The healing arts involve a complex range of skills which each practitioner draws together in a unique way. These skills, attitudes and perspectives complement the scientific basis underpinning each discipline to create the wisdom and artistry of any therapeutic approach. The practice of osteopathy is no exception. It involves a growing field of scientific knowledge in physics and biology that couples with an extraordinary range of human qualities to give the work depth, as well as relevance, and which can be tailored to the individual patient holistically and with compassion. At the Still Point of the Turning World examines and explores both the art and the science of osteopathy through the eyes and approach of a devoted teacher and practitioner. The true value of holism, vitalism and osteopathic principles are discussed as part of the approach that each practitioner brings to the patient/practitioner relationship.
Robert Lever BA DO is a highly-skilled and well-respected practising osteopath with over 40 years' of experience in providing holistic and compassionate care. He is also a gifted and empathetic teacher who strives to share with his students the understanding of the background science and philosophy of osteopathy which is essential for the effective delivery of care. For over 35 years he lectured on the Principles of Osteopathic Practice at European School of Osteopathy, Maidstone, UK which later awarded him its Medal of Honour for services to osteopathic education.
Principles Chapter 1 Osteopathy: an overview Chapter 2 The vital quality of Motion Chapter 3 Holism and the osteopathic 'lens' Chapter 4 Reciprocity, Relationship, Spaces Chapter 5 From Mainstream to 'Cranial': continuum or quantum leap? The Art of It Chapter 6 Subjectivity and the 'dance' Chapter 7 The Intelligent Fulcrum: palpation and thought on the move Chapter 8 The Healing: 'if it comes at all, it comes from within' Chapter 9 Beyond Technique: meeting the 'lesion' Chapter 10 Placebo and Ritual Chapter 11 R & D, Safety and the 'Evidence' myth Philosophy and the Practitioner Chapter 12 The Human Spirit: adaptability, self-correction and survival Chapter 13 Divine Chaos: direction, meaning, mystery and the healing state Chapter 14 The exquisite nature of Paradox Chapter 15 Epilogue - tying it together: spirit, humanity and the art of practice
What the Reviewers Say "This is a unique text. It contains a remarkable mix. The scientific perspectives have probably never [before] been gathered together in one place. This is priceless, and makes the book essential reading for the intelligent osteopath. " Harold S Klug DO, Osteopathy practitioner, London, UK. "For those who have ears to listen and eyes to read it will probably become the most inspiring osteopathic book of their lives and careers!" Paolo Tozzi MSc Ost FT, Osteopathy teacher, Italy. "This book is long overdue and is a contribution to osteopathic thought and philosophy which has never before been so eloquently stated." Gerald Lamb BSc(Lond) DO, Osteopathy Practitioner, London, UK and International Lecturer. "[This book] will become a classic text of 'must reads' for those who think - ." Nicholas Handoll DO MSCC, Osteopathy practitioner, Hereford UK.
