OSTEOPATHY
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a manual discipline. The condition of different structures in the body is felt by the hands of an osteopath: the circulatory system, muscles, bones, ligaments, nerves, lymphatic system, the craniosacral rhythm, etcetera. Additionally, the osteopath listens to the patient's story (the emotional and mental condition). The combination of all this information allows to answer questions like: “Why is your body in pain?” “What systems might be causing the disorder?” “Which connections can be made here?” “Where can we find tension?”
All this, in order to eventually come to the most important question: "How do we rebalance the body?".
When to go to an osteopath?
Different symptoms
IN GENERAL
Osteopathy treats conditions ranging from structural, to visceral and emotional.
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Here is a list of possible issues.
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What to expect during an osteopathic consultation?
1
Anamnesis
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I take notes of your medical history, of your current problem and of your overall health.
2
Mobility tests
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I test the mobility of your spine, organs, cranium in order to detect loss of flexibility.​
3
Treatment
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Depending on the cause or the cause(s) of the disorder, I work on different areas: structural, visceral, craniosacral, connective or psychosomatic system of your body.
4
Recovery
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Usually it takes a week for your body to regain its balance.
Which systems
does the osteopath work on?
Structural system: bones, joints, muscles & ligaments ​ Manipulation: short leverage Muscle energy: relaxing the antagonistic muscle
Visceral system: organs Respiratory system Excretory system: Digestive system circulatory system Reproductive system
Cranio-sacral system ​ Problems in the mobility of the bone structures of the cranium can lead to problems in the area of the eyes, concentration or even change of character. ​ The cranio-sacral fluid has a rhythm that influences the nervous system, cranium and sacrum, which in their turn radiate to the entire body.
Fascial system: connective tissue ​ Fascia is like a spider web in the body. They connect everything within the body, from bones to muscles, from organ to organ, ... It is impossible to treat an organ or a joint without working with the connective tissue.
Emotional system ​ Emotions can arise when treating certain areas in the body.
How to activate the self-healing mechanism of the body?
One of the main principles of osteopathy: “The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.” (www.osteopathic.org).
The key to consciously activate your self-healing properties
is through breath and positive feelings.
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1
Breath consciously
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Be aware of your breath.
Where does the breath move easily (thorax or belly)? Where in your body do you feel restriction (throat, stomach, diaphragm, ...)?
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2
Breath rhythmically
​Ideally you breathe at a rate of 6 breaths per minute. Breathe in for 4 seconds; breathe out for 6 seconds. The 4:6 breath is ideal for heart coherence.
3
Treatment
​
Depending on the cause or the cause(s) of the disorder, I work on different areas: structural, visceral, craniosacral, connective or psychosomatic system of your body.
4
Recovery
​
Usually it takes a week for your body to regain its balance.
BREATHE
CONSCIOUSLY
​
​
Be aware of your breath.
Where does the breath move easily (thorax or belly)? Where in your body do you feel restriction (throat, stomach, diaphragm, ...) ?
BREATHE
RHYTHMICALLY
​
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Ideally you breathe at a rate of 6 breaths per minute.
Breathe in for 4 seconds; breathe out for 6 seconds. The 4:6 breath is ideal for heart coherence.
FEEL CONSCIOUSLY
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Be aware of your feelings.
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What emotions do you feel? Do you feel happy or sad? Do you feel your heart beating slowly or rapidly? Are you agitated or peaceful? Where in your body do you feel restriction (throat, stomach, diaphragm, ...) ?
APPRECIATE
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Remind yourself to be grateful.
What do you appreciate in your current life? What are your grateful for? Who can you thank today?
HEART COHERENCE & SELF-HEALING
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Heart coherence refers to the state of optimal functioning in which the heart, brain, and other physiological systems are synchronized and working in harmony.
This can be achieved through various techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness practices. When you are in a state of heart coherence, your heart rate becomes more consistent and rhythmic. Research on “The Coherent Heart” show many significant improvements.
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On a physiological level:
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increased immune system function
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improved autonomic nervous system function and balance
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increased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)/cortisol levels
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On a psychological level:
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reduction in depression, anxiety and anger
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increase in positive emotions, such as gratitude, caring and peacefulness
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greater emotional stability
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increased mental clarity
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improved cognitive functioning
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Furthermore, they report:
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significant reduction in blood pressure in individuals with hypertension
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reduced depression in patients with congestive heart failure
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improved glycemic regulation and quality of life, in patients with diabetes
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Dr. Joe Dispenza
Dr. Joe Dispenza explains in 5 minutes how we can create heart and brain coherence through breath, positive focus and feelings of gratitude.
HeartMath Institute
HeartMath Institute explains in 10 minutes the effects of heart coherence.