Osteopathic Cranial Manipulation

William Garner Sutherland, DO (1873-1954), discovered, developed and taught Cranial Osteopathy in the early-to-mid 1900s. He was the first to perceive a subtle palpable movement within the bones of the cranium, and went on to discover the continuity of this rhythmic fluid movement throughout all tissues of the body.

Just as the lungs breathe and the heart beats with a rhythmic alternating expansion and contraction motion, the central nervous system also has its own involuntary rhythmic motion. Dr. Sutherland called this inherent activity the Primary Respiratory Mechanism because it seemed to have a respiratory-like motion, with “inhalation” and “exhalation” phases.

Osteopathic Cranial Manipulation is a gentle, hands-on treatment performed by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) with specialty training. The hands of a skilled physician connect directly with this primary respiratory mechanism to initiate a therapeutic response. The primary respiratory motion expresses itself through every cell of the body, influencing all body functions. Physicians trained in cranial osteopathy can place their hands on any part of the patient to perceive and influence this important mechanism.