Osteopathic Cranio-sacral technique is ideally suited to treating babies and children. It is an extremely gentle non-invasive approach which treats the child without medication or exposure to radiation (X-rays). It works by returning and rebalancing the natural movements that exist within the head and spine and throughout the body. Movement allows the fluids within the body to provide nutrition to the tissues. Lack or blockages within this movement disrupts fluid flow and thus nutrition, growth and development in these areas.

Although babies come into the world ‘brand new,’ the path in which they enter is an extremely tight one. One might have thought the birth was tough for the Mother, but imagine what it was like for the baby!! The result can be stress and strain on the head and/or body which can be from fast or slow natural births, through to assisted ones and Caesareans. The outcome of this can be blockages in the natural movements of the head and body and result in headaches, indigestion (e.g. possetting, colic-like symptoms), ear/chest infections through to neck or back pain. It can be non specific symptoms such as being generally unhappy and unsettled, or poor eating/drinking. The general advice is often ‘ they’ll grow out of it’. However an unhappy baby means an unhappy and tired family.

A number of these symptoms can be easily and quickly treated with osteopathic Cranio-sacral technique. It uses the pressure of a 20 pence piece to release the tensions in the body and return fluid movement and health. Mothers are increasingly having newborn babies and young children checked over by an osteopath to ensure that they have the best start in life.

Elizabeth Cooke specialises in cranio-sacral therapy and in treating babies and young children and has completed a two year Diploma in Paediatric Osteopathy.