What is Osteopathy & Cranial Osteopathy?
What is osteopathy and how can it help you?
Osteopathy is a philosophy of healthcare that acknowledges that the living body is a self-renewing, self-regenerating, self-recuperating system which, should, maintain health constantly throughout life.
Osteopathy is based on the principle that the well being of an individual depends on all body systems, which includes bones, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues, functioning smoothly together. Every one of us is equipped with the ability to heal. If we cut ourselves it heals, if we break a bone it heals, but sometimes our body needs help to facilitate this healing process. In the case of a broken bone this may be a pin or plate inserted surgically, or a plaster cast.
From an Osteopathic perspective, this would be using non-invasive manual techniques to aid the body’s self-healing mechanism at times when this health-maintaining system is compromised and, thereby, helping to restore the body to a better state of balance. Osteopathy is concerned with that which has compromised health rather than the resulting condition.
Osteopaths use palpation (touch) to assess body function and dysfunction. This gives the osteopath uniquely sensitive information about areas of compromised function within the body, and consequently an insight into how to help restore health.
Physical manipulation, stretching and massage may be used to increase the mobility of joints, to relieve muscle tension, to enhance the blood and nerve supply to tissues thereby encouraging the body’s own healing mechanism and returning health and vitality to the dysfunctional area.
Merlin uses a wide range of Osteopathic techniques including soft tissue massage, mobilisation and manipulation.
Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathic techniques are safe, gentle and non-manipulative. They are often used when treating young children and newborn infants, but can be used to treat all age groups. This gentle treatment may help to soothe and relax the client.
Alison has been using these techniques since completing Module 2/3 of the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy in 2002. Please see the section about qualifications for more details. She has been treating babies and children since 2006.
Although people commonly describe their symptoms in terms of conventional medical conditions, osteopaths do not primarily treat medical conditions; they are more concerned with the cascade of events which could have contributed to the development of those medical conditions. This means that often an Osteopath will treat areas seemingly unrelated to the current symptoms in order to address what may be the original source of the problem. For example knee pain my be linked to poor hip or foot function.
Alison is available for Cranial Osteopathy appointments in Tanygroes, Cardigan, Ceredigion.
Merlin is available for Osteopathy appointments in Tanygroes (and Pembroke Dock).
For more information about whether Osteopathic treatment may be able to help you or your family please call me on 07789 518356 or e-mail at info@alisonodochartaighosteopath.com.
Cardigan, Ceredigion