Osteopath

Osteopathy is a type of alternative medicine that emphasizes physical manipulation of muscle tissue and bones. Its name comes from Ancient Greek "bone" (ὀστέον) and "sensitive to" or "responding to" (-πάθεια).

History

Andrew Taylor Still (1828–1917) founded osteopathy in 1874. Still was a Missouri physician who had become disillusioned with the ineffective and often harmful practices of his day, such as purging, bleeding, and the use of toxic chemicals. He developed a theory that the body had the inherent capacity to heal itself and that the role of the physician was to facilitate that process.

Principles

Osteopathy is based on four main principles:

1. The body is an integrated unit of mind, body, and spirit.
2. The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms, having the inherent capacity to defend, repair, and remodel itself.
3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
4. Rational treatment is based on understanding the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.

Practice

Osteopaths use a wide range of treatment techniques such as muscle energy technique, soft tissue technique, joint manipulation, and cranial osteopathy. These techniques aim to restore balance within the body, enabling it to function more efficiently and alleviate pain.

Regulation and recognition

In many countries, osteopathy is a recognized profession and is regulated by law. In the United States, osteopathic physicians hold equal practice rights to MDs and are recognized as fully licensed physicians.

Criticism and controversy

Despite its widespread use and recognition, osteopathy has been criticized for lacking in empirical evidence. Some of its practices, such as cranial osteopathy, have been particularly controversial.

See also

• Chiropractic
• Physical therapy
• Massage
• Physiotherapy

External links

• American Osteopathic Association
• General Osteopathic Council (UK)

Osteopath Resources
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