Matthew Kirsch

Professionally: I am a licensed acupuncturist, licensed massage therapist, certified massage therapy instructor (Texas), Milne Institute certified Visionary Craniosacral Work® practitioner. Over the past 10 years I have focused my studies in Visceral, Neural, and Visceral Vascular manipulation with the Barral Institute.
Personally: My mom developed a brain tumor when I was six. Anticipating her needs post-surgery was the first time I remember using my intuition. Feeling what she needed without her having to ask, became a foundational skill for me, in my later life. Mom survived, and is doing well.
When I turned 15, my high school had a ‘school to career’ program, where each student was placed with a professional in the community. I chose to shadow a physical therapist, and once a week for the next two years, I assisted in a physical therapy office. They had one rule written and taped to the inside of the front desk: “Don’t be afraid to touch,” and this is where I first learned how to make a meaningful, engaged contact. It was also the first time I saw craniosacral work being practiced.
It was love at first sight.
I started a five-year physical therapy program, but soon realized it was not for me, and enrolled in acupuncture school instead. There I met Rivers Sterling, a shamanic healer, teacher at the acupuncture school, Milne alumni, and gifted craniosacral therapist. I sold my car so I could afford weekly craniosacral therapy sessions with her. For the next eighteen months I received the gift of her hands, her insight, and her heartfulness. Her sessions gave me back to myself. Two years after first meeting her, she encouraged me to study with Hugh Milne.
I studied Visionary Craniosacral Work® concurrent with my acupuncture training, and in student clinic, after I placed the acupuncture needles, I would stay in the room with the client and practice what I learned in the VCSW® training. After graduation I continued to work the same way, with one person per hour, using gently focused attention, and combining acupuncture with craniosacral work, or solely using craniosacral work.
I’ve continued my training with the Barral Institute, layering anatomy and helping my hands understand the structures they are feeling.
I have had my own acupuncture and craniosacral therapy practice since 2005, giving my best in care, always learning and growing, and look forward to sharing all that has gone into who I am as a person, and a practitioner, with you in class together.