Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel the Involuntary Mechanism, a very subtle, rhythmical change that is present in all body tissues. The movement is of very small amplitude, therefore it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch to feel it. This rhythm was first described by Dr. William G. Sutherland and its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Tension in the body disrupts the rhythmical motion expressed in the body tissues.

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Practitioners compare what your rhythm is doing to

what they consider ideal. This shows them what

stresses and strains your body is under at present,

and what tensions it may be carrying as a result of

its past history. It also gives them an insight into the

overall condition of your body, for example if it is

healthy, or stressed and tired. Cranio-sacral treatment

is appropriate for all age groups from babies to the

elderly, its a gentle subtle extension of manual therapy.

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Maria Robinson performs cranial osteopathy at the Tarka 

Clinic.  Click here for more information about Maria.