Most cranial treatments begin similar like other osteopathic consultations – the patient explains his current and past major complaints and medical history and the osteopath examines the relevant structures. During treatment the patient relaxes, while the cranial osteopath gently places his/her hands on the cranium, spine and sacrum to diagnose and treat the restrictions. The treatment can however extend to parts of or the whole body, as other areas of the body might need to be addressed. After a cranial treatment, one often feels sleepy and relaxed.
Babies: birth is a very traumatic experience, as the baby’s soft skull and tiny body get compressed through the birth canal. It usually takes time before tissues resolve the trauma and stress naturally, but sometimes, due to an inter-uterine position or a difficult birth, the babies can retain that stress or moulding and have difficulties latching, colicky symptoms or be irritable and sleepless. Parents often find their babies more relaxed with cranial treatments.
Mothers: pregnancy is a period of many changes that occur with the mother’s body. Due to the ligamentous laxity the pelvis widens to allow birth. As it is the reciprocal end of the cranium, giving birth affects the sacrum, spinal cord, and a pull of the membranes can affect the skull as well.
Daily life: As life goes on, one can experience many traumas, falls on the head, daily stress and anxiety. Overcoming past traumas and a build-up of stress is important for one’s well-being and cranial osteopathy can help with relaxation.
Circulatory problems: Impeded circulation can cause congestion and headaches. Cranial osteopathy addresses tight tissues, reducing tightness, fluid build-up, and therefore aims to improve circulation to and from the head.
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Cranial Osteopathy
Who can benefit?
What is it?
What is a treatment like?
Cranial osteopathy is a subtle and progressive field within osteopathy. It aims restore the optimal functioning of the body and specifically addresses the skull, the central nervous system, the surrounding membranes, the cerebro-spinal fluid and the sacrum. The importance of these structures cannot be underestimated and even a small dysfunction can cause ailments throughout the body.
Traditional osteopathy recognizes that external forces and stressors can cause restrictions in the joints, ligaments and muscles of the body. In the same way cranial osteopaths acknowledge that postural imbalance or trauma can restrict the cranial bones and impede vital functions.