With an understanding of osteopathic principles, the already shaky dichotomy of ailments of the mind versus ailments of the body is revealed to be completely spurious. The idea that physical ailments can cause psychological effects and vice versa is now widely accepted. Osteopathy has held this view since the nineteenth century.
Human beings are resilient creatures. Despite the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune in the twenty first century, most of us remain largely content, optimistic, with good interest in life and with a reasonable amount of joy in the day to day. This is our birthright and the natural state to which we gravitate. Indeed it is I believe hard-wired into our systems as a biological imperative dating far back into our evolutionary past. It is a survival mechanism: why would we have struggled to survive and reproduce over countless millennia if there was no pleasure and satisfaction in simply being alive?
The fact that osteopathy can act as a catalyst for someone to achieve their natural state of health, and that the natural state of people is to be broadly happy, suggests that treatment is indicated for a broad range of psychological, emotional and spiritual ailments. This is indeed the case. Panic attacks, anxiety, depression including post natal depression, stress, OCD, SAD, PTSD, severe PMT, shock, insomnia, emotional distress, and psychological trauma such as with survivors of abuse are all within the remit of the work with the osteopath either in a primary or secondary role. The secondary role is assumed when other investigations are indicated such as with potential malignancies or heavy metal poisoning, also for example, when ongoing counselling or psychotherapy is necessary.
What, in these circumstances, does the osteopath seek to affect? To give a simple example in the case of post natal depression the relationship between the bones of the pelvis is usually disturbed. During labour strong downward forces are put on the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) which can become jammed between the larger bones either side. This causes a characteristic dragging downwards through the spinal chord which can affect a woman’s mental health in the long term. Osteopathic treatment can be very effective in these circumstances.
Other inroads towards health can be had by careful evaluation and treatment of the fascial or connective tissue system. This is the silvery tissue that compartmentalizes every organ and muscle in the body. It is a fascinating structure to study. Histologically (equals the study of tissues) it is very complex and responsive. It changes its state from a more fluid to a more jelly like state and back again in response to its emotional or chemical environment. Recent studies have shown it to have a capacity for the transmission of information that operates faster than the nervous system.
Indeed, an evolutionary perspective suggests it was the primordium of the upstart that we know as the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves. Much fascial tissue exists around the diaphragm, the sling that holds the heart (pericardium) and the throat. The emotional responsiveness in these areas is self-evident. How many of us have experienced a lump in the throat when upset, butterflies in the stomach before an exam, or an ache around the heart with a relationship break-up? These are all palpable to an experienced cranial osteopath as are more profound disturbances such as are generated by abuse or shock.
In general, if the tissues are listened to with a skilled pair of hands carefully and respectfully enough to reveal such secrets then that is the beginning of a release process. A release not of just the tissue changes but also of the malign effects on the individuals’ health, happiness and behaviour. This is delicate work requiring the maximum of compassion, sensitivity and patience. It has been my honour and privilege to work in this area. It has also been to my deep satisfaction to have observed profound and healthy changes in people’s long-term wellbeing as a result of treatment.
