The Principles of Osteopathy

Three of the main principles of osteopathy are:

1. Structure and function are interdependent

2. The rule of the artery is supreme

3. The unity of the human being

1. Structure and Function are Interdependent

Life is a dynamic process in which change is the only constant and so its main characteristic is motion. Motion ¡X or movement ¡X within a healthy, balanced body (or any other living thing) is fluid and rhythmical. Free movement between the body structures is essential for the health of an individual. When it is disrupted the function is in some way disturbed. Disrupted movement is the altered state that comes about before disease emerges.

When we use the term structure, we mean the muscles, bones ligaments, organs, and fascia. By the term function, we mean the way in which all the different parts of the body work within themselves and in relation to each other. The relationship between structure and function applied in a therapeutic context is probably the greatest contribution made by Andrew Still to medicine. A very good example of this relationship is the young, growing brain. The amount of varied activity that stimulates the brain to work also influences the rate and quality of the growth of the brain tissue itself.

The structure of the circulatory system is the heart, blood vessels, their valves, and the blood. If the blood vessel walls get thicker and harder ¡X which may be caused by an imbalance in the contents of the blood ¡X then problems may develop in the circulation.

The osteopath looks for free movement between the joints. In the spine, for example, she looks for flexibility and mobility, as without these the blood and nerve supply to the surrounding and related tissues and organs will be poor. In treatment, the osteopath aims to have a positive effect on the body¡¦s function, even though she works directly on the structure.

2. The Rule of the Artery Is Supreme

This expression means that, for good health, good circulation of all body fluids is essential. Poor circulation is likely to mean that the cells will be starved of what they need to survive, and will eventually die. All the tissues in the body are made up of different kinds of cells, which get their nutrients from the fluid in which they live. The body fluid consists of the blood, lymph, which drains and cleans the tissues, and the spinal fluid that supports, nourishes and drains the central nervous system. In order for the nutrients to be easily absorbed and for waste products to be got rid of, three conditions need to be fulfilled:

• the fluid must be present in sufficient quantity
• the rhythmic movement of the cells must be constant
• the body fluids must circulate freely

The circulatory system carries the hormones produced by the endocrine system and are controlled by the nervous system. The two systems that form a communication between all the systems of the body are the nervous and circulatory systems. In his writing, Dr. Still often emphasized the importance of one particular system ¡X the musculoskeletal system, the lymphatic system, the fascia, etc. The reason for this was probably his intuition that in each individual case, one system was the most important factor in creating the disease. At the same time, he always maintained his vision of the unity of the whole body.

3. The Unity of the Human Being

According to the Western Christian tradition, the human being consists of a threefold unit: body, mind, and spirit. This view was adopted by many of the first osteopaths and it is still held by many practitioners today. The relationship between the mind and the body is now taken into consideration by most physicians and health-care professionals. The effect of emotions such as fear, laughter, or sadness on the body, for example, is immediately apparent.

This unity of the body, and its self-healing capacity, is also evident in the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. In the past decade, researchers have discovered that chemical substances (a variety of hormones and neurological transmitters) produced by the body are recognized by, and communicate with, these three systems. This process is a means by which the body sets in motion its healing mechanism.

For example, an inflammation in the tissues results in the release of substances that increase circulation and temperature, and cause increased sensitivity or even pain by irritating the nerve endings. This information travels in the spinal cord, and some of it goes to the brain, where it stimulates the release of hormones into the blood. It also brings to our conscious awareness the local problem. Once in circulation around the body, these hormones will affect different organs and interact with the immune system. In this way, the whole body is woken up and works as a complete unit to bring things back to normal.

The nervous and circulatory systems not only integrate the normal functions of the body but, if disturbed, can inhibit the body¡¦s natural powers of self-healing. The body¡¦s musculoskeletal system reflects, and may aggravate the condition of these systems and so influence a person¡¦s state of health. When an osteopath thinks of the interconnectedness of the body he has in his mind all of these systems.