Cranial Osteopathy
(Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy)
For most of us - the birth process is arguably the most stressful event of our lives. Even a relatively straight forward birth imposes enormous stresses on the baby, especially on the skull (cranium). This can readily be seen in the amount of 'moulding' or distortion in the head of many newborn babies. A certain amount of moulding is normal and usually resolves naturally in the first few weeks of life. If the pressures have been excessive (due to complications, small pelvic opening, etc), then a varying amount of strain and distortion can remain 'locked' into the child's body as they grow. This sort of cranial distortion is particularly pronounced with a long delivery time or with the use of forceps or 'ventouse cup' (often causing a cone shaped head) during delivery. This can have a subsequent effect on the child both physically and neurologically.
Cranial osteopathy is especially suitable for children and the new born with conditions such as glue ear, colic, asthma, restlessness and behavioural problems or learning difficulties.
Usually the younger the child, the quicker they respond, as they have a great capacity to heal, compensate & adapt. This is because there is still a huge amount of growth & development going on in the brain & nervous system of the new born.
Often parents are told - They'll grow out of it!
And many do in time, as their little bodies learn to adapt & work around the underlying strain patterns. If we are able to release these or at least reduce them, then the question is - Why put child & parent through this distressful period?
The aim of cranial osteopathy is to encourage & maximise health to give the child (or adult for that matter) the best possible chance of optimum health & therefore life.
Many of these children's problems are so common that the implications can be overlooked. Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) is a classic example.
Not only is there the obvious of pain & distress, but there is also the risk of infection, that may also spread (hence the prescribing of antibiotics as a precaution). If the inherent motion of the cranial & facial bones are compromised, then the fluid or 'glue' is unlikely to drain away via its natural course.
A further issue with this condition is the common, accompanying deafness, when the child is at such a critical stage of developing language skills.
I should also point out that this approach can be used with anyone, including the elderly, infirm, those of a particularly sensitive nature, those with ME / CFS or even in a coma or incubator.
More info & links on cranial osteopathy on osteopathic site below.
RE: What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Can I add that this therapy is not just for kids, but also adults too. One of my best friends is nearing the end of a 2 year course, and I have been one of her case studies. The treatments have been amazing in the shifts that have occured for both of us (both physical and in terms of spiritual growth) through letting go of so much stuff that has been held within the body. This is a treatment that I would wholeheartedly recommend for anyone, particularly if you suffer from headaches, stiff neck etc.
June
RE: What is Cranial Osteopathy?
In that case, I shall put my name in the diary for a treatment asap.[&:]
There is also the related field of Craniosacral Therapy. For more information about this visit
I've just got to say I am worried by all this focus on trauma of birth stuff... what about the trauma of life!!
Ideas and beliefs in cranial vary widely, i personally think cranial is a great technique for an osteopath to use but in terms of actual useful benefit I am yet to be convinced of its value as a stand alone technique any more than muscle energy or high velocity thrust techniques.
To my mind cranio-sacral is a technique which a good osteopath will have available to use in his/her bag of tools along with a range of other techniques. I see no particular need for any song and dance about it...why is this a sticky?
Agreed with Mad Monk on principal here, it's A.N.Other technique for an osteopath to have in his/her bag of tools, along with a dozen or so other options. It is deserving of it's own sticky though because plenty of osteopaths only use cranial/craniosacral techniques, and distinguish themselves as such (just like McTimoney in chiropractic circles).
Personally I never feel comfortable putting all my faith in one technique, and throwing out all the other options; as Abraham Maslow once said, "If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail"
My son Benjamin who is 19 months is having cranial osteopathy for a lot of things - firstly a very traumatic birth, not sleeping, having reflux from a baby until just a few months ago and a terrible eater. Have had 3 sessions and he has much more confidence i.e. started walking a week ago and everytime he's had his session he's exhausted and slept better and also done more walking. Am still awaiting the day when he does not wake in the night but am thinking that maybe he's just a light sleeper and is waking up for his comfort bottle. I 100% believe in this all and its a fascinating topic.
Cranial Osteopathy
I think many people feel that the idea of treating babies might be disturbing to them or hurt them. Cranial manipulation is very gentle and safe for the baby. Side effects are rare and there are times when symptoms being treated can worsen before they get better.
[url]Cranial osteopathy [/url]can treat many problems in babies and young children such as crying, colic, sleeping and feeding difficulties. As other people have commented in theis forum, cranial osteopathy can be used for treating people of all ages, depending upon the problem requiring treatment.
Accidentally this discussion crossed my view and although it has been a while since the last comment has been posted, I would like to make a comment myself. I found an extremely interesting and applicable article on this topic, written by Waddington et al. (2015), which I would like to explain to you with attached to that my own practical experiences.
The most common problems the newborns I treat in my practice are faced with are gastro-oesophagal reflux, excessive burping, abdominal discomfort, flatulence, exuberant crying, sleeping issues, spastic movements, restriction of movement mostly in the cervical region, plagiocephaly…
Most of these complaints or ‘abnormalities’ are related to restrictions of movement in cervical, thoracic or lumbar spine. Also pelvic movement is very important due to the insertion of the dura mater at sacrum and tailbone. Certain tension in the subdiaphragmal and abdominal region may be caused by decreased innervation, vascularization and mobility of these structures and can cause themselves the above mentioned digestive complaints.
The source of this beautiful article I mentioned above is: Waddington, E. L. et al. (2015) ‘Incidence of Somatic Dysfunction in Healthy Newborns’, The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 115(11), pp. 654–665. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2015.136.
Enjoy reading it!