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A glowing yellow emblem featuring a circular outline with a sailboat in the center, being held by two hands, and radiating a soft yellow glow.

Inner Harbor Bodywork
by Ammon Dennis, CMT, CST

Nervous system rebalancing and pain relief through Craniosacral and advanced massage therapies

Services

The Harbor Massage

A deeply therapeutic treatment designed to relieve chronic pain, ease stress, and restore fluid movement. The Harbor is a fully customized massage that blends:

  • Postural analysis

  • Deep tissue and Swedish massage

    Assisted stretching and trigger point therapy

  • Clear recommendations for aftercare

In Santa Cruz Office:
60 min for $120 | 90 min for $180

In-home (Santa Cruz County only):
60 min for $150 | 90 min for $210

The Inner Harbor Craniosacral

A specialized Craniosacral Therapy treatment designed to rebalance the nervous system, release restrictions in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid, and remobilize the bones of the spine, skull, and sacrum.

Performed fully clothed and using light, therapeutic touch, Craniosacral Therapy embraces a "less is more" philosophy. Over time, this approach can help ease chronic injuries, stress-related disorders, and deeply rooted psychosomatic conditions.

In Santa Cruz Office:
60 min for $130 | 90 min for $195

In-home (Santa Cruz County only):
60 min for $160 | 90 min for $225

Modalities

A mindful integration of methods grounded in deep listening—not only to your words, but to the sensory language of your body.

A man giving a massage to a woman lying face down on a massage table.

Deep Tissue Massage

A therapeutic technique that applies firm pressure to deeper layers of muscles, tendons, and connective tissues to release chronic tension and pain.

More information: Physio UK’s website

A person receiving a massage from a massage therapist in a treatment room.

Swedish Massage

A type of massage using long, gliding strokes, gentle kneading, friction, and rhythmic tapping movements. This technique relaxes the entire body by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the muscles.

More information: Massage Magazine

A physical therapist performs manipulation therapy on a patient's arm.

Assisted Stretching

A hands-on sequence of assisted stretches, where the practitioner offers steady support to isolate each muscle and gently guide the body toward its fullest, most spacious range of motion.

More information: Cleveland Clinic article

Person receiving Craniosacral Therapy with a close-up of their face in profile, eyes closed, lying on a massage table.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

An extremely gentle modality that engages and supports the cranial bones, tissues of the spine and nervous system to release restrictions within it.

More information: Upledger International website

A person receiving a massage on their chest while lying down on a massage table.

Trigger Point

A focused form of massage that targets bound muscle fibers with intentional pressure—using fingers, knuckles, or elbows—to soften tension and release knots that echo pain into distant parts of the body.

More information: Physio-pedia article

About

Smiling middle-aged man with gray hair and beard wearing a light-colored shirt, posing against a cream background.

Ammon Dennis, CMT, CST

Ammon founded Inner Harbor Bodywork to help clients discover a sanctuary of stillness and healing through a unique blend of advanced massage techniques and the subtle power of Craniosacral Therapy (CST).

After arriving in New York City in 1998, Ammon performed with several modern dance companies and began year-round surfing in the waters off Rockaway Beach, Queens. Following his dance career, transitioning into massage therapy—and eventually Craniosacral Therapy—felt like a natural evolution. With firsthand understanding of the physical demands of both dance and surfing, he is especially attuned to the needs of these communities, offering treatments that are both efficient and deeply informed.

Ammon has recently returned to his home state of California, where he continues his personal practices of heart coherence meditation, surfing, and exploring the wild landscapes of the Santa Cruz area.

Education

  • Associate in Occupational Studies: Massage Therapy The Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences, NYC

  • Bachelor of Arts: Dance Naropa University, Boulder, CO

Training and Certifications

  • Foundations of Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
    Stillpoint Craniosacral, NYC

  • Craniosacral Therapy Levels I & II Upledger Institute, NYC

  • Usui Reiki Level I Valerie Oula, NYC

  • Esalen Massage and Meditation Dean Marson and Brita Ostrom, Esalen Institute, CA

  • Postural Assessment and Treatment George Russell, DC, NYC

  • Revitalizing Massage Techniques David Lobenstine, LMT, NYC

Work Experience

  • Bernardus Lodge & Spa Carmel Valley, CA

  • Seascape Resort Aptos, CA

  • The Well NYC

  • Shou Sugi Ban House Water Mill, NY

Logo of the American Massage Therapy Association with a shield emblem featuring a torch and hands, alongside the text 'AMTA' and 'american massage therapy association MEMBER'.
Logo of the California Massage Therapy Council (CMT) with text 'Certified Massage Therapist'.

Testimonials