What it is
Craniosacral osteopathy, also called cranial osteopathy, is an osteopathic approach that uses very light touch on the skull, spine, sacrum and other parts of the body. It was developed in the early twentieth century, based on the idea that there are subtle rhythmic movements in the tissues that a practitioner can feel and follow.
It is important to be clear: these movements and the proposed mechanism have not been demonstrated by scientific research, and studies on the effectiveness of cranial osteopathy are few, with inconsistent results. We present this approach honestly. We do not use it to treat disease or as an alternative to medical treatment.
So why use it? Because it is safe when properly applied, because many people find it deeply relaxing, and because calm, attentive touch has value in itself, especially during pain, anxiety or great change such as pregnancy and the postnatal period. It is rarely used alone: it sits within a whole-body assessment and alongside other therapies.
What happens in a session
The session begins with a conversation and an assessment of the whole body: posture, breathing, mobility. You then lie down, clothed and comfortable. Hands rest with very little pressure, roughly the weight of a coin, on the head, the base of the skull, the chest, the abdomen or the sacrum, staying for a while in each area.
Many people describe warmth, heaviness or deep relaxation. Some fall asleep. Others feel nothing in particular, and that is normal too.
With babies, the touch is even gentler; the session can happen in a parent’s arms or during a feed, and always follows the baby’s rhythm and state.
When it can help
Many families seek this approach for babies who seem tense, unsettled or uncomfortable after birth, particularly after a difficult delivery. In these cases it is always part of paediatric osteopathy and of the paediatrician’s care.
In adults, it can be a complement during persistent pain, tension headaches, anxiety, pregnancy and the postnatal period, as a way of helping the body come out of a state of alert. It does not replace medical assessment of any of these.
What to expect and how many sessions
Afterwards you may feel calmer, sleepy or, sometimes, a little tired. The number of sessions is agreed with you and reviewed according to how you feel. If there is no improvement, we will say so and look for another path.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe for newborns?
The touch is very gentle and adapted to the baby. Even so, your baby should be under the care of a paediatrician, and any warning sign takes priority over the session.
Do I have to believe in it for it to work?
You don’t need to believe in anything. We only ask that you tell us honestly how you feel during and after.
Why is the touch so light?
The aim is not to force the tissues, but to create a calm setting in which the body can relax.
When to see a doctor
A sudden, very severe headache, changes in vision, speech or strength, or fever with a stiff neck need urgent medical attention. In a baby, so do refusing feeds, fever, excessive sleepiness or a bulging fontanelle.