About Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a philosophy and treatment approach that medical reformer, Andrew Taylor (A. T.) Still, M. D., first gave to the world in 1874. Dr. Still was a physician in a time when bloodletting with leeches was considered state-of-the art medicine. After he and his wife lost their three children during an epidemic, he was given a vision of how the master creator made the human body to restore, re-balance, and heal itself.
During Dr. Still’s era, medical doctors (M. D.s) practiced either Homeopathy or Allopathy. Dr. Still devised the name Osteopathy to distinguish this new approach. A political policy in the 1920′s made Allopathy the prevalent way M. D.s practice in the United States.
In Osteopathy, the structure (anatomy) of the body and the function (physiology) of the body are interdependent. The Osteopathic physician works to remove any “roadblocks” to function and allow the body to show how it can heal itself. Examples of “roadblocks” are blockages in the flow of blood, fluids, nerve messages, tissue, energetic pathways, etc.
The Osteopath removes these blockages using a variety of techniques that are, collectively, called Osteopathic Manipulative (or Manual) Medicine (OMM). These are gentle hands-on techniques designed to restore normal functioning to areas of the body impacted by trauma, acute or chronic illness or other health issues.
Allopathic medicine saves lives and is very useful, especially in times of crisis or acute accident or injury. After the crisis, Osteopathic medicine can offer more to restore health, vitality and well-being.
Osteopathic diagnosis begins with using breathing forces in the body and the rhythmic pumping action of the fluids in the brain and the spine, called the cranio-sacral rhythm. This hydraulic action is present in the body before birth and remains in the body throughout the life span.
It is the cranio-sacral rhythm that “fixes” distortions in the body structure. Whenever a distortion (accident, injury, illness) occurs, this system “pushes” the body back into place. It is only when the distortion exceeds the ability of this inherent self-repair system that lasting pain and discomfort results. It is the pain and discomfort that drives one to seek medical attention.
One of the goals of Osteopathic treatment is to help patients regain their health without becoming dependent on the practicioner. It emphasizes prevention, nutrition and lifestyle as keys to optimal health. Click here for a video on using osteopathy for crying newborn babies.
Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.s) receive equivalent medical training as allopathic Medical Doctors (M. D.s), except D. O.s receive more concentrated training in the studies of anatomy and the application of Osteopathic philosophy and treatments. D.O.s and M.D.s are both fully licensed medical practitioners who are authorized to diagnose conditions, provide treatment, prescribe medications and perform surgery. Their patient population includes people of all ages, from newborns to geriatric.
This recently re-discovered video was originally produced in the mid 1980's. Andrew Weil MD introduces Robert Fulford DO FCA, and includes a discussion of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (OCF) aka, Cranial Osteopathy. Dr. Robert Fulford (1905 - 1997) practiced osteopathic medicine initially in Cincinnati, OH, and spent his last 15 years living and practicing in Tucson, AZ.
“I cannot express in words my huge gratitude for Dr. Armond for the awesome contribution he has made to my overall health. ”
If you would like to experience Osteopathic treatment for yourself, please call our office at 770-614-4455. We would be honored to support you on your journey to health and vitality.