing became a lifelong dedication to the study and teaching of this work.
Etienne went on to study extensively in India and trained for nearly a decade with Dr. John Upledger at the Upledger Institute in Florida. His work bridges the structural clarity of the biomechanical model with the perceptual depth of biodynamic practice.
Teaching internationally since 1990, Etienne founded the Peirsman Craniosacral School and continues to lead advanced trainings worldwide.
For other classes offered in Australia NSW
25 July - 2nd August go to
A Personal Invitation
When I first studied with Etienne Peirsman, I was deeply impressed by both his extraordinary anatomical understanding and the depth of presence he brings to the work.
What I have consistently experienced in his teaching is sensitivity, precision, and a profound respect for the intelligence of the system. His approach listens closely to how form has organised itself and gently supports new possibilities of maturation.
For those of us rooted in biodynamic craniosacral therapy, this seminar offers a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the cranial base and sphenoid while remaining grounded in primary respiration, neutrality, and inherent health.
It feels very special to host Etienne in Aotearoa for the first time. I warmly invite you to join us in Nelson this July.
With warmth,
Lolly
Example Day
Timings are indicative and may adjust to support the flow of the group.
9:00am | Arrival & tea
9:30am – 12:30pm | Morning session
(Theory, demonstration and guided clinical exploration)
12:30pm | Lunch (included)
2:00pm – 5:30pm | Afternoon session
(Supervised practice, table work and integration)
There may be optional morning movement or informal evening conversations depending on group interest and energy.
Please note: The training begins at 9:30am on Day 1. If you are travelling from out of town, we recommend arriving the evening prior to ensure a relaxed start.
“"Etienne's presence and teachings are like none that I have experienced before. As a physiotherapist, I have done so many courses, but there is something different about being in this space. Through his teachings, I have learnt to become deeply connected to my own heart and spirit. In doing so, it has not only been a profound personal journey, but it has also expanded my therapeutic presence to provide a safe, neutral, heart centred container for clients to embark on their own healing journey.""
LIZ NOAD, PHYSIOTHERAPIST
What Students are saying
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What Students are saying |
ACCREDITATION
This training is recognised by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB).
As an NCBTMB Approved Provider, the programme meets high standards for continuing education and professional development. Participation may contribute toward Board Certification renewal (BCMTB®), state licensure renewal, or ongoing professional training requirements. This recognition supports graduates in obtaining insurance and practising in many countries worldwide.
Dates, Pricing & Booking
Course Dates / Pricing
16–19 July 2026 Fellworth House, Nelson
Catered lunch is included each day.
Early Bird: $1300 NZD
Pay in full by
31st of April 2026.
Regular Price: $1500 NZD
This rate applies once the Early Bird allocation has closed.
Booking
To secure your place, payment is made directly to Etienne Peirsman.
You can choose between two payment options:
Pay via Wise
Click the “Pay Now via Wise” button.
Bank Transfer
Transfer directly to Etienne’s business account. Bank details are provided below.
After making payment, please email a screenshot confirmation to
lollydadleymoore@gmail.com.
If the payment is made under a different name, please mention this in your message so we can match the payment correctly.
Pay by bank transfer.
Here are the details of bank transfer.
Do domestic transfer to Etienne Peirsman business account:
Name
Etienne Peirsman Cranio LL
Account number
04-2021-0370560-00
Swift/BIC
TRWINZ21XXX
(Only used for international Swift transfers)
Bank name and address
Wise Payments Ltd. - New Zealand Branch, 1st Floor, Worship Square, 65 Clifton Street, London, EC2A 4JE, United Kingdom
After making payment, please email a screenshot confirmation to
lollydadleymoore@gmail.com.
If the payment is made under a different name, please mention this in your message so we can match the payment correctly.
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