4th November 2009
By Andy Graves BOst

Following the death of his wife and a number of his children from illness, Andrew Taylor Still, who had been a surgeon during the American Civil War, became increasingly dissatisfied by the effectiveness and safety of contemporary medical practices.

Determined to develop an alternative health system, Taylor Still spent a great deal of time studying human anatomy and how the body functions as a unit. After 10 years he had developed and refined his theories into what became known as Osteopathy.

He believed that the structure of the human body had a substantial effect and influence over the correct functioning of the body and that any disease or dysfunction would have some origin in a structural change within the body that was inhibiting the natural healing abilities.

These changes could include poor circulation, increased or reduced nerve impulses or altered body mechanics.

Today, modern living patterns, insufficient sleep, inadequate nutrition, sedentary life styles and increased computer use have all contributed to an ever increasing catalogue of musculoskeletal conditions.

However, each individual brings with them their own unique history of life events and circumstances that have brought them to their current, often painful condition.

Osteopathy will seek to identify the key factors in the creation of the individual’s situation and then tailor an individual treatment plan to rectify any dysfunction.

This treatment may include gentle manipulation of specific joints, techniques to reduce muscular stiffness or tightness, ways to improve circulation, lymphatic drainage or nerve impulses. All are intended to work in conjunction with and to improve the body’s own inherent healing capacities.

I hope this has given you a glimpse into what Osteopathy is and what it may be able to do for you.

Andy Graves BOst

Tactus Osteopathy @ Alternatives

P.S. If you have any further questions about Osteopathy feel free to contact me on tactusosteopathy@gmail.com