Biography
Dr. Ciske received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in physiology where he studied the effects of chronic stimulation on muscle regeneration. He is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as both an Exercise Specialist and Program Director. He is an Advanced certified Proprioceptive – Deep Tendon Reflex® (P-DTR®) Practitioner, a Master level certified Muscle Actvation Techniques® (MAT) Specialist and a Z-Health® Certified Professional Master Trainer.
In addition, he is accredited to teach Leadership Embodiment formally known as Conscious Embodiment and is also an accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructor.
Dr. Ciske is the inventor of the patented CISKE Comfort Cushion, an adjustable and versatile cushion used to support the head, neck, and back.
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Fees for Services Offered
What is the Value of Healing?
This is a question I have contemplated ever since beginning my practice. To reclaim health, wholeness, and the ability to function more fully in life, as a result of healing, is priceless. Yet in our society we need to put a dollar amount on these services. This price may then exclude the availability of these services to some people.
It is my intention to make my services available to a wide range of people while maintaining the value of the Neurologic Bodywork treatments, and providing for myself and my own health and well-being.
Knowing that health and healing is priceless and yet having to put a price on my work, and knowing the incongruence of this, I am asking to be paid for my work on the basis of appreciative generosity, just as teachers of the Dharma have for the past 2500 years. I am asking my clients to pay an amount that demonstrates the “relative value” of their health and well-being even though we know it is priceless. By “relative value” I mean that the amount paid by a given person is based on the means of that individual (e.g. $70 may be of great “relative value” for a person of lesser means while it would be of lesser “relative value” for a person with a substantial income). It is more important to me that the integrity of the appreciative generosity is maintained by using this “relative value” than the size of the payment.
If applicable to you, you may consider the following benchmarks that are sometimes used in determining value, however, I just want to reiterate that the statement above is of primary importance over any of the below:
Societal standards
I estimate that the cost in the Bay area for healing modalities similar to Muscle Activation Techniques is between $75 – $150/hour. You may consider what you pay other professionals and health practitioners (e.g. chiropractors, physical therapists, psychotherapists, lawyers, doctors, massage therapists, body workers) for providing their services, and the time and effort they put into a session. Or, if you are a professional, what you charge others for your services. You may also consider what you pay for services to care for yourself or repair your belongings (e.g., plumber, electrician, car mechanic, contractor, hairdresser, etc.).
Education
I have received my Ph.D. in physiology from the University of Michigan and consider my education to be equivalent to that of the highest paid professionals in the workforce. I also continually invest in updating my education through advanced seminars in Muscle Activation Techniques and other related topics several times a year. I often have 3-4 times the required number of hours needed to maintain my professional certifications.
Value
What is an amount of money based on your means that demonstrates the “relative value” you put on your health, well-being, and ability to participate as fully as possible in your life? What can you afford that is healthy for your mind, body, and spirit?
My intention is to give you the best service possible for whatever amount of money that is. I am also open to other forms of offerings to offset a monetary one. If issues arise regarding this exchange, it is important to me to dialogue about it.
I am grateful for the opportunity to offer you my services in order to assist in your living the fullest life possible. Thank you for your consideration in making your offerings of generosity so that I may continue to offer these services.
— Paul Ciske
Located in Oakland, CA
I provide services at my private practice Your Well-Being studio located in Oakland and at various locations where needed. Call 510-832-5725 for more information.