What is Osteopathy? Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment which works by addressing the structure and function of the body.  The maintenance of good mechanical function is essential to good health.  Strains or changes to the framework of the body can affect any aspect of health by disturbing the nerve or blood supply, or by putting a mechanical stress on the organs.  Osteopaths work to restore the structure and function of the body to a state of balance and harmony, thereby assisting all the body systems to restore a state of health and wellbeing.
	Involuntary Motion – The Cranial Rhythm Cranial Osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues.  This is called Involuntary Motion or the Cranial Rhythm. The movement is of very small amplitude; therefore it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch to feel it.
	This rhythm was first described in the early 1900’s by Dr. W. G. Sutherland and its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 1960’s and 70’s. Tension in the body disrupts the cranial rhythm. Practitioners compare what your rhythm is doing to what they consider ideal. This shows them what stresses and strains your body is under at present, and what tensions it may be carrying as a result of its past history. It also gives them an insight into the overall condition of your body, for example if it is healthy, or stressed and tired.