Osteopathy

“To find health should be the object of the doctor. Anyone can find disease”

—Dr Still, Philosophy of Osteopathy

Dr Andrew Taylor Still followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a medical physician and surgeon in the late 1800’s. He soon realised that although having its place and benefits, conventional medicine had its limitations as well as unwanted side effects from the prescribed medications of the time.

Dr Still took great care of his family and his patients, traveling all over the south of America to administer medical care. However, when he couldn’t help his own children with his medical knowledge, he sought to find answers to his many questions. He spent days and months out in nature listening and observing. Some of these questions were answered when he witnessed the innate forces of nature acting on his surrounds and on the body.  He combined his detailed knowledge of human anatomy and physiology with his respect for those innate natural forces. He was amazed to see that the positive changes when applying these principles in challenging cases that he couldn’t seem to ‘fix’ with medicine.

In 1874, Osteopathy was born.

Osteopathy is ‘more than just bones’. In its truest state, Osteopathy is quite simple…. The body is a network of parts (bones, muscles, ligaments, fascia, organs, nerves, blood vessels and more) that have a specific function and place and require harmonious communication as a whole in order to achieve and maintain optimal Health.

Dr Still also realised that we came into this world whole; we contain all the elements, chemicals and parts to function and heal. He was also a great believer in preventative medicine and that the cause or disease should be the focus of treatment, not just the symptoms.

As an Osteopath, I combine all of my detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and the innate forces at play and apply them to the individual. A gentle application by the hands is used to listen and treat our patients.

Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (OCF)

Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (OCF) is an extension of Osteopathy derived from the teachings of Dr Still but then further elaborated on by one of his students, Dr William Garner Sutherland.

Dr Sutherland discovered that he could feel the rhythmic movement of the cranial bones. This movement was also felt throughout the tissues of the whole body.  This application of Osteopathy is extremely gentle yet profound. Due to the nature of this inherent motion, the Osteopath may place their hands anywhere on the body, not just the cranium (head). The hands of the Osteopath are always listening and can sense movement, not just where their hands are, but also in other areas of the body. This approach supports the holistic nature of Osteopathy and its treatment application.

Biodynamic Osteopathy in the Cranial Field

Dr James Jealous is an American Osteopath who has devoted much of his time to the study of Osteopathy.  He is the founder of Biodynamic Osteopathy in the Cranial Field.  This approach respects the science and philosophy of Osteopathy and its synchronous relationship with Nature.  He currently teaches in the USA but also has a great support network sharing his teachings all over the world.

I have completed his 9 phase program over the years both here in Australia and in the USA as well as some of his paediatric courses. I have also been fortunate enough to have been part of a small group of Australian Osteopaths to have a private study group that traveled to America to spend time immersing ourselves in Osteopathy and hearing so many of Dr Jealous’ Osteopathic stories.