What Is Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is the treatment of restriction and injury of the body by applying pressure and movement to reposition physical structures thus improving overall physical function. It is a form of natural, holistic, drug-free, manual therapy that focuses on total body health and the relationship between the structure, and function of the body. An Osteopathic Practitioner’s intent is to harmonize the body’s musculoskeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems as well as restore mobility, decrease pain and bring a natural balance back to the body.
Andrew Taylor Still MD, DO
August 6, 1828 – December 12, 1917
Andrew Taylor Still is the founder of the world’s first osteopathic medical school, (now A.T. Still University) in the 1870’s in Kirksville Missouri. In addition he was also a surgeon and physician, inventor, author, and Kansas territorial and state legislator. He became disillusioned by the practices of his time and sought to treat people using a non-invasive, non-surgical, drug-free alternative.
“An osteopath is only an human engineer, who should understand all the laws governing his engine and thereby master disease.” – A.T Still
The four main principles that the osteopathic philosophy embraces are:
- Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
- The body is a unit, and the person represents a combination of body, mind and spirit.
- The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
- Rational treatment is based on an understanding of these principals: self-regulation, body unity, and the interrelationship of structure and function.