 Andrew
Taylor Still DO
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Worldwide Osteopathy
Osteopathy
Worldwide: Osteopathy
formally began in 1872 with the
thought and inspiration of Andrew Taylor Still, a frontier physician,
inventor, and military officer. Motivated by the loss of wife and
children to various health problems for which medicine had an
ineffective treatments, Still turned to studying nature including the
nature of man. He emphasized the importance of studying anatomy, the
tangible record of the intent and plan of a wise and loving Creator.
Trauma or strain might lead to the interruption of proper nerve,
artery, visceral or immune function resulting in disease. Osteopathic
manipulation was intended to correct anatomical distortion to prevent
or help cure disease.
Since Still’s time a variety of different interpretations of his intent, called models of osteopathic care, have evolved. Experience, social conditions, and evolving biological science have driven these adaptations. Osteopathic education was exported early to England by John Martin Littlejohn then to France. The various seeds of osteopathic principles have then taken root in many cultures and settings. These events are often considered alternately as corruptions, interpretations or developments. Regardless, they contribute to a richness of complementary thought and methodology. In contemporary times, models of osteopathic care , each with their own emphasis, include among others: osteopathy in the
cranial field
bioenergetic osteopathy biodynamic approach muscle energy technique counterstrain method functional methods myofascial/connective tissue release high velocity/low amplitude technique articular technique visceral technique Variations in practice style and climate of political regulation have led to a diversity of educational opportunities and various levels of competence and practice privilege. The World Health Organization has recognized this and is trying to develop standards of osteopathic education and credentials in its Guidelines for Traditional Healing (link) The World Osteopathic Health Organization (link) and the Osteopathic International Alliance (link) are organizations of osteopaths attempting to lend fidelity and value to this process. Zachary Comeaux participates in these organizations. Diversity: Beginning with the work of Still, it is recognized by authorities that there is not one correct approach to any one patient or clinical problem. There is a certain amount of art in practicing. Some practitioners opt to practice exclusively within a particular model (link) which emphasizes particular biophysiological parameters. Many choose to consider this orientation to be reductionistic and rather choose to practice in a manner which integrates many different approaches. This strategy may rapidly and effectively combine concepts from 3 or 4 models at the same site of treatment. Zachary Comeaux perceives, practices, and teaches in this integrated or eclectic manner. Bioenergetically Integrated Osteopathic Medicine includes assessment of the subtle signature of emotional and spiritual trauma in palpatory diagnostic process when appropriate. A thorough background in palpating a wide range of tissue states is helpful. The method is gentle, non-invasive, and respectful of the patient’s control over their healing process. Zachary Comeaux’s approach to practicing and teaching is rooted in the traditional thought of Drs. Still, Rollin Becker, William Sutherland, and Robert Fulford but continually incorporates knowledge from contemporary colleagues both within and outside the osteopathic profession. |