If you are wondering exactly what the philosophy of osteopathic medicine is, this page should help answer your questions. The philosophy began with the ideas and teachings of Dr. Still. The ideas were refined until they were presented as a consensus statement, and the modern day osteopathic concept is based upon this Kirksville consensus declaration published in 1953. The terminology of the concept will vary slightly depending on the reference, but the theme is consistent. It gives a good synopsis of the philosophy of osteopathic medicine.
THE
OSTEOPATHIC CONCEPT
Osteopathic medicine is a philosophy
of health care and a distinctive art, supported by expanding scientific
knowledge. Its philosophy embraces
the concept of the unity of the living organism’s structure (anatomy) and
function (physiology). Its art is
the application of the philosophy in the practice of medicine and surgery in all
its branches and specialties. Its
science includes the behavioral, chemical, physical, spiritual, and biological
knowledge related to the establishment and maintenance of health as well as the
prevention and alleviation of disease. Osteopathic
concepts emphasize the following principles:
1.
The human person is a unit in which structure, function, mind, and spirit
are mutually and reciprocally interdependent.
2.
The body, through a complex system, tends to be
self-regulatory and self-healing in the face of disease processes.
3.
Adequate function of body systems depends upon the unimpeded circulatory
mechanisms, nerve impulses, and neurotrophic influences.
4.
A rational treatment regimen is based on this philosophy and these
principles.