Cranial Osteopathy: A Natural Approach to Anxiety & Depression Relief

Cranial osteopathy stems from the belief that the skull is not a rigid structure; rather the bones move rhythmically, affecting various bodily and mental functions including anxiety and depression.

Significance

• Originated by the work of osteopath Dr. William Sutherland in the early 20th century ̶0;Cranial osteopaths focus on the pulsing of the fluid which nourishes and protects the membranes surrounding the brain, spinal cord and sacrum, this pulsing is called the Cranial Rhythm,̶1; according to The Henry Spink Foundation, a British research center.

Process

• Practitioners manipulate spinal and cranial bones, as well as tissue, to improve blood circulation, and drain lymph and sinus fluids to restore this ̶0;cranial rhythm.̶1;

Benefits

• Cranial osteopaths utilize the procedure for a wide variety of disorders including autism, attention deficit disorder, asthma, back and neck pain, spinal cord injury and many other ailments In addition to depression and anxiety.

Effects

• A noninvasive technique, relaxation is key during the therapy. ̶0;Most describe a cranial osteopathic treatment as very relaxing, often sleeping during it,̶1; says Dr. Arash Jacob of Original Osteopathy in Los Angeles. ̶0;Afterward most experience some fatigue. That's because it takes energy to heal, yours.̶1;

Considerations

• Like many holistic approaches (naturally treating body and mind together), cranial osteopathy for anxiety and depression is controversial, with no traditional medical research proving its efficacy.