Osteopathic medicine offers a distinctive approach to health care, one that champions a integrative view of the patient. It’s a practice rooted in the belief that a person’s well-being depends on the harmonious functioning of body, mind, and spirit. At the heart of this approach lie the tenets of osteopathic medicine. Understanding these foundational principles is critical to transforming how doctors of osteopathy (DOs) view and administer care.
What Are the Tenets of Osteopathic Medicine?
The tenets of osteopathic medicine were originally developed by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, who established osteopathic medicine in 1874 as a reaction to the often harsh and ineffective medical treatments of his time. Dr. Still’s philosophy holds that the body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance. The four tenets of osteopathic medicine are:
1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.
First and foremost, osteopathic medicine teaches that the human body is more than just a collection of parts. It’s a coherent, interconnected system in which each component is critical to the body’s overall health. This perspective encourages us to look beyond symptoms, seeking out the root causes of illness by considering the body in its entirety.
For instance, when a patient presents with chronic lower back pain, a DO might also examine the patient’s posture, hip alignment, and even foot arches. The idea of this osteopathic tenet is that a problem in one area can affect the body as a whole. Thus, treatment might include osteopathic manipulations to parts of the body, implementing various exercise routines, and lifestyle advice to address the root cause of the pain rather than merely treating the symptom with medication.
2. The body is capable of self-regulation, self-healing, and health maintenance.
The second tenet is based on a remarkable aspect of the human body and its inherent ability to heal. This osteopathic medicine tenet holds that supporting the body’s natural healing processes paves the way for more effective and holistic recovery. At KansasCOM, students learn to harness this power, integrating it into their approach to medicine.
3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
The third osteopathic tenet is about the relationship between a body’s physical structure and ability to function properly. Disruptions in structural integrity can lead to significant functional issues, a concept that is central to osteopathic practice.
An example of this osteopathic tenet can be seen in patients with asthma. In addition to pharmacological treatments, DOs might address structural issues in the rib cage and spine that could be restricting breathing. By improving their structural alignment and mobility, patients often experience improved lung function to support reduction in asthma symptoms.
4. Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of body unity, self-regulation, and the interrelationship of structure and function.
The fourth and final osteopathic medicine tenet brings it all together: Effective treatment is based on an understanding of the body’s unity, self-healing capabilities, and the relationship between structure and function. This principle guides KansasCOM’s future practitioners to develop treatment plans that not only address symptoms but also support the body’s health as a whole.
Bridging Tradition and Innovation at KansasCOM
At KansasCOM, we’re not just teaching medicine; we’re preparing a new generation of health care professionals to bring compassionate, holistic care to their communities. By embedding the tenets of osteopathic medicine into our curriculum, we ensure that our students are not only proficient in the latest medical technologies and practices but also deeply understand the human element of health care.
Our approach shapes empathetic health care leaders who are ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving medical field. Whether it’s through our cutting-edge research, community-focused clinical experiences, or the diverse perspectives our faculty bring to the classroom, KansasCOM empowers future health care professionals to provide optimal, patient-centered care.
Take the Next Step to a Future in Osteopathic Medicine
Are you ready to be part of a medical community that values innovative and compassionate care? At KansasCOM, your journey to making a significant impact in health care begins. Our DO program emphasizes the tenets of osteopathic medicine with a curriculum rich in interactive learning experiences. From standardized patient encounters to our advanced ultrasound program, we prepare you to meet the diverse needs of patients with a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the human body.
You can play a part in the future of medicine at KansasCOM. Explore our Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, meet our faculty, and see how you can contribute to a healthier tomorrow. Apply today.