The biodynamic model of osteopathy in the cranial field.

NTRODUCTION his chapter concerns the philosophy underlying the Biodyamic model of osteopathy in the cranial field (BOCF). To do his we employ a Hegelian dialectic, a weave of BOCF principles ith BOCF science, presented within an historical context. We will compare biomechanical OCF with Biodynamic CF, or “left-brained versus right-brained cranial” as Fred itchell likes to quip. No treatment methods will be described ere. Note that certain words in this article will be capitalized, ndicating the usage of a defined BOCF meaning, not a standard ictionary sense. BOCF’s legacy extends back to Hippocrates, as reflected in he Hippocratic Oath’s axiom “do no harm,” and its concern for ur triune (body-mind-spirit) integrity. Threads of Paracelcustyle empiricism and Avicennian experimentalism colour the OCF tapestry. The foundation of BOCF, however, is firmly rounded in the philosophy and practice of three osteopathic eacher-physicians, evolving from three lifetimes spent in genral medical practice, working alongside the self-balancing, selfealing principles present in their patients. The first of these teacher-physicians is Andrew Taylor Still 1828-1917), who founded osteopathy in 1874. Dr. Still sought the Health” in his patients, which was always present no matter ow sick his patients presented. This concept was fundamental o Still’s hands-on approach to care. “I love my patients,” he eclared, “I see God in their faces and their form” ( Still 1908). he physician’s task, Still always reminded his students, was to emove with gentleness all perceived mechanical obstructions to he free-flowing rivers of life (blood, lymph, and cerebro-spinal uid). Nature would then do the rest. Still formulated innovaive concepts regarding the cranium, the cranial nerves, and he amously proclaimed, “the cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] is the highst known element that is contained in the human body” ( Still 899). His treatment techniques included gentle pressure on ranial bones, for example in the treatment of pterygium ( Still 910).