The Forgotten Techniques of William Garner Sutherland
This workshop brings William Garner Sutherland and his pre-cranial ideas to life.
Following the presentation of a colourful biographical sketch of Sutherland, an explanation of the physiological consequences of influenza and pneumonia is offered. Then, Sutherland’s observation of “anterior tensity” is explained. Thirty of Sutherland’s rarely taught techniques for remedying this abnormal tension and its far-reaching effects are demonstrated and practiced. Among the regions of his focus are the thorax (spine, ribs, and diaphragm); pelvis (bony and visceral); neck (bony and visceral); lumbar area (mainly muscular); and shoulder girdle (scapula and clavicle). Of great importance will be an explanation of how Sutherland traced anterior tensity into the cranium.
Once the bodily anterior tensity was lessened, Sutherland turned his attention to the cranium. In this area, his brilliance as an osteopath is evident. In his view, cranial inertia (not caused by trauma) resulted from the cranium’s excessive expansion. This expansion caused tension of the membranes, ultimately leading to fluid stasis. The reason for this association will be explained in the workshop. Sutherland’s techniques are simple in application yet powerful in results. Ideas on how to employ his approach in current-day practice will be shared.