Guide To Cranial Osteopathy

Osteopathic medicine is a system of manipulation, using the hands to correct joint and tissue abnormalities. Restoring physical and mental well-being, it makes it easier for a patient's body to function normally and use its own recuperative powers more effectively. Naturopathic or holistic osteopathy focuses on more than diagnosing and treating the structural and mechanical problems of the body. It encompasses looking at diet, lifestyle and mental well-being to restore the state of balance within the total bodily function.

What is Cranial osteopathy?

Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head. It uses lighter and smaller movements than osteopathy. Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues. The movement is of very small amplitude and it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch to feel it. This rhythm was first described in the early 1900s by Dr. William G. Sutherland and its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 60s and 70s.

What is the purpose of cranial osteopathy?

Tension in the body disrupts the cranial rhythm. Practitioners compare what your rhythm is doing to what they consider ideal. This shows them what stresses and strains your body is under at present, and what tensions it may be carrying as a result of its past history. It also gives them an insight into the overall condition of your body, for example if it is healthy, or stressed and tired.

Benefits of cranial osteopathy to active people

The osteopathic approach is very well suited to the treatment of active people. Cranial osteopathy concentrates on the treatment of compromised body mechanics, function and posture. A detailed knowledge and understanding of the structure and function of the human muscular-skeletal system enables the osteopath to identify problems that have occurred because of injury or mechanical stress and to treat both the symptoms and, more importantly, the underlying causes. This also enables the body to heal itself, thus enhancing performance and minimizing the likelihood of recurrence.

Common problems that may suggest visiting an osteopath

• Persistent hamstring or calf strains

• Back pain

• Injuries that do not go away

• Recurring achilles problems

• Constant knee problems