The Cranial Bowl in the New Millennium and Sutherland's Legacy for Osteopathic Medicine: Part 2

Abstract

Cranial osteopathic medicine is practiced all over the world, respecting the dictates of the creator, Dr Sutherland. Despite the current manual approach faithfully follows the theoretical and practical bases that make up the cranial model of the last century, there are many scientific evidences that highlight the criticalities of the same model. In the first part we reviewed the role of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as well as we discussed some rhythms present in the central nervous system; these latter elements are the pillars to support the theoretical idea of the movement of the skull evaluated and palpated by the osteopath. In this second part we will review the mechanical characteristics of other structures that make up the cranial system, highlighting new perspectives for clinical practice, thanks to the most recent data derived from scientific research.

Neurophysiology, Neuro-Immune Interactions, and Mechanobiology in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field: An Evidence-Informed Perspective for a Scientific Rationale

“…One approach traditionally considered distinctive in osteopathic practice is osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF) [13,14]. The cranial approach is described by the World Health Organization as one of the core osteopathic competencies [15].…”

“…According to W.G. Sutherland's view, this intrinsic mobility is termed the primary respiratory mechanism, comprising five components: central nervous system motility, cerebrospinal fluid fluctuation, reciprocal tension membranes, cranial bone mobility, and involuntary motion of the sacrum between the ilium [13,[16][17][18][19][20][21].…”

“…In practice, OCF involves manual contact by the therapist on the patient's cranial skin to gather information for osteopathic clinical reasoning and to detect cranial SDs [13], which represent neurologically active areas associated with specific biological functions and psychological perceptions [1].…”

Osteopathic Principles: The Inspiration of Every Science Is Its Change

“…Making thought grow is always a source of effort and patience. Our non-profit research organization, Foundation of Osteopathic Research and Clinical Endorsement (FORCE), which was founded in 2013 under the aegis of diverse international professionals, has published many innovative articles in the field of manual medicine, clashing with habits and thought patterns not always easy to overcome for different reasons [ 9 - 12 ]. The intent of the article is to review some osteopathic principles, in particular, the second and third, trying to contribute to the development of OM based on different sciences and innovative points of view.…”