What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Osteopathy in the cranial field is commonly known as cranial osteopathy. Cranial osteopaths are fully qualified and registered osteopaths, who have had further post graduate training in this way of working. Biodynamic cranial osteopathy is an evolving model of osteopathy utilising our inherent drive towards wholeness and health. This drive can be described as the same forces which drives cuts to heal or looking further back, the forces that caused the cells in the embryo to multiply. It is usually deeply relaxing, and in this relaxed state the tissues of the body are open to therapeutic forces.
It has at it's heart the exact same principles and philosophy as all osteopathy, (by integrating how the parts of the body are working together, which allows the body's natural healing processes to work in the best way they can) but it involves much gentler movements. By sensitively feeling the body’s restrictions in the tiny movements of the membranes, fascia and connective tissues, muscles, joints and bones the cranial osteopath will gently encourage realignment and reduction in tension in the area.
The treatment may feel so subtle that people sometimes say they don't feel anything being ’done’ at all, yet often comment that they felt so much better after the treatment.
The osteopath may work on other parts of the body, not just the head - despite the nickname 'cranial' it is a technique used to treat any part of the body. It can be used to for all the problems that people generally come to see an osteopath for. For some common complaints look under the Osteopathy tab.
It is commonly used when treating babies and children, but is equally as effective for adults too.