Osteopathic Philosophy and Science

Osteopathic philosophy and science are based upon principles from the natural world. Jim Jealous, DO, says that because of this, the osteopathy gives us “answers  conventional medicine doesn’t have”.  Also, he points out that osteopathy uncovers a “deeper reality than simply a biomolecular one” that traditional mainstream medicine embraces.

Dr. Jealous says that a healthcare practice truly built upon the laws of nature is authentically an ‘alternative’ practice. Understanding the needs of a patient in accord with the laws of natural healing brings a radically different perspective. A patient’s needs are discerned through the practitioner’s hands-on perception, diagnosis, and treatment.

Osteopathic methods provide a holistic and alternative healing process focused on the whole person in “Spirit, Soul and Body”. This healing process involves supporting health in accordance with natural law, and helping the patient enter into a “new dimension of life”. Dr. Jealous contrasts this approach with methods that offer “cures” which focus on ‘destroying disease’ rather than building and supporting health. He says that the mainstream methods of focusing on symptom management, rather than up-leveling one’s state of health, leaves patients dependent upon the healthcare system.

Another significant difference between mainstream medicine and osteopathic treatment is how much time is typically spent with a patient. Osteopathic diagnosis and treatment require a hands-on session which is significantly lengthier than the few minutes mainstream practitioners usually see their patients. Additionally, osteopathy focuses on the patient as an individual with unique needs. Traditional medicine primarily focuses on symptoms to manage.

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Reference: Jim Jealous, DO, Healing and the Natural World. An interview by Bonnie Horrigan. 1996.

Jeffrey’s has a multidisciplinary practice which includes diagnosis and treatment using osteopathic principles. Schedule a session with him here.