Osteopathic science is a system of holistic evaluation and treatment that recognizes pathologies and dysfunctions in human construction, and aims to treat and correct them. Osteopathy is based primarily on the biomechanical function of the human body, through the nervous and musculoskeletal system, focusing in particular on structural problems of the body and pathologies arising from mechanical imbalances.

Other systems such as gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine and genitourinary also play an important role. The most important feature of osteopathy is that it understands the complexity of the human structure and perceives the patient as a whole. This means that it takes into consideration not only the physical part (body) of the problem but also the chemical (biochemistry) and the emotional (psychology).

The principles that govern osteopathy are as follow:

• The body is a whole.
• The construction and the function are interconnected.
• The body possesses self-regulatory mechanisms.
• The body has the innate ability to defend and repair itself.
• When normal adaptability is disrupted or when environmental changes exceed the body’s capacity for self-preservation, then disease-causing conditions are created.
• The movement of body fluids is essential for maintaining good health.
• The nervous system is a vital factor in controlling body fluids.