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HEALTH&FITNESS
294
October14
How can babies and children benefit from
osteopathy?
A key principle of osteopathy is that structure governs
function, and we know that many health issues
faced by babies and children today might be due to
imperfections in their body structure. Many of these
imperfections arise in babies that do not undergo
natural childbirth, where the contractions of the vagina
help form the child’s muscular-skeletal structure.
In osteopathic hospitals across Europe and the
US, babies receive their first osteopathic check
up and treatment the moment they are born. This
is to minimise subsequent health problems, not
only asthma-related but also feeding and sleeping
difficulties, colic, reflux, eczema and even autism.
How does cranial osteopathy help babies?
This key treatment involves making very fine
adjustments to the skull and spine, which affect the
parasympathetic nervous system and hence, functions
like breathing and digestion. All the osteopaths at
Osteopathic Treatment Centre are well-versed in this
technique. In fact, some were directly trained by Dr
John Upledger, who developed cranial osteopathy.
No child is too young for osteopathic treatment, which
is gentle and safe.
How can osteopathy help relieve asthma?
It helps by working on all aspects of the breathing
mechanism, including the ribs, the spine, the diaphragm
and other muscles of breathing. It also works on the
nerve control of the chest as well as blood and fluid
supply to the bronchi and lungs. Osteopathy can
also play an important preventative role in the care of
someone who is suffering from asthma.
Osteopaths recognise that the functions of the
human body are inherently linked and can affect each
other. With this in mind, the osteopath gently works
with the body structure, to enhance and improve the
mechanics of breathing by:
• freeing restrictions of the chest and ribs
• relaxing the respiratory muscles
• improving lymphatic draining from the lungs and air
passages
• enhancing blood supply to the chest region
Other areas of management include the formulation
of an individual exercise programme – with emphasis
on breathing exercises – and the avoidance of
aggravating factors. We also provide advice on diet,
posture, lifestyle and first aid measures during an
attack.
Osteopathic Treatment Centre
#12-02 Tanglin Shopping Centre
19 Tanglin Road
6734 6440 | osteopathy.com.sg
IS FOR
ASTHMA
Little can be more distressing than the
wheezing of a child who is struggling
for breath. An osteopath like DAVID TIO
recognises the important role of anti-
inflammatory medication and broncho-dilators in the
treatment of asthma, especially in acute attacks, while
working in conjunction with other health care practitioners
with the long-term aim of decreasing the patient’s
dependence on medication.