FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What is the difference between Craniosacral and Osteopathy?
A: The philosophical basis of Osteopathy, as proposed by its founder Dr Still, is quite subtle. At the same time, in practical terms, the aim of an osteopathic treatment is to realign the bones of the vertebral column. The aim of a craniosacral session is to help the membrane system, inside the vertebral column and cranium, become more flexible.

Certainly the subjective experience of the two modalities is very different.

An Osteopathic treatment rarely lasts more than half an hour and is often much shorter.
A Craniosacral session normally lasts between one and one and a half hours, occasionally longer.
Osteopaths often use high velocity thrust techniques involving a force of several kilos for a brief period.

The Craniosacral touch is totally different; a very light traction, in the order of 5 grams, maintained for several minutes, giving time for the membrane system to respond in its own way.

Craniosacral does not attempt spinal adjustment. In fact it is quite common for a practitioner to collaborate with an Osteopath when a client has obvious bony misalignment.

Osteopathic training is available in Lismore, New South Wales at the Southern Cross University (S.C.U.) and Melbourne, Victoria at both the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (R.M.I.T.) and the Victoria University (V.U.).

Q: What other healing modalities are compatible with Craniosacral?
A: Craniosacral work can be a useful companion therapy to most other forms of healing - from antibiotics to aura-soma.

To carry home the benefits of receiving Craniosacral sessions into daily life and to give independence to the person, the practice of Yoga and the Alexander Technique are both recommended.

Q: Are there specific health problems that Craniosacral can treat?
A: The Craniosacral system provides the environment for the central nervous system. An improvement in the functioning of the Craniosacral system benefits every organ and muscle in the body. The Endocrine system responds particularly well to this work. The Autonomic Nervous System can find a balance between its parts through Craniosacral work. Obviously disease and discomfort related to problems in these areas can be alleviated.

Head, back, neck and jaw pain are often helped, as are difficulties with balance or noise in the ears.
Vision can improve as can the functioning of the muscles which move the eyes.

Women often report much more regular menstrual cycles, and Craniosacral can be of help in pre and post natal care.

An exhaustive list would be very long. Above all, Craniosacral is a very effective form of preventative medicine.

Q: Can children receive sessions?
A: Children often enjoy Craniosacral which can be very calming for the hyperactive and helpful for those with learning difficulties. Even very young babies can benefit, particularly if the birth process was traumatic or in some way difficult. Colic is generally relieved - for the whole family.

Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: This varies from person to person. Very serious situations may require 20 sessions or more. However, Craniosacral therapy is a process which generally reaches a conclusion. People do get better.
For most people an initial series of from 6 to 10 sessions is adequate, with occasional ‘maintenance’ sessions thereafter.

Receiving sessions can carry a person to that space of silence and watching, to that ever fresh experience of what is.