Ambauen Bernd (Stans)

What is osteopathy? The term osteopathy consists of two words. "Osteo" is the Greek word for bone, "pathos" means suffering, pain. Osteopathy therefore stands for a "suffering of the bones". Another interpretation of the ancient Greek term is "suffering caused by the bone." Since Dr. In the beginning considered bone malpositions and their correction as essential for his therapy, he called his method osteopathy. Today we know that virtually all types of tissues such as muscles, fascia (connective tissue covering the muscles), connective tissues, ligaments, capsules, vessels, nerves, internal organs and of course bones can be misaligned. However, the name osteopathy has remained.

However, there is a second derivation that clearly emphasizes the philosophy of osteopathy. "Pathos" means "compassion," "to empathize with something." Osteopathy could therefore also be translated as "compassion for the bones", which describes the gentle nature of osteopathy very well. The osteopath "feels" with the tissue and restores its balance. Thus it can positively influence malfunctions, pain and diseases.

Osteopathy is neither massage nor chiropractic or physiotherapy, but a holistic, systemic healing method. In his work, the osteopath also takes into account the environmental factors that influence the patient, as well as his personality and living conditions.

AT Still's motto: "Life is movement!" is used in diagnostics and therapy and is the main principle for the optimal functioning of the human organism. The statement refers not only to the musculoskeletal system, but also to the skull, soft tissues, internal organs, nervous and vascular pathways, endocrine glands down to the smallest cellular unit.

Principles of osteopathy according to AT Still

1. the body is a functional unit.
2. the function determines the body structure and vice versa.
3. the body has the ability to heal itself.