Comparison between CV4 and EV4 - Osteopathic Research

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Dovesmith 5 believes that the strengthening of the occiput’s extension such as
that occurring in CV4 and the longitudinal fluctuation has a sympathetic effect;
but that the flexion or lateral fluctuation has an opposite (parasympathetic)
influence.
The EV4 technique procedure and its application realm which is identical to that
of the CV4 were only documented in written form by Liem. 6 Further
information about the EV4 technique originates from my class notes. Jealous
noted a harmonising regulating effect for the both techniques, but he also
indicated that: “EV4 takes the potency from the midline, the CV4 brings it to the
midline”. 7
Based on these facts, I decided to explore in my thesis these craniosacral
techniques in relation to the effect on autonomous body functions, as a
technique’s effect also determines the realm of indications and the therapeutic
procedure. Additionally, the cranial techniques were compared with a placebotechnique
in order, to objectify them and to get more basic information, which
could underline the effect of CV4 or EV4.
For this study I chose exclusively healthy subjects in order to obtain comparison
values for people with specific pathologies that could be later used as basis for
further research. The following quote from Sutherland confirmed this decision:
“Through knowledge of the normal you can diagnose the abnormal.” 8
5 DOVESMITH Edith: “Fluid fluctuation and the autonomic system”
in: Journal of the Osteopathic Cranial Association, p.55
published by The Osteopathic Cranial Association, 1953
6 LIEM Thorsten: Kraniosakrale Osteopathie, Stuttgart: Hippokrates Verlag, 1998, p.334
7 JEALOUS James: WSO Seminar: Biodynamische Kranialosteopathie , notes Pöttmes, 2000
8 SUTHERLAND William Garner: Contributions of Thought, 2nd Edition, (edited by A. Strand Sutherland,
A. Wales), Sutherland Cranial Teaching Foundation, Portland, Oregon: Rudra Press, 1998, p.346
Margit Grill / 2006