Cranial osteopathy or osteopathy in the cranial field, is a form of osteopathic manipulation that uses a gentle touch to assess and treat the bones of the cranium and sacrum, underlying soft tissues and fluid to re-establish optimal cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI) in the body. This treatment of the craniosacral system can affect the whole body body expression of health via restoration of natural movement and rhythms.
This field of osteopathy is based on the work of William Sutherland, D.O., who carefully studied the motion of the cranium at the sutures in connection to the sacrum and articulating membranes, central nervous system and cerebrospinal fluid.
Dr. Sutherland reasoned that the movements of these areas would be restricted in trauma or disease, a hypothesis which has since amassed support in clinical research and practice. By freeing the craniosacral mechanism to its optimal movement, the overall health of the integrated physiological mechanism can be improved.
He found there were palpable rhythmic movements, which felt like slow-moving tides.
The tidal movements at the core of our being can be influenced by external forces, such as injuries, illness, toxins, nutrition, medication, sleep, exercise and emotional stressors.
And what is the force that propels our intrinsic human “tidal rhythms”?
According to Sutherland, our inherent tides are driven by our deepest source of health: the body’s inherent life-force, which he named the “Breath of Life” in reference to the Genesis Creation story.
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the Breath of Life; and man became a living soul
Genesis 2:7
In the later years of his work, Dr. Sutherland emphasized working from a state of stillness and connection to the Breath of Life, the life force which carries the inherent healing intelligence of the body.
Later layered on the foundation of Sutherland’s work was the concept of Dynamic Stillness. In this profound state of quiet presence, practitioner and patient together wait quietly to allow the body’s intrinsic forces to reorganize. In the presences of this stillness, the body can begin true healing.
At Triple T Health, my goal is to help you literally “Turn the Tide” of your health: to gently inspire healing of body, mind, and spirit and let those tides return to their natural rhythms, by delivery of personalized healthcare with a fully integrative approach.
Practically speaking, craniosacral therapy can relieve pressure, ease pain, reduce stress and tension, and assist in restoring mobility.
Of note, cranial osteopathy is distinct from and more comprehensive than Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST). CST was developed by Dr. John Upledger, DO, based on Dr. Sutherland’s work. It is a simplified, protocol-based approach typically taught in as little as 4 days to both healthcare professionals and the general public.
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