Osteopathy, Cranial Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a system of treatment based on the idea that if the body’s structure, or musculo-skeletal system, is not right, then the body will not work at its best. Osteopathy treats the whole person, not just the area of the body causing symptoms, correcting the structural stresses that occur in joints, soft tissues or organs and allowing the body to heal itself.

Osteopathy was first developed in America by Dr Andrew Taylor Still, who was disillusioned with the conventional medicine of the time. After many years of research and clinical observation, he revealed his new medical philosophy to the world in1874 choosing the name ‘osteopathy’, ‘osteo’ meaning ‘bone’ in Greek and ‘pathy’ meaning suffering.

What is Cranial Osteopathy?

Cranial Osteopathy is a subtle yet powerful form of osteopathy that uses gentle manipulative pressure focused on the bones in the head.

Cranial Osteopathy was developed by Dr William Garner Sutherland, a student of Dr Still (see above). He discovered the so-called Involuntary Motion, or Cranial Rhythm, a delicate movement of fluid around the spinal cord and its relationship with the cranial bones. The behaviour of the Cranial Rhythm gives the practitioner an insight into the strains on the body, allowing him to help restore the patient’s health.

”As I sit with my hands upon the patient, I learn how trauma has established itself in the whole person”. Dr W.G. Sutherland

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle treatment particularly suitable for children, babies and the elderly.