What is Osteopathic medicine?
The practice of hands on osteopathic medicine is an inherently green and a sustainable practice. The footprint of the practice often only involves a table, a room, and an osteopath for the diagnosis and treatment of the individual patient.
Osteopaths (D.O.) trained in the U.S. are medical doctors, and complete 4 years of medical school, and then can choose to specialize in any field of medicine. They also receive several extra hours in the principles and practice osteopathic medicine and training in hands on manipulative treatment. Osteopathic physicians are found in most medical specialties, and are licensed by their state accordingly. A majority of the osteopaths choose to specialize in primary care medicine, and within this group is a small subset, which practices hands on treatment method called osteopathic manipulative treatment, or OMT. The osteopathic physicians in this office practice specialize in cranial and biodynamic osteopathy. The treatment involves the use of our trained “thinking fingers” to palpate and diagnose imbalances, treatment and correction of the imbalances, by supporting the health which is inherent in the tide of the fluid and subsequent tissue patterns.
We encourage nutrient dense nutrition, prescribe supplements, medication, homeopathy and movement as needed.
For more on osteopathic practices and principles please see our FAQ’s and Links page.
Of all the definitions of osteopathy that we have been thus far exposed to, this description submitted by our teacher, Dr. James Jealous, D. O., best resonates with our practice of understanding of osteopathy thus far in our careers. He describes osteopathy as such:
OSTEOPATHIC IS SERVICE
We use our hands……
to treat the Whole patient
to listen to the indwelling movements of Life
to treat all levels of illness
to assist in building the patient’s functional reserve
to support homeostasis and trophicity by balancing the activity of the A.N.S.
to explore “laws not framed by human hands” (Dr.Still and Sutherland)
to cooperate and communicate with the Laws of Nature (Dr.Wales)
to find the Health (Dr.Still)
to get to the treatment plan
to get to the diagnosis
to help establish a point of Rest or Neutral around which the Whole can come to balance
to find Cause
We believe……
that we have the innate capacity to heal
that the body functions as a whole
that the autonomic nervous system plays a major role in disease and healing
that structure and function are one form of activity
that the Divine is indwelling
that Life moves beyond death
that there is a Constant Movement towards Normal
that we are here to Serve Humanity
Normal is……
“a sense of peace and harmony” (Dr.Sutherland)
an ease of motion, without tension
being Neutral
Wholeness
the capacity for change
“Skill is proportionate to one’s understanding normal” (Dr.Still)
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AFTER YOUR OSTEOPATHIC TREATMENT
An osteopathic treatment will actively go on in your body for up to three days after you leave the office. The process starts while you are on the table being treated, but goes on long after you leave the office.
Immediately following a treatment it is good to go for a walk to feel yourself in your body and ground the treatment. It also will improve your circulation. It is also good to drink plenty of water, (more than usual, even if you are a good water drinker), ensuring that you are adequately hydrated. Your body is about 55-60% water, your brain about 85% water, and the functioning of your nervous system depends on a well-hydrated cellular environment. Furthermore, if you are dehydrated your muscles will tend to be achier. Remember that caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating to the body.
Try not to motion test your body after the treatment to see if things have changed. Your body may interpret this as a potential re-injury and reflexively tighten everything up again (Instead, you may want focus on allowing yourself to see new areas of space and freedom in your body, and/or allowing your body to clear and reset old, imprinted patterns).
After your treatment, you may feel more inclined to rest, and mentally may feel more inwardly focused and reflective. Please allow your body and mind to rest. We recommend if possible that you wait to engage in strenuous physical or mental activity for a day or two after the treatment. We also recommend that you refrain from having another type of treatment or “bodywork” right after this treatment. Too much of a good thing is still too much for your changing, healing body, mind and spirit.
You may notice your body adjusting itself after a treatment. You may notice your neck or back popping or clicking as your body self-corrects. Sometimes there is a temporary increase in soreness or achiness in your body before it resolves and clears. Also, you may experience variable periods of fatigue or high energy as your body moves towards a new equilibrium in the first few days after a treatment. Allow your self to rest or get extra sleep if you feel that you need it. It is also possible to have emotional ups and downs or mood swings, so remember to be gentle with yourself.
Try to remember that these post-treatment experiences are not bad and are usually a sign that our body is working on its own healing. Also, it is helpful to eat plenty of vital, nourishing foods (i.e.- high vitamin and mineral content foods) to support you in your healing. Mineral salt baths can also help release old energies and support the healing process.
You may experience positive results after the first treatment. Sometimes it can take a series of treatments, say for several weeks, before we can determine whether or not this work will be of help for you.
Please feel free to call or email us if you have any questions or reflections on your treatment.
In Health, Dr. Runa Basu