Cranial osteopathy is the popular kind of osteopathic treatment. This technique involves a release of pressure with gentle pressure on the head and spine. Cranial osteopathy believes that manipulating the skull’s bones and tissues can improve your health, such as cancer, cerebral palsy, and asthma.
A doctor of osteopathy is eligible to perform Cranial Osteopathy, but anyone can do craniosacral therapy with a certificate. It does not require any standardized training. In this guide, we are going to explore cranial osteopathy treatments for children and adults. We will also take a look at its benefits and side effects.
How Cranial Osteopathy Works?
Stress, injury, or tension can cause the craniosacral tissues to contract or tighten. The central nervous system may feel the strain, which can harm your body’s overall functioning. Cranial osteopathy is a technique where therapists use their hands to diagnose and relieve tension or stress. This reduces stress and tension in the central nervous system.
Cranial osteopathy treatment focuses on the craniosacral tissue, which surrounds the spine.
Method of Cranial Osteopathy
The patient who is receiving the treatment lies down on a table. The session may last for up to 45 minutes. Then, the therapist gently touches the skull of the patient. The practitioner then applies pressure to the skull and manipulates the muscles for tension release. This helps increase the flow of cerebrospinal liquid throughout the craniosacral network.
These subtle and non-invasive adjustments can also be made to the spine, particularly the lower back or sacrum. After a few sessions, the cranial osteopathy treatment will produce the following positive results.
Cranial Osteopathy for Children
A child’s birth can cause trauma, where they are subject to the stress of labor. Because of this, many children are born with unusual-shaped heads and some bruising.
This usually resolves by itself within a few days. However, if the baby continues to cry, yawn, or suck, it can signify that something is not right. Discomfort can cause long-term problems if you do not diagnose your baby. For this, osteopathy is a solution.This treatment can also help babies who are unable to settle or have difficulty sleeping.
Osteopathy for Adults
Adult mobility decreases in the spine and limbs and can move the head (cranium) throughout life. Osteopaths believe that even though the gaps between the many skull bones (sutures) can close or fuse with age, the flexibility of living bone preserves a tiny amount of movement.
We believe this gradual decrease in cranial motion may make headaches more common or more severe. Also, persistent symptoms after a head trauma could be more likely.
Cranial Osteopathy Treatments
Cranial osteopathy is helpful for variety of conditions such as:
Headaches – Osteopathy is very effective at treating headaches. The osteopath can often treat it in just one session.
Anxiety – Therapy can reduce anxiety and stress in babies, as well as in adults.
Poor Sleep – Both children and adults benefit from better quality sleep after cranial osteopathy sessions. This leads to greater overall well-being.
Tension – Tension is when you experience stress for a prolonged time. This stress can lead to tension in your tissues, and eventually, it can cause injury and disease. Cranial therapy relieves tension and allows your body to heal.
Benefits of Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy has got both physical and mental health benefits for patients. Let’s dive into the details of the benefits.
1. Physical Health benefits of Cranial Osteopathy
Because of its importance, any abnormality or disorder in the central nervous system can negatively impact our overall health. Therefore, it is possible to achieve the desired physical benefits of osteopathy treatment when a skilled and qualified therapist does so.
The therapy may have positive effects on stress relief and tension in the central nervous system. CST can also reduce the pain associated with chronic misalignment or acute injuries. In addition, the treatment is non-invasive, and you will not feel any discomfort or pain.
2. Mental Health Benefits
A distressed body can cause severe emotional and mental consequences. Most craniosacral therapists believe physical disorders can lead to emotional pain, such as grief, anxiety, trauma, or depression.
Cranial therapy is one of the top methods to relieve stress and tension in the mind, allowing patients to forget about past emotional pain. This treatment can also lower anxiety and depression caused by chronic conditions.
3. Side effects of Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy has no research-proven side effects for health. First, however, you have to choose a certified osteopath.
A doctor who is a specialist in osteopathic medicine can perform Cranial Osteopathy. When performed by a licensed professional, it is generally safe. However, a doctor is not required to perform the craniosacral treatment.
If not done correctly, Cranial therapy can be dangerous for babies with unfused bone.
Conclusion
Osteopathy can be a helpful treatment that can ease pain and heal the body without the need to have invasive surgery or medication. Cranial osteopathy can be very beneficial and is painless. Your osteopath can refer you to another doctor if they notice any conditions or symptoms they cannot help.
