Osteopathy
Practitioners: Sarah Foskett
Osteopathy is a system of medicine based on the philosophy that the body can heal itself given the correct environment. Osteopaths, like acupuncturists, believe that disease results from blockages in the system. For example, restricted joints cause interruptions to the normal motion of the body - often resulting in strain and symptoms distant from the restriction. Tension in the muscle and connective tissues may restrict the flow of bodily fluids such as blood and lymph. In order for the body to function effectively, its structure must be free-moving and unrestricted. If the structure is strained or tight then the function becomes impaired or "dysfunctional". Structure and function are interdependent upon one another. Osteopathy is a whole body therapy, particularly renowned for relief of spinal pain. However, the principles of osteopathy can be applied to any disease state, and is beneficial in all healing.
Treatment of Children and The Elderly
Due to its gentle nature, naturopathic and osteopathic medicine is ideally suited to all age groups. Cranial osteopathy in particular is a very effective treatment for babies and young children that suffer irritability, colic and sleep disturbance. If a baby doesn't stop crying, it's not doing it for attention, it is distressed in some way. Often the strains that labour and delivery put on the baby's skull (especially if prolonged or assisted with forceps etc), can cause painful distortions to the anatomy of the head. In the elderly, degenerative conditions such as arthritis are common. These conditions are often caused by immobility, dietary deficiencies, and /or dietary irritants. By removing the irritants, boosting their positive nutrition, and mobilising restricted, inflamed joints, they are better able to repair themselves. Often this results in patients being able to return to activities they haven't done for years.
Work Place Assessments / Repetitive Strain Injuries
Due to both an intimate knowledge of the body's biomechanics and the fact that we see so many of the victims ofOsteopathy poor posture, osteopaths can be invaluable to individuals, or companies who require work-place assessments. Often a poor work station will result in hand, wrist, arm, shoulder, neck or back problems. Any of these can lead on to headaches and migraines. It is important for both the individual and the company to be aware of the potential long term ramifications of repeated problems. Other symptoms to be wary of are general lethargy, lowered immunity, pins and needles or numbness, burning pain, problems focusing or dizziness.