The three basic principles of osteopathy

THE THREE BASIC PRINCIPLES
OF OSTEOPATHY

1) The body is a functional unit:

Osteopathy takes a holistic view of the human body.

All structures and all functions are inseparable from each other,

the body forms a unit.

In addition, osteopathy also includes the psyche in this unit - alongside the

the musculoskeletal system and internal organs - also includes the psyche.

This follows from the realisation that an acute illness can have its origin

in a completely different part of the physical entity.

A painful shoulder can also have a psychological cause

and can be triggered by stress, for example.

2. The structure and the function are mutually and reciprocally dependent on each other:

Osteopathy distinguishes between body structures (e.g. bones, muscles, organs, nerves, body fluids) and

body functions (blood circulation, digestion, etc.)

Structure and function influence each other and must therefore always be considered together. For example, an arbitrary

function (e.g. due to incorrect loading) can change the structure (e.g. form calcium deposits), while a change in body

structures (e.g. due to an accident) impairs function.

"The function creates the structure and the structure directs the function." (Andrew T. Still)

3. The body has self-regulating mechanisms:

The body has the natural ability to regulate, heal and maintain itself. Normally a person is

is able to neutralise disruptive influences such as stress, injuries or pathogens itself.

The body has very effective self-healing powers: small wounds usually heal by themselves and foreign bodies such as bacteria and

Viruses are fought by the body.

The three pillars of osteopathy

In osteopathy, a distinction is made between three systems:

The craniosacral systemThe parietal systemThe visceral system

The craniosacral system

The parietal system

The visceral system