The Origins of Osteopathy and its Founder, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still

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Osteopathic medicine was founded by Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO (1828–1917), a licensed physician on the American frontier who grew deeply dissatisfied with the harsh and ineffective medical practices of his time. Witnessing the failure of treatments like bloodletting and the use of toxic medications, Dr. Still’s conviction was tragically solidified by the loss of three of his own children to spinal meningitis. This catalyzed his quest for a better approach to healthcare.

Driven by these experiences, he immersed himself in the study of anatomy and physiology. He came to believe that the body was a perfect machine, created with an innate ability to heal itself—an idea that would become central to osteopathic philosophy.

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A New Philosophy in Health Care

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In 1874, Dr. Still publicly proclaimed his new medical philosophy, which he named osteopathy. He emphasized a principle that was revolutionary for its time: the body’s structure, particularly the musculoskeletal system, profoundly influences its overall function and health. He argued that “anatomical abnormalities” led to “physiological discord” and that by restoring proper alignment, the nervous, circulatory, and lymphatic systems could function optimally.

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This philosophy is built on four core tenets that remain foundational to osteopathic medicine today:

1. The body is a complete unit of mind, body, and spirit.

2. The body possesses its own self-regulatory and self-healing mechanisms.

3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.

4. Rational treatment is based on applying these principles.

 

Dr. Still pioneered the use of manual techniques—a hands-on approach to diagnose and treat the structural imbalances he identified. This emphasis on using the physician's hands to support the body's own healing mechanisms remains a defining feature of osteopathic medicine.