Cranial
What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Osteopathy in the Cranial Field does not just apply to the treatment of heads!
It is a form of treatment used by a lot of Osteopaths to treat the whole body. It was given this name as it was developed by one of Dr Still’s students, Dr William Garner Sutherland, when he noticed, while studying a human skull that the joints between the individual bones allowed for movement. He discovered:
- inherent rhythmic motion present in the bones of the skull
- movement of the sacrum (tailbone) between the bones of the pelvis
- inherent motion of the brain and spinal cord
- movement of the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord
- the reciprocal movement of the membranous coverings of the brain and spinal cord.
Dr Sutherland studied these phenomena extensively over the next 30 years and found that the rhythmic motion present in these structures was also present in the rest of the body, a slow breathing motion, inhaling and exhaling, through every cell, organ, muscle and bone. He called this “primary respiration”, the driving force behind the body’s metabolism, anatomy and physiology. He found that when this mechanism was disturbed, so was the body’s metabolism and therefore it’s ability to self-repair.
These concepts were taught (and are still being taught) by the Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation (SCTF).
What is Biodynamic Osteopathy?
The Biodynamic Approach to Cranial Osteopathy was developed by an Osteopath who has studied and taught with the SCTF, James Jealous D.O. He has worked to provide a clear language for teaching the Osteopathic principles of Dr Still, Dr Sutherland and many other Osteopaths that have come before him.
Biodynamics views Osteopathy as a philosophy that acknowledges a higher wisdom at work. It varies from the traditional biomechanical model of Osteopathy in the following ways:
Biomechanical Model: The body is seen as separate parts.
Biodynamic Model: The body is seen as a WHOLE.
Biomechanical Model: Diagnosis and treatment is of individual lesions, areas of restricted motion causing illness or disease.
Biodynamic Model: Diagnosis is observing the natural forces of primary respiration at work and identifying either the freedom or restriction of these forces as they move through the body.
Biomechanical Model: Treatment is carried out by applying force, either large or subtle, to individual areas to resolve the lesion.
Biodynamic Model: Treatment is in the direction of ease, involves very little external force and is in harmony with the body. Treatment is facilitated by synchronising with primary respiration to provide a space and opening for healing to occur. The focus is on finding HEALTH, not disease.
Biomechanical Model: The Osteopath decides what needs to be resolved.
Biodynamic Model: The Osteopath is listening to the body to allow treatment to occur where the body needs it, not where the Osteopath thinks it needs it.
Biodynamics is a gentle yet profound treatment approach. It requires extensive training that is forever ongoing, and an intimate knowledge in anatomy and physiology. For more information go to www.jamesjealous.com