Osteopathy is a Philosophy

My object is to make the Osteopath a philosopher,
and place him on the rock of reason.
-- A. T. Still

Osteopathy is a philosophy. Our work as Osteopaths is driven by a philosophy based upon the laws of Nature. Osteopathic philosophy was not invented by Andrew Taylor Still. It was Dr. Still who discovered Osteopathy and organized it into a teachable system of health care.

Osteopathy is a philosophy. Philosophy itself etymologically means “loving wisdom.” Dr. Still was definitely a lover of wisdom and a seeker of knowledge. He is our role model for integrity in action and devotion to the insightful integration of knowledge in the context of patient care.

Osteopathy is a philosophy. Philosophy is defined as, “a branch of knowledge or academic study devoted to the systemic examination of basic concepts such as truth, reality, causality, and freedom.” In a parallel manner we can say that Osteopathy is a branch of knowledge and academic study devoted to the systemic examination of basic concepts such as the authenticity of Natural Law, the precision of anatomic specificity in diagnosis and treatment, knowing the value of the interconnected reactions of cause and effect, and respecting the potential freedom manifested by the innate self-healing mechanisms of a living human being.

Osteopathy is a philosophy. Philosophy is also defined as, “a set of guiding or principles or concepts underlying a particular sphere of knowledge.” As Osteopaths we do not work alone. The guiding principles and concepts of Osteopathy become our constant companions when we are with a patient. As Osteopathic Physicians, everything we do (or not do) in a clinical setting is directed by a set of principles underlying the unique sphere of knowledge we call Osteopathy.

Osteopathy is a philosophy. It never has been and never will be a technique or a collection of techniques. Osteopathy is a complete healing system that utilizes Osteopathic Manipulation as its most visible means of expression. Dr. Still refused to give the early students of Osteopathy a textbook, or cookbook, of Osteopathic procedures. He wanted them, and I believe all of us, to think Osteopathy, to learn anatomy, to respect the laws of Nature, to individually apply the principles of Osteopathy in a flexible way, and to absolutely respect the ability of an organism to self-heal.

Osteopathy is a philosophy. Osteopathy is a living science and art. Osteopathy, by definition, is expansive and unrestrained. By studying Osteopathy, we are not rigidly reporting upon historical details found in dusty old textbooks. Every Osteopath who welcomes this philosophy becomes a lifelong explorer reaching into the unknown. By the laws of continuity, every DO who receives the teachings of Osteopathy becomes a uninterrupted student of A. T. Still, the First Osteopath.

Osteopathy is a philosophy. By embracing this declaration, each Osteopath becomes a philosopher or a lover of wisdom.

Osteopathy is a philosophy . . .

Steve Paulus, DO