Cranial Osteopathy is a particularly gentle form of osteopathy that uses gentle manipulative pressure and holding techniques to encourage the release of stresses throughout the body, including the head. It is extremely effective in treating a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, but is particularly useful for the treatment of infants and children, pregnant women and post-partum mothers.
The cranial osteopathic method was founded by Dr William Garner Sutherland in 1899. He described a motion of the cranial and sacral bones corresponding to the movement of the cerebro-spinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord (the primary respiratory movements). This movement he discovered was reflected throughout all the connecting tissues of the body. Every cell and all the fluids of the body express a rhythmic, involuntary motion that is of primary importance in each person’s health and vitality.
This rhythmic involuntary motion is often called the cranial rhythmic impulse or the involuntary mechanism. The cranial rhythmic impulse is a palpable cyclic wave of motion present throughout the body. Where the flow of this wave of fluid is blocked, problems may arise. These restrictions impair the body's own inherent healing mechanisms. Restrictions can occur in the central nervous system, lymphatic system, sinuses, joints, fascia, soft tissues and organs - cranio-sacral dysfunction patterns may be found throughout the body.
Treatment is directed towards reducing restrictions in the flow of this fluid. This releases membranous and articular strains and patterns within the cranial system or within the body framework, helps fluid drainage and encourages a more vital expression of the involuntary mechanism.
Cranial Osteopathic Treatment
The cranial rhythmic impulse is a tiny movement, and therefore palpable with only very light touch, it is especially palpable at the cranium and at the sacrum.
The cranial osteopath is able to feel this impulse throughout the body and uses specially trained palpatory skills to assess what forces have been imposed on the cranial mechanism from birth, childhood, illnesses, allergies, emotional or other trauma.
The osteopath is aiming to understand how these forces have caused subtle restrictions in movement in that individual and what the patterns of dysfunction are for that person. The osteopath then works to encourage the bones or compressed tissue to right itself and to function normally by applying light pressure until the system begins to respond. As restrictions release, the osteopath can sense an improvement in the cranial rhythmic impulse, a greater “ebb and flow of the tide”.
Conditions Treated
Cranial Osteopathy can help alleviate a range of childhood health problems, from postural defects and recurrent / chronic infections to behavioural difficulties and allergic complaints.
Here are just a few of the conditions that may benefit from treatment:
• Postural and mobility abnormalities
• Childhood asthma
• Adult and childhood migraine
• Glue ear and temporary deafness
• Long - term respiratory or breathing difficulties
• Problems such as poor sleep, squint, colic, and feeding difficulties
• Sinus problems
• Stress and anxiety
• Digestive problems
Initial Cranial Osteopathy Treatment - (60 min) £60
Subsequent Cranial Osteopathy - (45 min) £50
Insurance
Most private and medical insurance schemes cover osteopathy but individual policies may vary. Some insurance companies require a referral from your doctor. Should you like to be treated under insurance cover, please contact your insurer to find out their requirements.
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 KAREN WILLIS BSc (Hons) Ost Med, ND, DO, MRN, BSc (Hons) Biochem
Karen originally trained as a Biochemist and worked in the fields of cancer research, genetic disorders and laboratory diagnosis of diseases. After some years, Karen realized that she wanted to work more closely with people and decided to pursue a career in the healing sciences. Karen went on to obtain a First Class Honours degree in Osteopathic Medicine and a Diploma in Naturopathy from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine. During the four years that she spent studying Osteopathy and Naturopathy, Karen worked as a Natural Remedies adviser and practiced Sports Massage and Lymphatic Drainage. Since qualifying as an Osteopath, Karen has trained in Modern Acupuncture (dry needling), Cranial Osteopathy and Applied Kinesiology.
 BRENT SNELL BSc (Hons) Ost
Brent was a professional violinist and worked all over the world for 16 years before studying and then qualifying as an Osteopath from the British School of Osteopathy. His experiences as a musician and the lower back problems his own mother suffered for many years, led him to study osteopathy, as this was the only treatment that ever seemed to help his mother. She would go in for treatment all bent over and would be standing up straight when she came out. He then decided that he would be much more help to people as an osteopath than as a musician.
Brent has practised osteopathy mostly in Yorkshire in recent years and has seen patients from all walks of life from ages 10 weeks to 102. He has a particular interest in Cranial Osteopathy and attends regular post graduate courses with the Sutherland Cranial College as part of his continuing professional development.
Brent is registered with BUPA and PPP.
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