Osteopathy is a system and philosophy of health care that separated from traditional (allopathic) medical practice about a century ago. Osteopathy shares many of the same goals as traditional medicine, but places greater emphasis on the relationship between the organs and the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths strongly believe in the healing power of the body and try to take advantage of that strength. They believe in treating the whole individual rather than just the disease.

Osteopathy was founded in the 1890s by Dr. Andrew Taylor, who believed that the musculoskeletal system was central to health. Chiropractic, a related health discipline, also emphasizes the importance of the musculoskeletal system. The original theory behind both approaches presumed that energy flowing through the nervous system is influenced by the supporting structure that encases and protects it--the skull and vertebral column. A defect in the musculoskeletal system was believed to alter the flow...