Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle manipulative technique that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body. Therapists are able to feel subtle, rhythmical shape change in your body tissues called the cranial rhythm, indicating the stresses and strains your body is being placed under. Cranial osteopathy is a subtle type of treatment and therefore is an effective yet extremely gentle approach, making it particularly suitable for babies, children, the elderly and pregnant women, though anyone can benefit from this treatment
In 1899 William Garner Sutherland, a student of Andrew Taylor Still (the inventor of Osteopathy), observed that the 26 bones of the skull were connected by modified joints which permitted a tiny degree of physiological motion expressed through the skull and its membranes, fluids and brain within. This motion can also be felt throughout the body, similar to a very refined form of breathing. This minute rhythmical shape change has come to be seen as the body’s (and cranium’s) response to the “primary respiratory mechanism”, and an expression of the individual’s state of health and well-being. Unlike flexing an arm or taking a deep breath, this motion is beyond our voluntary control, and so is called “involuntary motion”.
One of the fundamental principles of osteopathy is that “the living body is a self-correcting, self-regulating, self-healing mechanism”, constantly working to establish its optimum level of health. This principle is particularly emphasised in cranial osteopathy, wherein the practitioner seeks to be as receptive as possible to the intelligence of the “inner physician”, in order to sense how the body is seeking to rebalance itself. This informs the practitioner’s mind and hands as to the body’s state of health, and what support or intervention the system requires to re-establish balance and harmony, restoring the freedom it needs to get on with its job of self-healing.
Osteopathic treatment using the cranial approach is very gentle, safe and effective in the treatment of babies and children, even of those born prematurely. Osteopaths trained in the treatment of children are experienced in treating the child that will not want to lie down or is very agitated. On average, two to six treatments are sufficient, although this varies according to the severity of the problem.
For further information please visit the Sutherland Cranial College website or contact the clinic.
If you have any questions please contact us by email or phone.
