Chris Straugheir osteopath

Osteopathy – complete health care

Osteopathy is a complete system of health care based on holistic principles.

The procedures used in osteopathic diagnosis and treatment promote health by correcting mechanical imbalances within and between the structures of the body. Those structures are muscle, tendon, ligaments, organs and fascia. The fascia is a sheet of tough fibrous tissue that encloses all muscles and organs and holds them in place.

The essence of osteopathy can be summed up in three main principles.

Structure and function are linked. Free movement between the body structures is essential for health, when this is disrupted the function is in some way disturbed. The structure of the head is a good example, if it is altered then the brain can be affected with difficulty concentrating, nervous system problems etc. The sinuses, the eyes and hearing can also be affected.

The rule of the artery is supreme. For good health, good circulation of all body fluids is vital. Poor blood circulation can cause all manner of problems from ulcers to headaches. Lymph fluid is essentially the garbage disposal system of the body. If this slows down then body waste cannot be removed properly and toxicity will result.

The unity of the human being. This is the holistic principle, everything is connected. The relationship between the mind and the body is now taken into consideration by most medical people. For example, a foot problem may cause an imbalance in the pelvis to create a twist in the spine and results in a headache; the pain affects the concentration and moods. Another example would be an inflammation in a joint resulting in the release of chemicals that increase circulation and temperature and cause increased sensitivity in the nerve endings.

This information travels to the brain where it stimulates the release of hormones into the blood, which in turn affects different organs and interacts with the immune system.

Osteopathy is gentle, precise and is based on a broad range of clinical research and experience. Techniques are many but may include muscle release, soft tissue work, gentle manipulation, cranial techniques (quite popular in treating infants).

An osteopath would normally be consulted for lower back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headache, cranial problems, sinus, OOS and tendentious. In reality most health problems can be treated by working on the structure.

[Information sourced from ‘Healing with Osteopathy’ by Sneddon and Cosschi.]

For more information, or to book an appointment, call Chris Straugheir at the Tawa Osteopathic Clinic on 04 232 8481

Return to.....Naturopathic Medicines and Therapies