Palpatory Reliability
Inter-examiner reliability studies of cranial palpation are notoriously difficult to design well, and, as a result have been inadequate in demonstrating consistent findings across examiners.
Bibliography of Research
This compendium of research was compiled in 1999 by the Research Committee of the Osteopathic Cranial Academy.
Glossary
A Glossary of Terms, that will assist you in understanding the above Research pages.
History of Osteopathy
In 1874, while a physician on the Missouri frontier, Andrew Taylor Still discovered that he had the ability to put his hands on people and change their physiology.
Philosophy of Osteopathy
Osteopathy is not a set of techniques; rather it is a philosophy. This philosophy, based upon sound principles, is simple and very sensible.
Cranial Osteopathy
William Garner Sutherland DO (1873-1954) graduated from the American School of Osteopathy (ASO) in 1900.
Diagnosis
“An osteopath reasons from his knowledge of anatomy. He compares the work of the abnormal body with the normal body.”
Treatment
After a thorough history is taken and any pertinent physical examination is provided, the patient will then lie down on the table.
After Your Treatment
After each Osteopathic Treatment, your body physiology will continue to organize over the next several days. It is recommended to avoid circumstances that may interrupt this process during those first 24-36 hours after treatment.
Birth and Children
Birth is a normal part of the cycle of life. Yet birth is certainly capable of becoming our very first trauma.
Trauma
Osteopathy recognizes the profound influence of trauma on the normal functioning of a living organism. Trauma disorganizes life processes. Trauma can be physical or emotional.
Fascia
A living image of the fascia is essential for thorough osteopathic diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Still said: “I know of no part of the body that equals the fascia as a hunting ground.”
Fluid
“Nothing in the world is as soft and yielding as water. Yet for dissolving the hard and inflexible, nothing can surpass it. The soft overcomes the hard; the gentle overcomes the rigid.” Lao Tzu
Biodynamics
Osteopathy embraces the interplay of structural organizing dynamics and metabolic activities that give rise to form and function. It recognizes the inherent wisdom within every cell.
Who Would Benefit?
Osteopathy treats the patient, not the disease. Our intention is to restore structural integrity and fluid continuity. The body then begins the healing process.