Osteopathy is ...
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 do I go to an osteopath? Different symptoms
Structural disfunctions - neck and back pain - other joint and muscular problems - eye, ear, nose, mouth, jaw problems - headache, migraine or whiplash - pain after surgery - follow up of the scar tissue after surgery - vertigo - ...
Visceral disfunctions - reflux - digestive problems - constipation or diarrhea - abdominal pain - ...
Emotional disfunctions - feeling overwhelmed - emotional trauma - sleeping problems - burnout - tiredness - ...
Specific disfunctions in babies - reflux - restless baby - constipation - sleeplessness - difficult birth - feeding difficulties - predisposition - ...
Specific disfunctions in children - sleep difficulties - breathing/chest problems - walking pattern: intoeing, , toe-walking, ... - ear infections - asymmetrical growth - ...
Specific disfunctions in women - prolapse of uterus, bladder or rectum - painful menstruation - infertility - endometriosis - cyctalgia or bladder dysfunctions - urine leakage or urinary incontinence - PMS or premenstrual syndrome - pelvic floor problems - pain during sex - ...
Specific disfunctions in pregnant women - back pain - shoulder pain - pelvic floor problems - instability of the pelvis - ...
What can I expect during an osteopathic consulation?
1. Anamnesis I take notes of your medical history, of your current problem and of your overall health.
2. Tests I test the mobility of your spine, organs, cranium in order to detect loss of flexibility.
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.
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 your 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.
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 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 Be aware of your feelings. 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 Remind yourself to be grateful. What do you appreciate in your current life? What are your grateful for? Who can you thank today?