What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy was developed at the end of the 19th century by the American doctor Andrew Taylor Still as an independent and holistic model of medicine and consists of three sub-disciplines: ​​​
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1. Parietal osteopathy:
Deals with the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, fasciae)
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2. Visceral osteopathy:
Deals with the structure and function of the internal organs
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3. Craniosacral osteopathy:
Deals with the structure, function and regulation of the central nervous system
"We look at the body in health as meaning perfection and harmony, not in one part, but in the whole"
Andrew T. Still - founder of osteopathy
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Basic assumptions of osteopathy:
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1. Life is movement
All body structures need the degree of freedom of movement in which they can function optimally.
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2. Structure and function are mutually dependent
If a structure is impaired, it inevitably leads to a limitation of the function, the same applies to the reverse.
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3. The law of the artery
The supply of the tissue is guaranteed by an optimal supply and removal of blood and lymph. Disturbances in the fluid balance can lead to functional disorders.
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4. The body functions as a unit
All body structures are connected to one another via fascia, vessels and nerves and function in a harmonious interplay. Patients are viewed in their entirety and not reduced to the individual symptom.
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5. The body has self-healing powers
After a cut, the body can stop the bleeding and allow the wound to heal; after a bone fracture, the bones grow back together, and the body can fight infections with the help of the immune system. The body itself is responsible for the healing, osteopaths only play a supporting role.
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