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. The movement is so gentle that it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch called palpation to feel it. Tension in the body can disrupt involuntary motion. The osteopath uses very light touch to sensitively palpate for areas of bony, fascial, ligamentous,fluid 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 freedom of movement and circulation of body fluids. Gradually the body may find it more and more difficult to cope with accumulated stresses, and symptoms may develop.
Cranial Osteopathy is widely used as a treatment for Babies and Children. Please see our section on Maternity & Infant Care for more details.