Cranial Manipulation, specifically addressing the tissue structures of the head, traces its roots back to Osteopathy. The head is subdivided into the bones that encase the brain and those that make up the face and jaw. This area of the body contains very important tissue structures which have connections to the rest of the body via the neck. The cranium requires both a high degree of stability and mobility through the neck to allow us to orient to our environment and function with the rest of our body.

Due to this high demand for movement, the propensity to develop strains and impairments in movement of tissue that connects the cranium to the torso is very high. This, coupled with direct impacts to the cranium, can severely influence the alignment and function of tissue layers in the cranium and around the brain, along with the fibrous joints between the cranial bones.

Cranial manipulations are a regular component of session work. The work typically involves addressing imbalances or restrictions in the movement of nerves, blood vessels, joints, meninges, and bone. Using very gentle, anatomically specific contact, it is possible to positively effect change in layers and tissue structures of the cranium that are not directly accessible. This indirect method is similar to attempting to change the rigging of a ship in a bottle, without breaking the bottle, by means of long ropes connected to pulleys inside the bottle. 

Alterations in the movement of bones and structures in the head can frequently be related to the following experiences. 

• Birth complications

• Concussion

• Deviated septum

• Headache

• Jaw pain

• Migraine

• Mouth breathing