Biodynamics

Clarification of Sutherland discoveries

Biodynamics provides a profound expansion upon “Osteopathy in the Cranial Field.” Dr. Sutherland began with a biomechanical model of Osteopathy. Over his lifetime, Dr. Sutherland's understanding of Osteopathy evolved into an altogether different form. The last 10 years of Sutherland's life were devoted to an intense study of intrinsic healing. These inherent forces, observed through his diligent study of the “living mechanism,” have been labeled the “Therapeutic Process.” Dr. Sutherland's references to these intrinsic healing forces as a primary focus began to emerge in his writings from the late 1940s onward.* He advised us to: “Be Still and Know.” And “Allow physiologic function within to manifest its own unerring potency rather than apply a blind force from without.” In his later years, Dr. Sutherland spoke of “Dynamic Stillness,” “Primary Respiration,” “The Breath of Life,” “The Potency of the Tide,” “Still Points” and “Liquid Light.” Biodynamics explores the nuanced underpinnings of this therapeutic process. Through passionate study, daily practice, and direct experience, Dr. Jealous has provided definition and distinction to Sutherland's writings.

James Jealous

Embryology as a Model

Erich Blechschmidt MD, a very well established yet unusually progressive embryologist, independently provided significant contributions to the field of osteopathy.
Dr. Blechschmidt carefully observed the cells of the developing embryo as they would migrate (move from one location to another) and differentiate (change from one form into another), to ultimately become the structures of the adult organism.

Dr. Blechschmidt used the term "Biodynamics" to describe these movements of “metabolic fields” in the developing embryo. He felt that these dynamic fields of activity seemed to arise from the very geometry of the cellular foundations of life, and produced distinct patterns of movement.

Those migration patterns within the developing embryo (observed and described by Blechschmidt) appear to be identical to the movement patterns observed and described by William Sutherland in the process of Osteopathic Treatment.

In essence, the “generative” forces of the developing embryo are identical to the “regenerative” forces used for healing in all of us.

Zones

Classical Osteopathy typically attends to the distribution of forces within the human body. There are precedents within the profession, however, that attend to activities beyond the borders of the skin.

Dr. Jealous refers to the space within the skin as “Zone A.” The space just around our bodies is “Zone B,” and the space within the room is “Zone C.” Dr. Jealous has further expanded this concept to include “Zone D”: The Horizon.

Indigenous people of "primitive cultures" would know who and where they were by their sense of relationship of their midline to the horizon. We, more "advanced" people, have lost this profound sense of relationship. We have lost our bearings. We lack the shamanic guidance that might help us return to a more functional relationship to the Natural World.

When interacting with the forces that organize a living organism, Osteopaths with a biodynamic orientation do not restrict themselves to the boundaries of the patients skin. We pay attention to the immediate area around the patient. We pay attention to the activity in the room itself. And we pay attention to the Horizon. We are not out at the periphery of each zone. It is essential to realize that each of these zones begins in our functional midline and extends to the periphery.

Biodyamic Treatment

Typical osteopathic diagnosis and treatment focuses on fragmented parts. Areas of “lesion” (reduced motion, inertia in a dynamic system) are evaluated. An interpretation of “normal” is made, and the treatment process is directed to bring about that "normal."

The practical application of Biodynamic principles gives rise to a very interesting and different treatment process. Instead of focusing upon fragmented parts, we listen to the "whole." We listen from the depths of our souls, and without imposing our sense of what is “right,” we simply sit and listen. We observe the motion present in the heart of the inertia.

No barriers are engaged. Rather than focus on disease, we listen to the HEALTH.

HEALTH is that perfect matrix that precedes form and is present within us from the moment of conception. Health is more inherent in the geometry than the genetics. (Some underlying geometry must have given rise to the form of DNA itself.)

The HEALTH guides the treatment. We feel Primary Respiration emerge out the Dynamic Stillness. Dynamic Stillness is a reference point, the fulcrum of the therapeutic process. Dynamic Stillness is the presence of the sacred.

Our ultimate teacher is nature itself. The natural world expresses itself in a distinct and ordered manner. Our inherent self healing follows this very same order.
Through our listening, we connect with The Health. We reference Stillness, allowing the patient to re-establish their relationship to Primary Respiration, the Whole, the Horizon, the Midline. In this way, we touch the miraculous and create the possibility for healing.

Dr. Still said it quite simply: “To find health should be the object of the doctor. Anyone can find disease.”

For more information please contact us.

We would like to acknowledge Mark E. Rosen D.O. for this article. www.osteodoc.com/biodynamics.htm