Cranio-sacral osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is not just osteopathy for problems of the head & brain or, indeed the very young or old. For most of us - the birth process is arguably the most stressful event of our lives. Even a relatively straight forward birth imposes enormous stresses on the baby, especially on the skull (cranium). This can readily be seen in the amount of 'moulding' or distortion in the head of many newborn babies. A certain amount of moulding is normal and usually resolves naturally in the first few weeks of life. If the pressures have been excessive (due to complications, small pelvic opening, etc), then a varying amount of strain and distortion can remain 'locked' into the child's body as they grow. This sort of cranial distortion is particularly pronounced with a long delivery time or with the use of forceps or 'ventouse cup' (often causing a cone shaped head) during delivery. This can have a subsequent effect on the child both physically and neurologically. Cranial osteopathy is especially suitable for children and the new born with conditions such as glue ear, colic, asthma, restlessness and behavioural problems or learning difficulties. Usually the younger the child, the quicker they respond, as they have a great capacity to heal, compensate & adapt. This is because there is still a huge amount of growth & development going on in the brain & nervous system of the new born.
Often parents are told - They'll grow out of it! And many do in time, as their little bodies learn to adapt & work around the underlying strain patterns. If we are able to release these or at least reduce them, then the question is - Why put child & parent through this distressful period? The aim of cranial osteopathy is to encourage & maximise health to give the child (or adult for that matter) the best possible chance of optimum health & therefore life.
Many of these children's problems are so common that the implications can be overlooked. Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) is a classic example. Not only is there the obvious of pain & distress, but there is also the risk of infection, that may also spread (hence the prescribing of antibiotics). If the inherent motion of the cranial & facial bones are compromised, then the fluid or 'glue' is unlikely to drain away via its natural course. A further issue with this condition is the common, accompanying deafness, when the child is at such a critical stage of developing language skills.
