The AAO Journal, 2014/03, 24(1):12-20, type of study: ,art,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.academyofosteopathy.org/aaoj)

Keywords:

bioenergetic model [2]
osteopathic medicine [2109]
article [2635]

Abstract:

The classic five-model concept of patient functioning, assessment and care is central to current osteopathic principles and practice. These primary models are biomechanical-structural, respiratory-circulatory, neurological, metabolic-nutritional and behavioralbiopsychosocial. A separate sixth osteopathic bioenergetic model exists that emphasizes the concepts of life force or inherent energy flow within the body, energetic communication with the environment, and tissue biophysical and bioelectrical properties. This model has been minimized in the past, but actually may provide the basis for all others. Although other healing arts disciplines (e.g., acupuncture, Reiki) utilize the bioenergetic model quite rigorously, the osteopathic profession historically has been resistant to discuss, research or embrace bioenergetics as a plausible explanation for the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), or as a contributing etiology of somatic and visceral dysfunction and health and disease. This thesis will review the classic five models and osteopathic bioenergetic model; explore bioenergetic properties of living systems in an attempt to offer explanations behind the palpatory experiences and therapeutic results of OMT; discuss two bioenergetically-based OMT techniques; explore an expanded osteopathic bioenergetic model and discuss why the bioenergetic model should be utilized regularly in patient diagnosis and care; and offer suggestions for osteopathic research into possible bioenergetic contributions to the causes and maintenance of somatic and visceral dysfunctions.