About Osteopathy

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By Cindy Ausbrooks
eHow Contributing Writer

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Osteopathy, or osteopathic medicine, is a form of healthcare that considers the musculoskeletal system as a factor in health and disease. Practitioners facilitate the body's recuperative powers by using a combination of manual medicinal techniques and holistic healing practices. However, the use of pharmaceuticals and surgery is minimized and prescribed only when necessary.

History

Osteopathy began in the United States in 1874. The word "osteopathy" was first used by medical doctor Andrew Taylor Still. He lived on the Missouri frontier at the time of the Civil War, where he researched and developed the practice of osteopathy. He founded the National School of Osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri, on May 10, 1892. The school, now known as A.T. Still University, continues to teach osteopathy today in the tradition of Doctor Still.

Function

Osteopathy is used to treat patients in a non-invasive, drug-free environment, by strengthening the musculoskeletal framework including joints, spine and muscles. The goal of osteopathic medicine is to have positive effects to the nervous system, circulatory system and lymphatic system. It is a hands-on, holistic approach to healing that doesn't just concentrate on the problem area, but on improving health of the entire body.

Types

There are three primary types of osteopathy. Manual therapies are typically employed to treat musculoskeletal pain and are used for certain rehabilitative techniques. Cranial osteopathy describes techniques involving the head and plates of the skull. Practitioners of this type of osteopathy believe that by focusing intention while holding the head, they can heal a vast array of health problems. Visceral osteopathy relieves restrictions and imbalances within the organs of the body.

Geography

Osteopathy is practiced around the world. However, there are some differences in the medicine and treatment. In the United States and Canada, osteopathic physicians also provide traditional treatments such as drugs and surgery, in conjunction with osteopathic treatment. In other countries, many practitioners consider themselves as manual medicine specialists and do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery. Osteopathy is particularly popular in New Zealand, Israel and the European Union.

Warning

Although manual osteopathy is generally considered a legitimate form of medicine, cranial osteopathy is regarded with some criticism. It is considered to be lacking in scientific evidence and often times is contested and not covered by insurance companies.