Osteopathy

“If you understand the mechanism the treatment is simple.” ~ W.G.Sutherland

Osteopathy recognizes the important link between the structures of the body and the way it functions.

Osteopathy is an alternative treatment modality which was founded by Dr A.T. Still in the early 1800’s. It is based on the fact that the body has an innate ability to recover itself and find health.

There are key principles that Osteopathy is based on. A few are:

• The interconnectedness of the body and the mind.
• Blood circulation is required for establishing health and nourishment.
• The body functions as a whole, there is an interconnectedness to it.
• Structure and function are interrelated.
• The body has an inherent ability to heal itself.

Osteopathy is a hands-on technique where the Osteopath focuses on finding the root cause of the illness. An Osteopath addresses the interconnectedness of the body through connective tissue fascia, muscles, bones, blood and other fluids circulating in the body like the cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and the spinal cord. All these parameters form an important part of the diagnostic part of this treatment modality.

The root cause whether it is in the body or the mind, has the ability to manifest in the physical body. Once identified, the treatment involves the use of diverse techniques ranging from a light thrust and gentle physical manipulation of the hard and soft tissues to using a very light touch. This not only helps in re-establishing circulation but also in realigning the structures resulting in improved function, efficiency and a better quality of life.

Osteopathy addresses all the aspects of the body namely musculoskeletal, visceral (soft abdominal organs) and craniosacral (bones of the skull and connected structures).

A session usually takes an hour and the sessions are spaced a week to ten days apart.

It can help resolve both acute and chronic longstanding issues across all age groups. A gentler form of Osteopathy called craniosacral therapy is ideal for pregnant mothers and babies in the womb. It can also be taken by people with no apparent health concerns.

There is a detailed case history taking involved and the patient becomes an integral part of Osteopathy.

Osteopathy forms a part of integrated medicine which encourages interdisciplinary referral for the holistic health of a person. It is also an extremely powerful adjunct to any other form of treatment being administered and enhances the response towards health. Osteopathy can be added to any treatment modality and Osteopaths work in close conjunction with the mainstream medical care.

It plays a role in both interventional and preventive health care becoming a very important part of integrated medicine. People have reported gaining deep insights into the causative forces of their issues and have been able to take steps towards making a healthy difference to their lives.

The goal of the treatment is to empower individual health wise so that they may not need any further intervention and feel encouraged to live an aware and holistic lifestyle.