In brief, Homeopathic and Integrative Physicians stress the unity of all body systems. A very important part of Homeopathic and Integrative Medicine is Neuromuscular Integration. One of the major components of Neuromuscular Integration is Osteopathy. Dr Centers trained at an Osteopathic Medical School and completed advanced Fellowship training in Osteopathic Principles and Practice. Osteopathy emphasizes the important role of alignment of the muscles and bones, holistic medicine, proper nutrition and environmental factors in treating disease and finding health for patients. Neuromuscular Integration also emphasizes the important role of Acupuncture, the Meridian System and Chinese Medicine in Health and Disease. Therefore, various forms of Acupuncture, Acupressure, And Dry cupping is often a part of treatment.
Osteopathy was founded on the Missouri frontier in 1874. Dr. Andrew Taylor Still was an individualistic and strong-willed MD who was dissatisfied with the ineffectiveness of nineteenth-century medicine. He decried the indiscriminate use of drugs and surgery of the day and saw many people, including his own three children, die from the maltreatment of the medical system. In response, Dr. Still founded a philosophy and school of medicine that hearkened back to Hippocrates with its central focus on body unity. He identified the musculoskeletal system as a key element of health. He recognized the body's capacity to heal. He taught that preventative medicine, eating properly, and keeping he body structure aligned was more important than drugs and surgery.
Dr. Still felt that surgery and certain medicines had a role in treatment of disease but only as a last resort. Dr. Still identified palpation and the human touch as the most vital element in treatment of the patient. He developed many manipulation techniques aimed at alleviating or lessening disease and symptoms. In fact, modern day chiropractic, Myofascial release, Trigger Point therapy, and Craniosacral Therapy all came directly from Osteopathy. However, unlike these other therapies Osteopathy was unique in emphasizing body unity and whole patient in the context of the totality of healthcare approaches. Today, most DOs offer mainstream medical care with a more whole person approach.
However, only a handful still practice the Osteopathy originated by Dr. Still. Neuromuscular Integration which includes Osteopathy is an important part of Homeopathic & Integrative Medicine Practice. Physicians such as Dr. Centers are specifically tested in this area to obtain Homeopathic and Integrative Medicine licensure. With Fellowship in Osteopathy Dr. Centers is highly trained in this area of healing and Integrative Care.
Osteopathic Concepts (Click through the pages below to learn more)
