Osteopaths are guided by a set of Osteopathic Principles, that focus care in a holistic and preventative approach. These Principles originated from the founder of Osteopathy, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still.
These Osteopathic Principles are:
1. There is an interrelationship between structure and function.
2. The body possesses self-healing mechanisms.
3. The body is a whole unit.
Osteopathy Definition by Still
Still defined osteopathy as:
“that science which consists of such exact, exhaustive, and verifiable knowledge of the structure and function of the human mechanism, anatomical, physiological and psychological, including the chemistry and physics of its known elements, as has made discoverable certain organic laws and remedial resources, within the body itself, by which nature under the scientific treatment peculiar to osteopathic practice, apart from all ordinary methods of extraneous, artificial, or medicinal stimulation, and in harmonious accord with its own mechanical principles, molecular activities, and metabolic processes, may recover from displacements, disorganisations, derangements, and consequent disease, and regained its normal equilibrium of form and function in health and strength.”
Triune Man Concept
Another concept Still developed was the triune man. The relationship between mind, body and spirit. The importance of these areas being in harmony. The importance of external and internal factors affecting health.
Osteopath’s use these Osteopathic principles as a guide when treating patients and developing treatment plans. Osteopaths ask for a thorough medical history and suggest areas of improvement to help in your life. Suggestions can be things like lifestyle changes to exercise routine. G.P.s often refer to Osteopaths. In some clinics, you may find Osteopaths, General Practitioner, Physiotherapist, Counselling all working together.
General Osteopathic Council of UK
To qualify, an osteopath must study for four to five years for an undergraduate degree. This is similar to a medical degree, with more emphasis on anatomy and musculoskeletal medicine and includes more than 1,000 hours of training in osteopathic techniques.
By law in the UK, osteopaths must register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). It is an offence for anyone to call themselves an osteopath if they are not registered. The British Medical Association’s guidance for general practitioners states that doctors can safely refer patients to osteopaths.
Osteopathy Practice by Osteopathic Council of Ireland
In Ireland, the Osteopathic council aims to promote Osteopathy in Ireland for both Osteopaths and patients by ensuring that the highest professional standards have been reached and maintained by all its accredited members.
The Council represents Irish Osteopaths in the Forum for Osteopathic Regulation in Europe (FORE) to ensure that the codes of practice in Ireland are at the highest European standard. OCI is also a member of the European Federation of Osteopathy (EFO) which safeguards the interests of the profession as represented to the European Council for Liberal Professions, CEPLIS and the European Commission.
In Ireland, you can now study Osteopathy at The Irish College of Osteopathic Medicine.
The BSc (Hons) in Osteopathy, which is validated and accredited by the University of Chester, is an internationally accepted qualification, which will afford the successful graduate the ability to practice as an Osteopath in Ireland and many other European countries.
I.C.O.M is committed to the provision of the highest standard of professionally recognised education in order to graduate responsible and considered Osteopathic practitioners with the ability and an ethical approach to the treatment of pain.
We hope that our disclosure of Osteopathic Principles was helpful to anyone who wants to find out more about Osteopathic Treatment and it’s Principles.
www.osteopathdublin.com