 |
 |
 |
 |
The four main principles of osteopathy, created by its founder Dr. Andrew Taylor Still at the end of the 19th century, form the basis of osteopathic thinking and influence osteopathic treatment plans.
The Four Principles of Osteopathy are
1) The body is a unit
The body is considered as a whole. Each part affects each and every other part and the whole is greater than simply the sum of its parts.
2) Structure governs function
If the structure of the body is compromised (for example through injury, overuse, strain, etc.), then it is very likely to have an adverse affect on its function (for example manifesting as pain, stiffness, instability, etc.).
3) The body is its own ‘Medicine Chest’
Every person has their own built in healing mechanisms, which can be stimulated and supported by removing restrictive barriers. Once the barriers are removed, the body is usually able to resolve all but the most serious conditions.
4) The ‘Rule of the Artery’ is supreme
For healing to occur there needs to be a good enough blood supply to provide the troubled area with the necessary immune cells and nutrients.