Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial Osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head.
It is based on a number of findings about the body’s subtle physiology, such as the intrinsic ability of the body to heal itself and self-regulate. This ability expresses itself as the intrinsic mobility of all parts of the body. Restrictions in this mobility may affect the mechanisms of self-regulation and produce symptoms.
It is a gentle and yet extremely effective approach that may be used to treat a wide range of conditions in 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 is called Involuntary Motion or the Cranial Rhythm. The movement is of very small amplitude, therefore it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch to feel it. This rhythm was first described in the early 1900's by Dr. William G. Sutherland and its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 1960's and '70's.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.

In response to physical trauma or emotional stress, the body’s tissues react. Any stresses, strains and tensions which remain in the body may affect its functions and give rise to problems over time. The effects can be both physical and emotional. This therapy provides an opportunity for the body to let go of its restrictive patterns and return to a normal mode of functioning.

. The Craniosacral System
. Benefits For All Ages
. A Typical Session
. SomatoEmotional Release

The Craniosacral System
The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and fluid that surround and support the brain and spinal cord. It extends from the bones of the head (cranium) down to the bones at the base of the spine (sacrum). The fluid within the membranes is continuously draining and refilling.
The filling and draining creates gentle, rhythmic, expanding and contracting movements that can be felt anywhere in the body by the trained therapist. These movements are the craniosacral rhythm. They occur at a rate of about six to twelve complete cycles per minute.
The therapist gains valuable information about where the body would most benefit from change by monitoring the craniosacral rhythm. The source of pain isn't always obvious.

Benefits For All Ages - Accumulation of stress and strain in the body
When we experience physical or emotional stresses our body tissues tend to tighten up. The body may have been able to adapt to these effects at the time, but a lasting strain often remains. 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.

While it can be highly effective at relieving symptoms cranial osteopathy aims to treat the whole person not just the condition, so a very wide range of situations may benefit from treatment. These may include back and neck pain; joint pain and sports injuries; headaches, migraines and sinus problems; stress; recurrent infection; period pain; digestive difficulties; and treatment may also benefit general health and well-being.In babies and children many problems such as crying, colic, sleeping and feeding difficulties may be helped. Please see our page about osteopathy for babies and children. If you are not sure whether a problem is suitable for osteopathic treatment, please call your local cranial osteopath from our members list through our page entitled find a cranial osteopath who will be happy to discuss your needs.

Cranial Osteopathy is helpful for people of all ages. It has successfully been used to treat such diverse conditions as headaches, TMJ dysfunction, chronic middle ear infections, vertigo, depression, back pain, joint immobility, neck pain, sinus congestion, migraines, learning disabilities, the effects of childhood trauma and negative touch.
In infants, it is used to treat colic, sleep disorders, feeding problems, breathing or digestive difficulties, various congenital, neurological and genetic problems, plus the effects of forceps, vacuum extractor or cesarean delivery.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CSO is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
* Migraine Headaches
* Chronic Neck and Back Pain
* Motor-Coordination Impairments
* Colic
* Autism
* Central Nervous System Disorders
* Orthopedic Problems
* Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
* Scoliosis
* Infantile Disorders
* Learning Disabilities
* Chronic Fatigue
* Emotional Difficulties
* Stress and Tension-Related Problems
* Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
* Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
* Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
* Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
* Post-Surgical Dysfunction

A Typical Session
When you visit for the first time the osteopath will ask in detail about various aspects of your or your child's symptoms and general health. The examination may require removal of outer clothing and the osteopath may look at you standing, moving and will then gently assess body movements. He conducts other gentle assessments and corrects the sources of pain and dysfunction using gentle manipulative techniques.
Most osteopathic treatment is gentle and should not cause undue discomfort, although assessment and treatment may require the handling of painful areas. Most people find treatment relaxing. Some patients experience soreness after treatment, similar to that felt after unaccustomed exercise. This usually lasts no more than 24 - 48 hours.It may be necessary to carry out simple examination procedures such as taking blood pressure or testing reflexes. Most patients come to an osteopath without having first consulted their doctor. Osteopaths are trained to ensure that no serious problems are overlooked.
This sets the stage for your body to most efficiently use its own power to heal. Because the body exerts considerable energy to adapt to its restrictions, most people find the sessions to be deeply relaxing.

SomatoEmotional Release
We store our life experiences in our bodies. Because the Cranial Osteopathy techniques are gentle, but powerful, the effects go deep without stimulating the body's defenses. They can easily unlock the residue of trauma stored in the tissues. This unlocking and facilitated resolution process is called SomatoEmotional Release. It is an integral part of Craniosacral Osteopathy.

SomatoEmotional Release uses dialoguing and therapeutic imagery along with other verbal, energetic and physical support techniques to initiate change. These techniques promote the discovery and gentle release of the restrictions that contribute to pain and dysfunction.

Emotions rise to the surface, but emotional release is not necessarily a painful, cathartic event. It can be a friendly negotiation between you and your various parts. When we cling to our once-helpful coping mechanisms after they cease to be useful, they reemerge as sources of pain and restriction. The therapist is the facilitator and mediator as she helps guide you toward resolution.

After receiving this process-oriented type of bodywork, people report greater clarity, peacefulness and insight along with positive change in their physical symptoms.

 
 
- Some texts and illustrations used with permission from The Upledger Institute, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 1-561-622-4334.  For more information on The Upledger Institute and training seminars offered worldwide, visit www.upledger.com.  For courses in the United Kingdom, visit www.upledger.co.uk.