“And He Laid His Hands on Her:” A Theological Presentation of Osteopathic Medicine
Michael Davis, Medical Student, Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Cartesian and Baconian legacies have left lasting influence on the field of contemporary medicine, prioritizing technical prowess and knowledge of pathologies over and against the emotional, compassionate care that practitioners provide to their patients’ bodies and minds; and this has ultimately led to a deconstruction of holistic care. The question is no longer, “What has happened to the state of contemporary healthcare?”, but rather, “How might the medical profession move forward to recapture the sacred, honorable roots of holistic care?” Osteopathic medicine, as an institution, offers an answer. Osteopathy fundamentally operates on the regard for all parts of the person: the “body, mind, and spirit” (American Osteopathic Association). This solution it offers, too, is inherently Biblical, as it mimics and reflects Christian ideas of worship, service, and love – corresponding to acts of the body, the mind, and the spirit, respectively.
Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine, was the son to a Methodist minister and physician, the Methodist influence of whom is still clear in osteopathy today. First, Still’s understanding of the person as a triune entity – the body, mind, and spirit – reflects the image of the triune God in which we are created. Naturally, then, the best care pays attention to all parts of the person to promote whole health. Leaning into this model of health, osteopathic medicine is built on four practical tenets. First, that the body is a unit; second, the body is self-regulating and self-healing; third, structure and function and reciprocally related; and lastly, whole, rational health care integrates all of these.
The distinguishing factor of osteopathic medicine that incorporates these principles is osteomanipulative medicine. A. T. Still believed that since the body can self-regulate, manipulation of muscles, bones, and fascia can “reorient” the body toward its natural state of homeostasis – or, as Augustine might describe it, toward its ultimate telos. This is done by laying of hands on patients for manipulation; and this physical contact becomes a corporeal way to love and care for patients.
These foundational philosophies of osteopathic medicine are, by their nature, theological; and by adhering to these in training, D.O.s reflect the narrative of Christ's mission, reimagining modern healthcare within a larger Biblical narrative. This paper will show how osteopathic medicine can, with a Biblically triune perspective of the person, bring holism back to the profession of medicine by exploring theological influences that lead to the foundation of osteopathic medicine. Much influence will be taken from Still’s book, Philosophy of Osteopathy, alongside scripture from the Gospel of Luke and works of Augustine.
Osteopathic medicine offers a method for Christians to navigate the healthcare system. Its fundamental tenets are not exclusive to osteopathic physicians, however, as the best physicians also likely tend to the trinity body, mind, and spirit. Osteopathy is unique, though, in paving this road and painting the picture of triune, holistic care, bringing theologically rich premises to medicine.
Andrew Taylor Still, the founder of osteopathic medicine, was the son to a Methodist minister and physician, the Methodist influence of whom is still clear in osteopathy today. First, Still’s understanding of the person as a triune entity – the body, mind, and spirit – reflects the image of the triune God in which we are created. Naturally, then, the best care pays attention to all parts of the person to promote whole health. Leaning into this model of health, osteopathic medicine is built on four practical tenets. First, that the body is a unit; second, the body is self-regulating and self-healing; third, structure and function and reciprocally related; and lastly, whole, rational health care integrates all of these.
The distinguishing factor of osteopathic medicine that incorporates these principles is osteomanipulative medicine. A. T. Still believed that since the body can self-regulate, manipulation of muscles, bones, and fascia can “reorient” the body toward its natural state of homeostasis – or, as Augustine might describe it, toward its ultimate telos. This is done by laying of hands on patients for manipulation; and this physical contact becomes a corporeal way to love and care for patients.
These foundational philosophies of osteopathic medicine are, by their nature, theological; and by adhering to these in training, D.O.s reflect the narrative of Christ's mission, reimagining modern healthcare within a larger Biblical narrative. This paper will show how osteopathic medicine can, with a Biblically triune perspective of the person, bring holism back to the profession of medicine by exploring theological influences that lead to the foundation of osteopathic medicine. Much influence will be taken from Still’s book, Philosophy of Osteopathy, alongside scripture from the Gospel of Luke and works of Augustine.
Osteopathic medicine offers a method for Christians to navigate the healthcare system. Its fundamental tenets are not exclusive to osteopathic physicians, however, as the best physicians also likely tend to the trinity body, mind, and spirit. Osteopathy is unique, though, in paving this road and painting the picture of triune, holistic care, bringing theologically rich premises to medicine.