Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle non-invasive technique where the skull is gently assessed for any restricted movements, which may have occurred during birth.
It is a popular belief that babies do not have any structural restrictions throughout their bodies, due to the fact they are so new, but during the delivery the baby’s head comes under an enormous amount of compression.
Moulding of the head occurs to allow the skull bones to overlap one another, to successfully travel through the birth canal. However if there are unequal pressures applied to the skull, during any part of this journey, this can leave the head looking an odd shape.
After delivery, the head gradually unmoulds over the next few days, however, this unmoulding process may be left incomplete, especially if the birth has been difficult i.e. a long labour, c-section, fast labour, ventouse or forceps used.
This style of treatment is suitable for all ages, but is particularly good for babies (even new borns) and children.
Women during their pregnancy can also greatly benefit from this gentle treatment by maintaining good spinal and pelvic movement, to reduce aches and pains that can often accompany pregnancy.
What is cranial osteopathy?
To put it simply it is a form of osteopathy where gentle manipulation is applied to the head and spine to harmonise the forces at work within our body. Highly skilled practitioners use their hands, gently mobilising the neck and cranium to release stress and tension. Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle therapy and as such can be used on young babies and children, as well as adults.
How does cranial osteopathy work?
The osteopath uses their skill and experience to detect subtle rhythmic movements present in the body, which are known as ‘Cranial Rhythms’. These involuntary motions enable the cranial osteopath to find areas of altered movement, stresses, or strains within the body.
What does cranial osteopathy feel like?
Cranial osteopathy is gentle and relaxing. The patient may become aware of tension and aches being reduced or disappearing. For some people, the treatment may feel so gentle that they report little sensation at the time, but may feedback that they feel significantly better afterwards. The deeply relaxing nature of the treatment can cause some patients to fall asleep!
What are the benefits of cranial osteopathy?
Many patients who have received cranial osteopathy report improved sleeping patterns, quality of sleep and an increase in general well-being. Whilst there is no conclusive scientific data that proves cranial osteopathy is directly responsible for treating migraine or tinnitus in adults, some people find the treatment relaxing, which may result in positive outcomes for these conditions.