The Philosophy of Osteopathy is based on four basic principles. Click on the items below to learn more.
1. Structure governs function.
Each structure in the body supports it's function. Optimally, each body part should move freely around it's own internal physiological axis. Any disruption to structure can result in functional changes. The body is like a beautifully complicated time piece, each part in subtle but perpetual motion relative to the others. When one component cannot move in harmony with it's neighbors due to abnormal tone, adhesions or displacements, it works against the body's other organs, muscles, membranes, fascia and osseous structures. This disharmony creates fixed abnormal points of tension that the body is forced to move around. When the body's equilibrium is exhausted by injury, stress or disease, multiple symptoms and pathologies can occur.
2. The body is autoregulatory.
When the body has no restrictions it has the inherent ability to heal itself. Health exists when the body can maintain a state of rhythmic balance. A flexible, and mobile body can easily accommodate for the various stresses of daily living. Body tissues are naturally able to reform and shift to accommodate for significant areas of tension, maintaining an equilibrium.
3. The rule of the artery is absolute.
The natural flow of the body's fluids; lymphatic, vascular and neurological must be preserved and maintained to support life. In fact, it is a primary mandate of the body to maintain the flow of nutrients toward and toxic waste away from all body structures. There is an inherent heirarchy to the various body systems and the preservation of the integrity of the fluid systems is primary.
4. The body is a functional unit.
The body is an integrated whole. All body tissues and organs are in constant motion and are interconnected via the fascia. The fascia, or connective tissue is a fine web or sheath that extends over and within every organ, muscle, vascular, neural and osseous structure – linking these systems and components together to form one functional unit. Compromise in one component of the system affects the entire being. The human body is the sum of its parts, to include physical, emotional, social, spiritual and cognitive systems. These do not work independently – they work in harmony.