What is a fundamental belief in osteopathic medicine regarding the body?

In osteopathic medicine, a fundamental belief is that the body functions as a complex, integrated system capable of self-healing. This principle emphasizes the body’s intrinsic ability to maintain health and recover from illness when provided with the right conditions. Osteopathic practitioners focus on treating the whole person, understanding how interconnected systems contribute to overall health.

This perspective encourages a holistic approach to patient care, which includes considering lifestyle, environment, and emotional well-being alongside physical health. The belief in the body's self-healing capability is rooted in techniques that promote healing through manual interventions and supportive therapies. This philosophy contrasts with views that suggest the body is merely a collection of symptoms or that healing depends solely on medication, highlighting the distinct role of osteopathic medicine in patient care.