The basis of Osteopathy comes from Andrew Taylor Still. He is ‘the father of our philosophy’. In 1874, Still said that the following three phenomena are related to, and influence each other:
1. ‘form‘ (the anatomy) and the ‘function‘ (the behavior) of the body are connected.
2. The body has an excellent self-regulating mechanism. That is, it is able to regulate itself, despite the effects of external factors (nutrition, work, sport, accidents, etc.).
3. The body is a ‘unity‘ of Body, Mind and Spirit.
1. Form and function
Example: If the garbage has not been collected for years and the garbage trucks finally come back, they will have to work hard to clean up all the garbage.
It is a good sign when you are tired after treatment, it’s hard work. So it is therefore advisable to take a rest after treatment. Drink lukewarm water and rest. For example, do not do sports, that’s creating more waste. Your garbage cans will be too full and you will get more complaints.
2. Self-regulating mechanism
When all the roads in the body are free, then everything else flows smoothly. In this way we look not only at ‘the ring of Amsterdam’ in the body (organ) but also on all other roads; The ring of Rotterdam (another organ), the roads towards Belgium (connection between organ systems), water traffic (fluids), mail traffic (hormones), telephone traffic (nervous system) or a fallen tree in the middle of the Herengracht (vertebral block).
We look at the whole body and make everything free. The actual treatment only starts when you go home!
3. Unity of body, mind and spirit
Where there is a problem, complaints may arise. However, complaints often occur in a completely different place (on the ‘roads’). An osteopath identifies these and treats the specific areas until a smooth and easier flow is restored. You get fitter, more flexible, more energetic and happier. We call this holism: the influence of the body on the mind. Conversely, the mind also affects the body. When physical problems are caused by mental blockage, psychotherapy or psychology is the most logical solution.
Esther Verstraten: ‘These 3 phenomena constantly influence each other. When everything flows again, behavior changes. Children and babies move past their growth issues. Adults feel more comfortable in their own skin and are fitter and more active. My preference is therefore for preventative treatments, 2 to 3 times a year. Like for example your dental checkup: to prevent complaints.’
