Liem Torsten, Van Den Heede P. (eds.) Foundations of Morphodynamics in Osteopathy: An integrative approach to cranium, nervous system, and emotions

Handspring Publishing, 2017. — 1226 p. — ISBN: 978-1-909141-24-7In 38 chapters written by the editors and a team of internationally renowned contributors the book covers the underlying principles of osteopathic palpation from a biodynamic and ‘morphodynamic’ perspective, and their application in the cranial field and the spinal cord.It emphasises the importance of considering not just the patient’s physical self, but also the inner consciousness. It teaches how to assess tissue-energy characteristics, and to use this understanding in managing the whole patient.The work discusses biophysical, neurobiological and psychological interactions as well as the interplay of developmental dynamics and further epigenetic influences on the organism.As well as the primary respiratory mechanism, various biological rhythms play an important role within osteopathic treatment; the book explores new insights that flow from chronobiology and rhythm research.All osteopathic practice develops on conceptual foundations. Acknowledging the importance in the practice of osteopathy of such theoretical underpinning, the book discusses osteopathy with regard to the development of paradigms within the healing arts as well as from various philosophical viewpoints – such as postmodern, system-theoretical, Goethian and phenomenological. It examines thoroughly the multi-layered dynamics of development of human beings interacting with their environment.The resulting implications for therapeutic interaction as well as principles of diagnosis and treatment form the core of the book. These fundamental principles are then specifically applied to the cranial sphere. This section focuses primarily on the treatment of the brain, as well as the developmental dynamics of the relations of the midline, cranial bones, dural structures, vessels and cranial nerves.Paradigms of healing
The osteopathic object - reloaded
Biological rhythms and their significance in osteopathy
Physical principles
Neurobiological principles
The effect of formative and regulatory forces on living organisms
Regulative forces in embryology
Role of mechanical stresses in embryonic development
Developmental patterns and adaptive organization of body functioning: How tissue memorizes information
The Incarnating Embryo–The Embryo in us
Prenatal and perinatal worlds of experience
Evolution of the mind–body–spirit unit
Touch as a therapeutic intervention
What is health? What is disease? Thoughts on a complex issue
Somatic dysfunction and compensation
Thoughts on the significance of systems theory for osteopathic diagnosis and therapy
The osteopathic experience of fulcrums and the emergence of stillness
Principles of diagnosis
The practitioner and the therapeutic interaction
Treatment principles
Total rhythmic balanced interchange according to Becker
Midline: development and introduction
Hyoid bone and anterior midline
The fluid body
Energy bodies
Chakra system related to pre- and perinatal dynamics
Development of the cranium and an outline of the growth dynamics of cranial bones
Intraosseous techniques
Developmental dynamic approaches to treating the head, dura, diaphragm, neck, and pharyngeal arches
Development of the senses: a biodynamic perspective
The brain as a morphogenetic field
Osteopathic brain and spinal cord assessments
Treating the brain
Treating the spinal cord
Treating the autonomic and peripheral nervous systems
Developmental patterns and influence upon body organisation
Polyvagal theory: an introduction
An osteopathic approach to the treatment of trauma and emotional integration