Cranial osteopathy is a term used to describe a very subtle osteopathic approach. It is extremely gentle and can engender feelings of deep relaxation and ease within the body.

The founder of this approach - Dr William G Sutherland - spent many years around the 1900's studying the anatomy of the bones of the skull (which together make up the cranium). He theorised about why these apparently fixed bones are shaped where they meet as if to allow for motion.

He went on to develop his ideas and described the concept of a rhythmic involuntary motion (IVM) which is ever present in the tissues of a living organism. This motion is what we learn to feel and work with during our cranial osteopathy training.  Although the term "cranial" has become popularised, in fact the concepts and techniques relate to all parts of the body, not just the cranium.  I am a member of the Sutherland Society and have undertaken post-graduate training in Cranial Osteopathy and Dr Sutherland's Whole Body Techniques.   A good introduction to cranial osteopathy and its many applications may be found on the Sutherland Society website.