Osteopathic philosophy

There are five basic premises underlying the philosophy and practice of osteopathy. These are:

1. First, the human body is an integrated unit, and that the person represents a combination of body, mind, and spirit.

2. Second, the body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.

3. That the structure and function of the body are reciprocally and mutually interdependent.

4. That optimum function of body systems is dependent upon the unimpeded flow of blood and nerve impulses.

5. That the musculo-skeletal system comprises a major system of the body, and that its importance goes far beyond that of providing a supportive framework.

These principles lead to the osteopathic understanding of disease processes and the role of osteopathy in healing:

1. The recognition of the importance, of the musculo-skeletal syste and its tendency to dysfunctio to the rest of the body, and the repercussions of such changes. The enormous amount of energy required to deal with disturbances to the structure and functioning of the musculo-skeletal system is often an important contributor to internal dysfunction.

2. The recognition that treatment should be based on an understanding of the unity of the body and its capacity for self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function. Therapy is able to normalise dysfunction of the musculo-skeletal system and of internal systems such as as the gastrointestinal tract using a variety of manipulative procedures.