Cranial Osteopathy/Craniosacral Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy
Definition
Cranial osteopathy originated from the work of osteopath William Sutherland in the early 1900's. This gentle but powerful form of osteopathy uses the patients cranial rhythm for diagnosing and treating tensions and dysfunctions in the body. Unlike most physicians, cranial osteopaths believe that the skull is not a rigid structure, its bones move in a rhythmic manner throughout life. Cranial osteopaths focus on the pulsing of the fluid which nourishes and protects the membranes surrounding the brain, spinal cord and sacrum, this pulsing is called the Cranial Rhythm (or Primary Respiratory or Involuntary Mechanism), it is a movement of expansion and contraction of all the tissues of the body. Cranial osteopaths believe that any disturbances in the flow of this fluid will reflect pressures on the cranial bones or injuries or tensions in the body.
A session
Cranial osteopathy is a non-invasive therapy. Using light touch, practitioners assess the quality of the patients' Cranial Rhythm and compare it to what they consider to be a normal rhythm, they can then judge the state of the patient's body and how well it is functioning. During a session the practitioner will delicately manipulate the cranial and spinal bones in order to restore the cranial rhythm, boost blood circulation and drain lymph and sinus fluids in the head. While the practitioner holds the appropriate bones and gently manipulates tissues, the patient is asked to concentrate on releasing tension and breathing.
Research
- Carruthers, Richard. An integrated approach to children with Downs Syndrome - a conference report. British Osteopathic Journal 1990. IV. 18-21
- Nicholas J.R. Handoll, D.O. The Osteopathic Management of Children with Down's Syndrome. Appropriate treatment from birth given by suitably trained osteopaths can offer a safe, non-invasive and effective means of maintaining a patent airway. It is postulated that this will reduce some of the severe and widespread disabilities which handicap the individual with trisomy 21.
- Perrin RN, Edwards J and Hartley P. An evaluation of the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment on symptoms associated with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. A preliminary report. Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology, 22
Craniosacral Osteopathy
Definition
Craniosacral therapy was developed from cranial osteopathy. The term craniosacral was coined by Dr John E Upledger in the 1970's, cranio refers to the head or cranium, and sacral refers to the tailbone or base of the spine. Craniosacral therapists, like cranial osteopaths, believe that the bones that make up the skull do not fuse together to protect the brain. The brain and the spinal cord are bathed in the cerebrospinal fluid which goes upwards and downwards. Practitioners focus on the membranes encasing the brain and spinal cord, in contrast to cranial osteopaths, who focus on the bones of the cranium; they believe that it is the membranes that generate the cranial rhythm and that this rhythm affects every cell in the body.
A session
Treatment involves cradling the head or sacrum. Craniosacral therapists have a refined sense of touch, they are said to be able to listen or tune in with their hands resting lightly mainly on the head or other parts of the body. As the therapist listens to the body he/she can detect signals of distress sent by the body. Corrective pressure is applied to the cranium and spine to normalise the cranial rhythm, although it seems that nothing is happening, the patient can feel sensations of warmth, pulsations and release of tension. Because it is so gentle craniosacral therapy is said to be suitable for children.
Contrary to cranial osteopathy, sacrocranial osteopathy is not included in the general osteopathic curriculum, practitioners are generally body workers who wish to broaden their skills.
Research
- Chaitow, Leon Review of aspects of cranio-sacral theory. British Osteopathic Journal 1997. XX. 14-22
- Attlee T. Cranio-sacral therapy and the treatment of common childhood conditions. Health Visit 1994 Jul;67(7):232-234. Common childhood conditions such as colic, poor sleep, recurrent ear infection, glue ear, regurgitation, poor feeding and inconsolable screaming may be treated successfully through the gentle, noninvasive methods of cranio-sacral therapy
Conditions that may respond to both treatments
ADD/ADHD
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Back and neck pain
Bronchitis
Cerebral palsy
Depression
Digestive problems
Downs syndrome
Dyslexia
Ear infections
Epilepsy
Headaches
Hypertension
Hypotension
Insomnia
Learning difficulties
ME
Meniere's disease
Menstrual problems
Mood disorders
RSI
Sinusitis
Spinal cord injury
Strabismus
Stress
Stroke
Temporomandibular joint syndrome
Tinnitus
If undertaking any therapy, always check its suitability for a specific condition.
Organisations
The International Cranial Association
478 Baker Street
Enfield
Middlesex EN13QS
Tel: 020 8367 5561
The British Osteopathic Association
Langham House West
Luton
Bedfordshire LU1 2NA
Tel: 01582 488455
http://www.osteopathy.org/
British School of Osteopathy
275 Borough High Street
London SE1 1JE
Tel: 020 7407 0222
http://www.bso.ac.uk/index2.htm
Osteopathic Centre for Children (OCC)
109 Harley Street
London W1G 6AN
Tel: 020 7486 6160
http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/felsted/occweb/more.htm
The Upledger Institute UK
2 Marshall Place
Perth PH2 8AH
Scotland
Tel: 01738 444404
http://www.upledger.com/default.htm
Craniosacral Therapy Association of the UK
Monomark House
27 Old Gloucester Street
London WC1N 3XX
Tel: 07000 784 735
http://www.craniosacral.co.uk/
General Council and Register of Osteopaths
56 London Street
Reading
Berkshire RG1 4SQ
http://www.osteopathy.org.uk/
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