Babies
Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that is intended to encourage the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head.
It is a very gentle approach and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, from birth to old age.
Osteopaths may have different specialities including sports injuries, paediatrics, and visceral osteopathy (treating the internal organs of the body). Cranial osteopathy is another such speciality.
Some people may believe that babies and children should have no stresses or strains in their bodies, because they are 'so young'. The reality could be different. Birth is a very varied experience for all concerned, at the beginning of our life in the outside world. The baby is subjected to the forces of labour and delivery, as the uterus and mother push to expel the baby against the natural resistance of the birth canal. The baby has to turn and twist as it squeezes through the bony pelvis, on its short but notable journey.
The baby's head has the remarkable ability to absorb these stresses. In order to reduce the size of the head, the soft bones could overlap, bend and warp as the baby descends. The baby's chin is normally well tucked down towards its chest to reduce the presenting diameter of the head.
Many babies are born with odd shaped heads as a result. In the first few days, the head can usually be seen to gradually lose the extreme moulded shape, as the baby suckles, cries and yawns. However, this unmoulding process can be incomplete, especially if the birth has been difficult or was assisted with forceps or venteuse.
Many babies cope extremely well with even quite severe retained moulding and compression, and are contented and happy.
Due to the rightful restrictions on the claims for Osteopathic treatment it is impossible to state what beneficial effects of treatment could be. All I can say is that the approach is very gentle and I enjoy treating babies very much.
For experienced cranial osteopathy in Oxfordshire call Jerry Longland today on
07952 819 585