Osteopathy  

Osteopathy believe that disease arises from interference with the circulatory system stemming primarily from blockage in the spinal area. The method was founded in the USA by Dr S. R. Still around 1870. Osteopaths state that whatever blood is circulating normally disease cannot develop - because blood is capable of manufacturing all matter necessary for disease immunity. If blood becomes static it toxifies and illness follows. Osteopathy is the study and practice of certain principles applied to functional and organic disease - those not generally recognised by orthodox practitioners. The basis is that any deviation from normal in structure of bones, joints or soft tissues is capable of affecting the natural organic functions of the body.

   These abnormalities are referred to as lesions and are centred on the spinal column. Their detection and removal is said to counteract both physical disability and organic ill health. It may not necessarily be an out-of-line bone that causes trouble, tension and contraction in muscles, over stretching or contracting of ligaments, tightened bands of connective tissue - all can obstruct normal blood flow. Of equal importance is the smooth functioning of the lymphatic system, which Dr Still coupled with blood as comprising the fluids of life.

   Osteopathy demonstrates that many illnesses have a relationship to disorders of the spine and can be reversed by manipulating joints back into correct alignment. All Still's original researches emphasise that illness is due to the condition of the whole body and not an isolated outbreak in one part of it. He looked at the symptoms, but did not treat them directly. He traced them back to structural disturbances - the malposition of bones, strains and dislocations which he adjusted by manipulation and allowed the life force to do the rest.

   The same method applies today. The theory is that a body cannot function properly unless it is structurally sound, and if the structure is sound then the vital force will take over to help restore health, whatever the disorder. Osteopathy involves the normalising and adjustment of spinal lesions, the massage of soft tissue, muscles and ligaments. Modern osteopaths work with X-rays to examine the position of the joints, paying special attention to spinal lesions. Past medical history is studied. A method of diagnosing the condition of the blood in certain areas was established by Still and is an important part of the osteopathic assessment, areas of the body are touched to judge the speed, heat and quality of blood palpitating beneath them. It is similar to the pulse diagnosis of the acupuncturist.

   Once the cause is removed the conditions set up are said to disappear. Osteopaths know of deficiences which often cause the loss of muscular tone - bad diet, lack of essential vitamins and minerals - and the consequent falling out of alignment of bones. If such deficiencies are not compensated the body will revert to malalignment. Lesions can be caused by accidents, falls, twists, blows, bad posture, bad diet, prolonged tension.

   If an illness has reached the organic stage it may be too late for manipulation to work satisfactorily. Certain arthritic conditions, slipped discs, asthmatic-bronchitic ailments, muscular atrophy, the Parkinson syndrome, pneumonia and some skin diseases can be helped - apart from every form of dislocation.