 OsteopathyHealing by gentle handsThe founder of osteopathy, the American physician Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, established back in the nineteenth century that many of the diseases which affect the human body are associated with changes in bone and joint functions. He used this discovery to form the basis of a new type of treatment which took into account the interrelation of all the parts of the body with one another. The most important "tools" the doctor uses in providing treatment are his hands. Whilst in the USA osteopathy is seen as a completely separate medical discipline with its own form of training, in Europe the designation of "osteopath" has up till now been an additional qualification for doctors, physiotherapists or non-medical practitioners. What form does osteopathic treatment take?Firstly, the patient's disease history is discussed and analysed in detail (anamnesis) Then follows the examination by the osteopath to ascertain whether there are any functional perturbations. These perturbations are then treated using bare hands.
Unlike in chiropractic therapy, which concentrates exclusively on manipulation (to release the blockages), the osteopath has a far greater range of techniques at his disposal to locate and treat blockages. Which complaints can be treated by osteopathy?As a gentle method of healing, osteopathy may be used to provide relief in a large range of diseases, including especially those affecting the locomotor system (the muscles, bones and joints), diseases of the airways, diseases of the digestive system, headaches and many others. The basic principles of osteopathyOsteopathy activates the body's own powers to heal itself. It is based on the basic principle that there is in human beings a dynamic interaction between mind, body and spirit. External and internal influences weaken the body's ability to heal itself, thus encouraging the development of illnesses. The human body is divided up into three osteopathic systems... The parietal system includes all of the body's support system, the framework of the body, i.e. bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. The cranio-sacral system comprises the skull, the central and peripheral nervous system, including the brain, the spinal chord and nerves, the cerebrospinal fluid, including the connective tissues and the sacrum. The visceral system comprises the internal organs with their fibrous membranes and tissues, the related vascular system, including the blood and lymph, as well as the nervous system. Dr. med. Gert Kamjunke
MEDICUS Issue 2/2005 | 
