More Malaysians are turning to osteopathy to relieve numerous health problems. KASMIAH MUSTAPHA finds out more about this alternative treatment
IT may not be as familiar or well known as other alternative treatments in this country, but osteopathy is catching up. through word of mouth, Malaysians have been turning to this technique to manage their health problems.
At a glance, the technique looks more like the massage that you get at a spa but, according to Ian Lee, osteopathy is based on the belief that the body can heal itself through realigning its structure of nerves, bones, tissues and muscles.
A graduate in osteopathy medicine and naturopathy from the British College of Osteopathy, Lee has been treating people using the technique for more than two years. “Osteopathy is based on the belief that the body is able to heal itself through structural and soft tissue work. All body parts are connected to one another — the skin to the tissues and muscles and ligaments so we have to work with every aspect of it. by helping the blood flow better, the person will be able to better manage pain.
“Health is about taking better care of your structure (that includes bones and tissues) as well as your mind and diet. Everything is connected and osteopathy looks at all aspects of your life. The techniques may look like those of a massage but we are dealing with the structural aspects. We are keeping the body in balance because imbalance will result in pain and disease.Osteopathy is beneficial to those suffering from sports injury, asthma, postural problems, headache and migraine, says Lee. “for example, if someone has asthma, we will work on the tissues and structural part of their chest to help them breathe better by helping the muscles relax. However, the treatment is not a cure but to teach them how to manage their condition.”
Before he begins the treatment, Lee will find out the cause of the condition and ways to manage it and prevent further incidences. The most important thing is for the person to not experience pain again if possible. “Prevention is better than cure. If I can help them avoid it so that they need not go for treatment, that’s good.”Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. it was first developed in the United States and later spread to Europe. Osteopathy works on the principle of promoting an individual’s well-being through improving the musculoskeletal functions of the body. it uses touch, physical manipulation, stretching and massage to increase joint mobility, relieve muscle tension, enhance blood supply to muscle tissues, improve nerve function and strengthen the body’s healing mechanisms. Osteopaths also give advice on posture and exercises to aid recovery from illness and prevent recurrence of symptoms.People with back pain, repetitive strain injury, postural problems related to pregnancy, driving or work, arthritis and sports-related injuries often seek the treatment.Osteopathy is offered at Cinq Energies International Therapy Centre, owned by two French women, Nadege Lubrano and Delphine Douard. Opened in 2009, it offers alternative and natural therapies such as acupuncture, cupping, massage, yoga and organic body and face skin care.it also offers a new facial rejuvenation treatment with acupuncture known as Le Lifting Zen. it was introduced by Francois Dufresne who believed that better skin can be achieved through the inner balance between body and mind.“Usually people would do acupuncture on the face if they want to look young. But I have found that looking young is not only from the outside but also from the inside. It’s not just about getting rid of wrinkles but also about feeling more peaceful and less stressed. “When you have that, you will definitely not look your age.”Dufresne, who has been practicing acupuncture for over 20 years, is based in Provence, France. When he started practicing acupuncture, he noticed a difference in the skin of the face and body.“I realised that acupuncture can change a person’s physical appearance and decided to use the technique on the face. “of course, you will not look like a 20-year-old if you are 50. it does not mean the wrinkles will disappear but there will be a glow on your face because you have inner peace and calm. When the inside of your body is happy, you will appear more youthful.”The Le Lifting Zen technique combines acupuncture with modern aesthetic therapy techniques. Using sterilised single-use needles at specific points on a relaxed face and body improves blood flow and muscle tone, resulting in better looking skin.