The techniques used during a session are based on osteopathic treatment, so here is a short introduction to its history and principles, for those of you who are a bit curious.
The Osteopathic Concept
The osteopathic concept was developed in America during the 19th century by Andrew Taylor Still. He discovered that he could treat body discomfort as well as diseases like scarlet fever, diphtheria and whooping cough, by using gentle body manipulations. After years of treating patients he finally came up with the four basic principles upon which osteopathy is now based.
The body works as a unit
This means that all organs, muscles, joints, arteries and nerves are linked together and therefore working together to ensure the physiological function of the body
The structure and the function of a body part are inter-related
If the structure of a joint, organ, or muscle is damaged, that specific function will be disrupted. Maintaining the structural integrity of the body is therefore essential to the animal’s health
The role of the artery is supreme within the body;
Blood brings nutrients, immune cells, hormones, and is in charge of cleansing the tissues of cellular wastes produced by the metabolism
The body has the ability to restore its own physiological balance and fight disease;
This is called homeostasis. Osteopathic treatments enable the body to regain this ability as well as the possibility to maintain it by itself.
Osteopathy has been practiced on animals for the past 20 years, improving their wellbeing and preventing injuries.
I am an animal osteopath only and do not practice on humans.