Cranial osteopathy, or craniosacral treatment is unique and is unlike other treatment modalities. A big reason for that is the osteopathic belief of cranial rhythm. Cranial rhythm, is a term used to describe the rate at which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) moves throughout the body. The Primary Respiratory Movement (PRM) is the movement relating to the spheno-basilar junction (SBJ) and the sacrum. To properly understand how this movement is responsible for the flow of CSF, it is important to know the attachment locations of the Dura Mater, which is the outermost layer of the meninges, membranes that protect the brain and spinal column. The point of attachments for the Dura are at the coccyx, the second sacrum vertebra (S2), the second and third cervical vertebrae (C2 + C3), the foramen magnum (base of the occipital bone), and attaches and lines the entire cranial vault.
Cranial inhalation is when the sphenoid moves into flexion; accompanying this movement is the counternutation of the sacrum. During cranial inhalation, the body widens side to side, narrows from front to back, shortens top to botton, and the limbs externally rotate.
Cranial osteopathy is a very gentle technique where the manual osteopath finds and attunes to the cranial rhythm of the patient and addresses any restrictions in the expansion/retraction of the cranial bones. This attunement will allow the manual osteopath to encourage proper articulation between the cranial bones during cranial inhalation, and in turn, promote flow of the CSF. Cranial osteopathy relaxes the sympathetic nervous system, the “fight or flight” system, and encourages parasympathetic activity, also referred to as “rest and digest”. It is often found to be a very relaxing treatment, with some patients even falling asleep.
If you’re interested in seeing how manual osteopathy, as well as cranial osteopathy, can help with diagnoses like Autism Spectrum Disorder, and other neurodevelopmental disorders, you can view a literature review created by our manual osteopath on staff down below.