14/01/2025
Osteopathy's whole foundation relies on one amazing thing about the body: it's self healing capacity. The body will always try to heal itself e.g. wounds, tears and strains. There will always be blood and inflammation rushing to the area to heal those tissues. Osteopathy has this phenomenon at its core. The body heals itself and if its not healing, then why?
Our bodies do an amazing job of maintaining an equilibrium and this is what we call health. Our eating, sleeping, breathing, toileting, moving, laughing, crying and more, are all wonderful expressions of health. To appraise someone osteopathically is to look at all these uniquely individual expressions of health. To understand what is working and what needs support. Osteopaths are great at listening to understand what's going on for each patient, but they are also amazing at listening with their hands. Osteopaths build up an encyclopaedia of textures and sensations that they feel with their hands, coupled with their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, it is a bit like having hands for x-ray machines.
Osteopathy is never just about looking at a sore part, whether it's a sore back or neck or knee or a sore tummy in a baby, as that is only a part of the picture. Our body works as a whole, so when a part hurts, osteopaths look at how each person is functioning as a whole. So we ask 'Why is it happening? and 'Why is it not resolving itself? But we also ask 'Who are you?' ' Where is the health?' 'What needs to change for you to be able to heal this more effectively?'
Sometimes the change that is needed is just about re-establishing movement and balance within the body. But often it is about re-establishing movement and balance within the body AND within that persons life. To experience health, our lives need joy, movement, variety, purpose, creativity, love, sovereignty and belonging. Without these fundamental elements of human existence, we hamper our body's ability to flourish. Exercise is helpful in rehabilitation, but joyful movement with something you love, well that is a game changer. That gives you a skill to support your health for life.
Questions to ask yourself
What movement do you enjoy? This can be anything - walking, swimming, yoga, dancing (in the kitchen or out) singing, table tennis etc How do you feel after?
Where is the creativity in your day? This is not only creative arts, it might be creating meals for your family, creating spreadsheets? creating schedules etc It's whatever gives you a creative buzz.
What brings you joy?
