Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy

Biodynamic Craniosacral TherapyBiodynamic craniosacral therapy was evolved through the work of Dr James Jealous, an American osteopath, who had followed on from the skills of Dr William Garner Sutherland. Dr Sutherland had been a student of Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathy.
(I practised as an osteopath myself between the years of 1999 and 2022).
These are a series of very gentle techniques working with the subtle rhythms of the body to release the stresses and strains that the body may well have been holding onto for many years. The techniques are effective in treating a wide range of conditions in people of all ages, ranging from pregnancy, to birth, through to old age.When the integrity of the body is restored, the patient returns to health. Health is not just the absence of disease; it is a balance of integrity in mind, body and spirit.
Physical, emotional and mental stresses cause the body tissues to tense. These techniques alleviate these stresses and the person returns to a balanced state of equilibrium.
Quote: “ We look at the body in health as meaning perfection and harmony; not in one part, but as a whole.” (Andrew Taylor Still; founder of osteopathy).
Conditions that may be helped by this therapy:During and after pregnancy. Enormous changes take place in a woman’s body during a pregnancy forcing it to adapt relatively quickly as the foetus develops. This can put enormous strains on the tissues and on the body organs as postural changes occur. Symptoms such as heartburn, nausea and vomiting may be helped by treatment.As the uterus enlarges, this puts strains on the diaphragm and within the pelvis, resulting in possible shortness of breath, or restriction of venous flow from the lower limbs. This could precipitate the development of haemorrhoids and varicose veins. In labour, strains to the ligaments and bones of the pelvis, especially after a traumatic delivery such as forceps or Ventouse can occur. After birth, the body then has to adapt to the postural changes, yet again, as it returns to normal, and also from the effects of the delivery. At the same time, the mother then starts lifting heavy baby seats. Also, she may tend to slump while breastfeeding, putting undue strain on her back.
Babies I love treating babies who come in for a variety of reasons. These may be from birth trauma after a difficult delivery such as a forceps or Ventouse extraction; generally unsettled, feeding or sleeping problems, colic, teething etc. Birth is a very stressful event for a baby due to the pressures exerted by the contraction of the uterus to expel the baby via the birth canal, notwithstanding the pressure as the baby turns in the pelvis during the birth process. The head is moulded as it is being born, and sometimes the pressure will cause the baby to be born with an odd shaped head. This will gradually change, but sometimes doesn’t fully return to normal without treatment.Newborns are very reactive, and respond quickly to treatment; and once a fractious baby has been treated, the whole family dynamics change. The mother can at last relax and get some rest.Babies often need only 1-3 treatments to make a real difference.It doesn’t feel like work when treating a baby; it feels more like playtime.
Children If there is any retained moulding of the head, other problems may develop. Examples would be dental problems, sinus problems, behavioural problems. learning difficulties.Head banging often indicate stresses and strains in the cranium; it is not necessarily a sign of bad temper or frustration.
Dentistry Dental treatment can be a cause of trauma. Extraction of teeth, where undue strains are exerted in the jaw will need treatment.Treatment is also very effective while having orthodontic treatment, especially after an adjustment has been made to the brace.Midline dental bridges are a problem as the maxillary bones are fixed together, preventing the normal movement between them. Symptoms may arise such as headaches, sinus problems, neck pain or pains in more distant parts of the body.A clicking jaw may produce symptoms; also bruxism or grinding of teeth, which will cause tensions.
Back pain Treatment has been seen to be effective in a variety of kinds of back problems, ranging from strains from overlifting, torsional strains, trauma from falls, and accidents as in sports injuries or road traffic accidents.
Advancing years As we get older, arthritic changes occur. This can happen in any joint, but people commonly come for treatment for pains in the back, hips and knees ie weight bearing joints.