Cranial Osteopathy is a specialised technique described as 'indirect' as no manipulative thrust is applied to any spinal joint. The cranial osteopath believes that the fine joints, or sutures, of the bones that form the skull allow tiny movements to occur between them. By stimulating this movement, the circulation of cerebro-spinal fluid is encouraged which may relieve local symptoms and also affect other organs, such as the pituitary gland. This technique can be especially helpful in the treatment of children with learning difficulties and those with some forms of brain damage. Gentle, rhythmic pressure is applied to the head in order to encourage movement of the skull structures.