Osteopathy in the Cranial Field
history:
Cranial Osteopathy is an expansion of the general principles of osteopathy which includes a special understanding of the central nervous system and a mechanism called primary respiration. Those who wish to practice Cranial Osteopathy train intensively through post-graduate studies.
Cranial Osteopathy is the study of anatomy and physiology of the cranium and its inter-relationship with the body as a whole. It may be applied for the prevention and treatment of disease and enhancement of health, within the practice of the science of osteopathy.
William Garner Sutherland, DO (1873-1954), one of Dr. Still’s earliest and best students developed Osteopathy in the Cranial Field in 1939. While Sutherland was a student, he took apart the cranial bones for examination and research. This led Dr. Sutherland to understand the inherent, rhythmic movement of the central nervous system. He termed this movement ‘the breath of life’, which drives the respiratory system.
He postulated that this rhythmic movement of the primary respiratory mechanics was crucial to full health, and thus any restrictions could lead to disease. The central nervous system regulates all organs of the human body. If we examine other healing traditions, the “Breath of Life” concept can be compared to “Chi” in Chinese medicine, or what yogis call “Prana”
primary respiratory mechanism:
Dr. Sutherland had identified the same self-healing mechanism discovered by Dr. Still. He named this collection of findings the Primary Respiratory Mechanism:
Primary – It is a system that comes “first.” It underlies all of life’s processes and gives dynamism, form and substance to all of anatomy and physiology, driving all functions of the body.
Respiratory – It is the spark that gives rise to the breath as it moves through the tissues. It is the foundation of metabolism. It enables the exchange of gases and other substances between cells and compartments of the body.
Mechanism – It manifests as a specific motion of the body, a system composed of many parts that work together to create a whole, greater than the sum of the parts.
As the lungs breathe and the heart beats with a rhythmic alternating expansion and contraction, the central nervous system (CNS) also has its own involuntary rhythmic motion. Dr. Sutherland described this inherent activity of the CNS as a respiratory motion with “inhalation” and “exhalation” phases.
The nature of the primary respiratory mechanism is a simple, basic, primary rhythmic unit of function.
It is totally involuntary in nature;
it incorporated the whole of anatomy and physiology it is palpable to the trained physician in any part of the body; it provides the physiological evidence of health within the whole body physiology.
It can be used as a diagnostic tool as well as being a tool for treatment.
The hands of a skilled osteopathic physician connect directly with the primary respiratory mechanism to bring about a treatment response. Physicians trained in Cranial Osteopathy can place their hands on any part of the patient to perceive and influence this important mechanism.
“If you understand the mechanism, the treatment is simple.” ———W.G. Sutherland, D.O.
Five components of PRM:
The Primary Respiratory Mechanism has five basic components:
1. The fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that bathes and nourishes the brain and spinal cord, and the Potency of the Tide.
2. The inherent rhythmic mobility of the brain and spinal cord.
3. The shifting tensions of the membranous envelope (dura mater) surrounding the brain, cranial bones and spinal cord. This entire membranous structure acts as a unit and is called a “Reciprocal Tension Membrane.”
4. The inherent rhythmic motility of the cranial bones.
5. The involuntary motion of the sacrum (tailbone) between the ilia (hip bones).