What is the difference between Osteopathy and Body Stress Release?

Osteopathy

All osteopaths complete a 4-year degree, and in South Africa they are registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa. This qualifies them to practise osteopathy under the title of ‘Doctor’. Osteopaths have a solid background in anatomy, physiology, neurology, orthopaedics, pathology, diagnosis, biomechanics, clinical skills and paediatrics, which provides them with essential diagnostic skills and gives the treatment they provide a sound medical basis.

Osteopathy is a ‘hands-on’ manual therapy that does not simply look at the presenting symptoms, however Osteopaths believe that symptoms often in fact conceal the underlying cause of disease. By looking closely at the significance of any alteration in structure or function of the joints, muscles, ligaments, bones and connective tissue, an osteopath is able to interpret whole patterns of aches, pains and general health problems. In many parts of the body osteopathic treatment can restore normal movement in areas that have become dysfunctional, enabling the tissues to repair themselves naturally.

Body Stress Release

Drs Gail and Ewald Meggersee have researched and developed the technique of Body Stress Release since 1981, and the South African Body Stress Release Association was formed in 1988.

When the stresses of life, whether mechanical, chemical or mental/emotional, build up to a level to which the body is unable to adapt, the tension is stored in physical structures. This is termed body stress, and it may result in pain, stiffness, numbness or postural distortions. In addition, the impact on the body’s communication network undermines the normal functioning of organs and systems.

The practitioner carries out a series of tests to locate the exact sites of body stress, and determines the directions of the lines of tension. This is done by applying light pressure to various points on the body, and observing the response. The practitioner then applies stimuli by means of light but definite pressure in the directions necessary to encourage the body to release the stored tension.

Body Stress Release is not a diagnosis or treatment of any condition or disease – it is a non-therapeutic, complementary life-enhancing health care technique. The Body Stress Release practitioner training course is conducted exclusively at the Body Stress Release Academy on the Garden Route in the Western Cape. It is a full-time 5-month course, covering anatomy, principles and philosophy of Body Stress Release, techniques, communication, client management, office procedures and a study of the Body Stress Release constitution which ensures professional conduct. The course terminates with a 3-week apprenticeship.

The Body Stress Release Association is a member of COCHASA (the Confederation of Complementary Health Associations of South Africa).

View a list of common complains that Osteopathy can assist with

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