Welcome back to the Compromised to Alchemized podcast. This conversation is a rare and deep dive into the lifework of Michael Shea, Ph.D., a legendary figure in the worlds of biodynamic craniosacral therapy, somatic psychology, and embryology. Moving from the sandy soil of South Florida mango groves to the subtle body visualizations of Tibetan medicine, Michael explores how the ancient and the contemporary meet in the human heart. He shares profound insights into biodynamic cardiovascular therapy, the importance of metabolic health and how his spiritual path as a Buddhist practitioner informed his work with infants and trauma. The conversation shifts from the physical anatomy of the heart to its deep spiritual and metabolic significance. Michael shares a vulnerable look at his own path—from a struggling student and second-generation Rolfer to a formal student of the Dalai Lama.

Michael Shea defines the Alchemy of Healing. He breaks down his Top Three framework for moving a client from a state of compromise to a state of joy. We dive deep into the Vascular Tree as the spiritual Tree of Life, the critical role of the thyroid in infant metabolism, and Michael’s moving revelation that the children he treated were actually the ones who healed his own soul.

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

0:00 | Introduction

11:25 | The geometry of a mango, and his service to the community

17:45 | When visualization became an important aspect of Michael's life and how his Tibetan medicine influences his practice and teachings

27:07 | How to use visualization to help your children

34:07 | Dr. Michael's career trajectory with working with children

42:14 | Michael reflects on his lessons with the Dalai Lama

55:30 | The silliest part of Michael's practice

1:10:15 | The illness of our time, 'The Pandemic of Metabolic Disorders'

1:17:22 | The impact of Ketogenic diets in the brain chemistry in infants with neurological challenges

1:20:27 | How to go through this next phase with an alchemy that produces healing

1:32:30 | How Dr. Michael stays on his path to his personal legend

Michael J. Shea, PhD. has an MA in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University (1986) and a PhD in Somatic Psychology from the Union Institute (1995). He specializes in infants and adults with metabolic an developmental challenges. He is the author of eight books in the fields of the manual therapeutic arts and spiritual healing for the heart. His most recent book, The Biodynamic Heart, Somatic Compassion Practices for a Clear and Vital Heart is the basis of his presentation at the CranioResearch Congress 2026 at the University of Antwerp. He is a U.S. Vietnam Era Army veteran with a 100% service-related PTSD Disability with the Veterans Administration. He lives in Florida with his wife Cathy and grows the world’s best mangoes.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Michael Shea on his Website: https://sheaheart.com/

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