Cranial Osteopathy is a branch of Osteopathy that seeks to enliven the small rhythms normally present at the sutures of the skull. The Osteopath uses her or his hands to facilitate the almost imperceptable movements between the skull bones. This is done to assist the cerebrospinal fluid to flow and circulate, offering the central nervous system nutrition, detoxification and protection from trauma.
The Osteopath performing Cranial Osteopathy can actually feel a rhythm at the lines between the skull bones. She or he evaluates the quality of that rhythm, and applies subtle, indirect force to enhance its movement and pulsation.
Cranial Osteopathy is the pre-cursor to Cranial Sacral Therapy , developed by John Upledger. Cranial Osteopathy is included in Osteopathic education curriculum. (Cranial Sacral Therapy is not.)
