Osteopathy Shiatsu Cranial Osteopathy

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment emphasising the structural and functional integrity of the body. It recognises that much of the pain and disability which we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease. While back pain is the most common problem seen, osteopathy can help including changes to posture in pregnancy, babies with colic or sleeplessness, repetitive strain injury, postural problems cause by driving or work strain, children with glue ear, the pain of arthritis and sports injuries among many others. Osteopaths work with their hands using a wide variety of treatment techniques. These may include soft tissue techniques designed to improve mobility and the range of movement of a joint. Gentle release techniques are widely used, particularly when treating children or elderly patients. This allows the body to return to efficient normal function.

Shiatsu

POSTNATAL SUPPORT - Shiatsu can help support mothers following rigours of giving birth. Strengthening the lower back and the abdomen. Releasing tension in the system and assisting the mother in regaining some of her own centre and resources.

HEAD, NECK AND SHOULDERS - Shiatsu can help to release acute and chronic patterns of tension and stiffness in the neck and shoulders and can help restore greater mobility and functioning. Headaches and migraines also respond well. Shiatsu can help to disperse sinus congestion. Depending upon the origins of the condition such as; wear and tear, posture or injury, a variety of techniques can be used, including Pressure, stretching, acupressure, soft tissue manipulation, rotations, postural alignment techniques as well as more subtle holding techniques. Whilst a practitioner is engaging with the physical body they will also be working with the underlying meridian (channels of energy) system in accordance with an oriental perspective on body energetics.

ABDOMINAL PAIN - IBS/Digestion - In a recent pilot study on Shiatsu and IBS, 8 out of 10 case studies revealed an improvement after Shiatsu treatment. Shiatsu helps to promote the functioning of the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system which is involved in deeply relaxing the body and triggering the more internal restorative functions such as peristalsis of the gut and secretion of digestive fluids. Along with the benefits of deep relaxation Shiatsu works on the meridian system (channels of energy) to help both the digestive system process more smoothly and the bowel to become more regular.

CIRCULATION/ FLUID RETENTION - Sluggish circulation and fluid retention can be helped by Shiatsu techniques which mobilise joints and enervate muscle tissue. In addition stimulation of acupressure points and meridians (channels of energy) can assist the organs involved in the circulation of fluids in the body.

FATIGUE - Diet, lifestyle and the stresses and strains inherent in daily living can all have an impact on our energy levels. Shiatsu can help to undo tension and holding patterns within our body and so make energy available where we need it. In addition the stimulation of key acupressure points and meridians ( channels of energy) can provide a boost to our system. In more long term conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or ME, Shiatsu can help over a series of treatments to address the cluster of symptoms contributing to the condition and provide support for the person whilst they cope with the challenges of life.

MUSCE PAIN AND TENSION - A recent study on Shiatsu and back pain judged it to be “very effective”, showing success in 89% of cases. In addition the study revealed that Shiatsu treatments resulted in a significant reduction of time taken off work. Techniques for working on the back will vary depending upon the nature and origin of the condition, they can include: Pressure, stretching, acupressure, soft tissue manipulation, postural alignment techniques. Whilst a practitioner is engaging with the physical body they will also be working with the underlying energetic body in accordance with an oriental perspective on body energetics.

Shiatsu can help a range of musculoskeletal problems, using rotations, soft tissue and gentle manipulation techniques to to improve mobility and postural alignment. If a complaint is short term and localised it can take one or two sessions to treat it. If is is a more chronic condition it may take longer. The practitioner will give a diagnosis of the length of treatment that is recommended after the first session.

The treatment is given on a futon and is done through clothes (it is advised to wear loose comfortable clothing). It uses stretches, pressure points and various massage techniques; a combination of stretching, rocking, holding and applying pressure along the merdian lines and tsubos (acupuncture points). Balancing the meridians will boost the self-healing mechanism of the body and will leave you feeling relaxed and energised.

Shiatsu is a Japanese form of body-work based on traditional oriental medicine theory and is considered to be a highly potent way to achieve and maintain health and emotional balance. It works in line with energy channels (meridians) that are chosen by the practitioner following a diagnosis. The treatment is designed to balance and harmonise these channels.

Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy uses gentle, subtle techniques. An American osteopath, William Garner Sutherland (US Osteopath, 1930's) developed the technique, and its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 1960's and '70's. He discovered that the cranial bones (the skull bones encasing the brain) weren't fused in adulthood, as was widely thought, but actually had a cycle of slight involuntary movement. He suggested that this movement was influenced by the rhythmic flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the nourishing and protective fluid that circulates through the spinal canal and brain) and could become blocked. He developed refined and subtle techniques using very gentle manipulative pressure to encourage the release of stresses and strains in the cranium and throughout the body.

Cranial osteopathy can be a part of any osteopathic treatment and is often used for:

•  sinus problems

•  tinnitus

•  headaches

•  head injuries, whip lash, effects of accidents and traumas

•  effects of coughs, colds, flu – can speed up the healing

•  all the usual musculoskeletal problems

Birth Trauma: It is a common belief that babies and children should have no structural stresses or strains in their bodies, because they are 'so young'. The reality is very different. Birth is one of the most stressful events of our lives. The baby is subjected to enormous forces, as the uterus pushes 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 highly stimulating and potentially stressful journey. The baby's head has the remarkable ability to absorb these stresses in a normal delivery. In order to reduce the size of the head, the soft bones 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 is often incomplete, especially if the birth has been difficult. As a result, the baby may have to live with some very uncomfortable stresses within its head and body.

(1 www.cranial.org.uk)
BABIES: Crying, Screaming, Irritability: “The baby may be uncomfortable, with a constant feeling of pressure in the head. This may be made worse by the extra pressure on the head when lying down.” 1 Feeding: “The baby takes a long time to feed and one feed merges into the next. They may be a 'windy' feeder. Feeding is difficult and tiring due to mechanical stresses through the head, face and throat. The nerves to the tongue and face muscles may be irritated as they exit from the skull, which makes sucking difficult.” 1 Sickness, colic and wind: “Regurgitation of milk between feeds, bouts of prolonged crying due to colic and wind. Often worse in the evening. The nerve to the stomach may be irritated as it exits from the base of the skull, which can impair digestion. The diaphragm between the chest and the abdomen may be stressed or distorted, which further compromises both digestion and the ability of the stomach to retain its contents. Stress from a difficult or fast birth can leave the digestive system in tension trapping wind. Any strain through the umbilical cord, for instance if it was around the baby's neck, can add to strains in the abdomen.” 1 Sleep disturbances: “ The baby sleeps for only short periods, and may sleep little in the day (or night!). They wake to the slightest noise- "jumpy". The tension on the bony and membranous casing of the skull keeps the baby's nervous system in a persistently alert state.” 1

Older Children:

•  Ear infections

•  Sinus and dental problems

•  Behavioural problems and learning difficulties, and special needs

•  Headache, aches and pains

•  Asthma

“Reactions to treatment are variable, often the baby or child is very relaxed afterwards and sleeps well. Others have a burst of energy after treatment, usually followed by a good nights sleep. Occasionally children are unsettled after treatment. This is a temporary situation, and usually clears within 24-48 hours.” 1