What is it?
Osteopathy is a form of drug-free non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on total body health by treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine. Its aim is to positively affect the body’s nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems.
This therapy is a unique holistic approach to health care. Osteopaths do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use manual techniques to balance all the systems of the body, to provide overall good health and wellbeing.
The philosophy of Osteopathy is similar to chiropractic. The key principles are based on all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part of the body is restricted, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions. When the body is free of restrictions in movement, Osteopathic treatment assists the body with pain minimisation, reduced stress and greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself.
Osteopaths use a broad range of gentle hands-on techniques including soft tissue stretching, deep tactile pressure, and mobilisation or manipulation of joints.
Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head. It is a gentle approach and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, from birth to old age.
Who is it for?
Osteopathy supports musculoskeletal and nervous system health and therefore works to both treat and prevent injuries as well as a range of conditions including but not exclusive to;
ADHD, Allergies, Anxiety, Asthma, Autism, Behaviour, Cancer, Celiac, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Diabetes, Digestive Disorders, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Eating Disorders, Eczema, Food Intolerances, Heart Disease, Infections, Learning Delay, Obesity, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Pyroluria, Schizophrenia, Sensory Integration, Speech-Language Delay.
In sick people Osteopathy can lead to improved immunity. In a healthy person (with accumulating toxins), it can prevent disease.
Children can especially benefit from Cranial Osteopathy (which can improve the nervous system) during important periods of mental and physical development.
What are the costs?
Osteopaths have varying initial consultation fees, depending on the needs of the individual. Generally first consults are approx. $65 – $120, and regular visits around $50 – $80.
Where can I find a certified practitioner?
Finding a well-trained Integrative and/or Functional practitioner requires research but is a vital step in treating complex and chronic illness.Below are links to lists of practitioners worldwide. We recommend you research the scope, expertise and experience of any practitioners you are considering.
U.S. & Global
Institute of Functional Medicinehttps://ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
Integrative Medicine for Mental Health
http://www.immh.org/find-a-practitioner/
Medical Academy of Paediatric Special Needs (MAPS)
http://www.medmaps.org/clinician-directory/
Australia & New Zealand
Mindd Foundationhttps://directory.mindd.org/
The Australian College of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine (ACNEM)
https://www.acnem.org/practitioners/
UK
The British Society for Ecological Medicinehttps://www.bsem.org.uk/pages/14-practitioners
Disclaimer: Mindd Foundation does not endorse any specific individuals listed and makes no representations, warranties, nor guarantees and assumes no responsibility for any services provided. Mindd Foundation expressly disclaims all liability for damages of any kind as a result of using any products or services provided by those listed.