Updated: 01-Apr-2011
General
What is an Osteopathic Physician?
Specialties
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
History of Cranial Osteopathy
General
Cranial osteopathy (also known as Craniosacral treatment, or Osteopathy
in the Cranial Field) is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic manipulative
treatment (please see our page on Osteopathic
Medicine for more information on osteopathic manipulative medicine)
that encourages the release of structural tension throughout the body
by affecting the bones and membranes of the skull and central nervous
system. It is a very gentle, yet extremely effective approach to the treatment
of a wide variety of conditions, and may be used in people of all ages
and constitutions.
The Cranial Rhythm--lnvoluntary
Motion
Osteopathic physicians trained in cranial techniques are taught to feel
a very subtle, rhythmical pulsation that originates with the movement
of the central nervous system, and is carried through neuromusculoskeletal
structures to all body tissues. This rhythmical motion is termed the Cranial
Rhythmic Impulse, or CRI. The motion is minute, and therefore requires
a very finely developed sense of touch. This rhythm was first described
in the early 1900's by William G. Sutherland, D.O., and scientifically
demonstrated in the 1960's and '70's.
Accumulation of biomechanical
and functional strain in the body
Body tissues have a tendency to tense up when placed under physical and
emotional strain or trauma. The body has an innate ability to adapt to
these effects, but cannot always do so in a way that maximizes biomechanical
structure and function throughout the rest of the body. Even with the
ability to compensate for trauma and injury, lasting strains often remain
secondary to the original injury. Any tensions which remain in the body
can restrict its normal biomechanical movement. Gradually the body may
find it more and more difficult to cope with accumulated stresses and
disease symptomatology may develop.
Conditions treated with Cranial
treatment
Cranial treatment is used to treat an array of injuries, painful conditions,
and diseases. A few examples of conditions treated with Cranial treatment
include:
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Generalized pain disorders
- Tension, cluster, and other headaches
- Migraine headaches
- Sinus problems
- Recurrent infections
- Traumatic injuries
- Joint pain and sports injuries
- Postoperative pain
- Functional and organic bowel disorders
- Menstrual disorders
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Tinnitus
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
Cranial techniques are also extremely helpful in treating a variety of pediatric illnesses and conditions, including:
- Excessive crying
- Colic
- Feeding difficulties
- Sleep disturbances
- Recurrent ear infections (otitis media)
- Other recurrent infections
- Asthma
- Sinus and adenoidal problems
- Behavior problems
- Learning difficulties
- Cerebral palsy and other types of brain damage
To learn more about Cranial Osteopathy, please visit
the following sites:
Cranial
Academy
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