CRANIAL FORUM CORE CURRICULUM

Section Two - CRANIAL SKILLS

Section Three – PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

Section Two is based upon:

· the Knowledge and Understanding Units which support the National Occupational Standards in Cranial therapy.

· the Cranial Forum’s Standards of Practitioner competence.

	CRANIAL SKILLS Unit 1 UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE	Ref
1	A general knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology, as well as that which is specifically applicable to cranial therapies
2	An understanding of the theoretical foundations, and historical perspectives of cranial therapies.
3	An awareness of the principles of conventional healthcare
4	An awareness of other complementary and alternative therapies and how they are practised.
5	An awareness of clinical implications and basic pharmacology
6	An appreciation of the birth process and the development processes of infants
7	An appreciation of the effect in adults of their birth processes and subsequent biological processes.
8	An understanding of the principles, possibilities and limitations of clinical research.
9	Contra-indications and limitations in relation to cranial therapies Cranial therapies are inherently safe. They are based on very light and subtle palpation skills, and the practitioner respects the innate wisdom or self-healing ability of the body. There are, however, some specific situations where cranial therapies should not be used. These are: · Any situation where it is undesirable to change intracranial pressure eg acute intracranial haemorrhage, intracranial aneurism, encephalitis, hydrocephalus, recent skull fracture, epidural leaks, herniated medulla oblongata. · Any situation where there is constant, unremitting, unexplained pain. Additionally, specific cranial techniques addressing the cervical spine should be modified when treating clients with recent cervical fractures or RA/OA of that area or those with cerebral palsy or Downs syndrome who may have insufficient ligaments As with all complementary therapies, the cranial practitioner should be aware that it may be inadvisable to treat clients who are under the influence of recreational drugs and/or alcohol. Also, those who are suffering from severe mental illness. Care must be taken with pregnant clients, those who have had recent surgery, and those who have serious illness. The practitioner should know when there is a need for referral to the client’s medical carers. The cranial practitioner must only use those approaches that are within the scope of their training and capabilities. They must be aware of the need for referral to a more experienced cranial practitioner, another complementary practitioner or to medical care. The cranial practitioner must be fit to practise.

	CRANIAL SKILLS Unit 2 THERAPEUTIC SKILLS	Ref
1	Clinical skills in relation to the core system
2	Awareness of the clients therapeutic process
3	Listening and communication skills
4	Perceiving health as an active principle
5	Palpation skills
6	Responding to physiological presentation of shock, emotional and/or physical trauma
7	Locating and recognising areas of functional imbalance and/or resistance, and facilitating the client’s innate self-healing ability
8	Palpating the different rhythms of the Cranial system
9	Understanding the client’s potential to achieve health within their core system
10	Facilitating therapeutic stillness
11	Facilitating the integration of therapeutic changes which may have occurred during treatment
12	Recognising the completion of an individual’s therapeutic process and leaving them grounded and balanced.
13	The motility and mobility of cranial sutures and cranial bony structures including facial structures. Physiological and dysfunctional patterns, ranges of rhythm, texture and temperature
14	Fluctuation of cerebrospinal fluid and appreciation of its potency and quality
15	The reciprocal tension membrane, including the involuntary motion of the sacrum
16	The central nervous system
17	Whole body dynamics, including fascia, membranes, joints and movements
18	Appreciation of the neuro-immuno-endocrine mechanisms and relationships
19	Appreciation of the viscera
20	Appreciation of the human energy field
21	Introduction to cranial skills related to the birth process and the development processes of infants.
22	Introduction to cranial skills related to the effects in adults of their birth processes and subsequent biological processes.

CRANIAL FORUM CORE CURRICULUM

Section three– PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

Section three is based upon:

· the Knowledge and Understanding Units which support the National Occupational Standards in Cranial therapy.

· the Cranial Forum’s Standards of Practitioner competence.

	PRACTICE MANAGEMENT	Ref
	BUSINESS AWARENESS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT Students are advised they need to complete ITEC Level 2 Business Awareness and ITEC Level 2 Professional Conduct (QCA Unit Number: J/101/2239) or similar, or to produce evidence of practice management and business skills
	Practitioners are required to:
1	Follow the Guidance and Code of Ethics of their Professional Association
2	Possess adequate Professional Indemnity and Malpractice Insurance cover and an up-to-date First Aid Certificate
	Demonstrate an awareness of the skills required in order to:
3	Provide and maintain a safe and professional clinical environment
4	Establish a professional relationship with clients and an awareness of the importance of healthy boundaries
5	Maintain client/patient case histories, treatment records and other essential record keeping
6	Maintain financial records
7	Develop effective listening skills
8	Communicate effectively with clients and colleagues
9	Market their practice and therapies ethically
10	Manage their own time and professional life effectively
11	Observe the legal aspects of practice including Health and Safety, and Local Authority regulations.
12	Make appropriate referrals to other CAM or orthodox practitioners

TRAINING COURSE STRUCTURES

These are set out by individual member organisations. Within the group there are courses to suit all levels of previous experience and there are different modes of attendance offered.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

All member organisations recognise CPD as a requirement and demand evidence of completion of relevant studies as a qualification for continued registration. In order to meet the needs of individual students, member organisations offer a range of Supervisory and Mentoring Schemes, and Advanced Training opportunities. These advanced/specialist/expanded learning units include more in-depth study of Paediatrics, Viscera, Immune System, Nervous System, Birth Process, the Brain, Healthy Boundaries, Counselling Skills.