CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY
Cranial osteopathy is a refined and gentle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, from birth to old age.
Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues. This rhythm was first described in the early 1900's by osteopath Dr. William G. Sutherland and is called Involuntary Motion or the Cranial Rhythm. Its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 1960's and '70's. The movement is so gentle that it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch to feel it.
Tension in the body can disrupt cranial rhythm. The osteopath uses very light touch to sensitively palpate for areas of bony, fascial, ligamentous or emotional tension usually found in the head, diaphragm or pelvis. Treatment can help release functional holding patterns that may have developed over time and caused an accumulation of stress and strain in the body.
Any tensions which remain held in the body can restrict its free movement. Gradually the body may find it more and more difficult to cope with accumulated stresses, and symptoms may develop.
Some of the conditions which cranial osteopathy can help relieve are:
Tension headaches & migraines Sinus Congestion Stress, Anxiety & Depression Shock following Injury/Surgery Insomnia Jaw and Facial Pain Low Back Pain
Cranial Osteopathy is widely used as a treatment for Babies and Children. Please see our section on Maternity & Infant Care for more details.