Cranial Osteopathy is a subtle form of osteopathic treatment that uses very gentle pressure to encourage the release of stresses and strain throughout the body. It works to assist the body’s own healing capacity and despite its name, is used to treat the whole body, not just the head.
How does it work?
The body of is made up of continuous connective tissue. When the connective tissue is healthy, the fluid around the cells is able move freely. This is vital for assisting the normal process of circulation, cellular metabolism and healing.
Driving this movement of fluid, are the same forces which drive growth and development in the womb.
The effects of these developmental movements can be felt in all your body’s tissues as an underlying movement by your osteopath.
Injuries, strains and trauma can upset the normal movement of fluid, obstructing the bodies natural tendency toward health and as a result, pain and discomfort may occur. The body then finds it more difficult to make adaptations to the environment which may predisposes us to further injury or illness.
By supporting the health already present in the body and reducing the strain that has compromised normal functioning , osteopaths help your body to recover from injuries and restore its natural sense of balance.
What to expect from a treatment?
Your osteopath with begin by taking a thorough medical history to identify causative factors and elements which may require referral. During the course of assessment and treatment, your osteopath will place their hands on your body in various positions and use very small amounts of pressure to help balance strain and tension in different areas of your body.
Some patients feel movement occurring through their body, some feel warmth, tingling or mild aching, others may feel nothing at all. Patients usually feel very relaxed and in some cases may fall asleep.
Who may benefit from cranial osteopathy?
Cranial osteopathy can provide care for the whole family.
Because of it’s gentle nature, treatment may be suitable for:
- Babies and children
- Pregnancy and related pains
- The Elderly
- Acute Pain
- Complex presentations
- Sports injuries
Further reading
Summary of Research Findings for Osteopathic Treatment in the Cranial Field: An annotated summary