Osteopaths Advocate A Simpler, More Natural Lifestyle
September 8th, 2010

Have you ever wondered why you have a rash on your skin? Do you know why some clothes feel great while others are making you feel extremely uncomfortable? Have you wondered if the oral hygiene products you are using may actually be the root cause of several problems you are experiencing? Last but not least, are you wondering if an osteopathic doctor (D.O.) can actually help you with these situations or if these physicians are primarily concerned with the relief of muscle aches and pains? Answers to these questions are actually more revealing than you can imagine!

For example, did you know that the average osteopathic visit not only focuses on musculoskeletal health, but also on the overall health of the body, head to toe? Asthma and arthritis are just as much of a concern as cerebral palsy and sciatica. The same is true for the environmental impact several lifestyle choices will have on you and your health. It could be said that osteopaths advocate a simpler, more natural lifestyle. There are several recommendations they make:
* Stop putting perfume in your mouth. You might wonder who would be foolish enough to do such a thing, but if you take a very close look at mouthwashes, bad breath strips, and various other items designed to do away with bad breath, you will note that they are by and large little more than perfumes. A D.O. is quick to suggest that this approach to dealing with bad breath is counterproductive. After all, the smell of bad breath is indicative of bacterial activity that is going on unchecked, and thus it is in the best interest of the patient to deal with the problem at hand rather than simply masking it.
* Rashes and uncomfortable clothes are often indicative of the use of perfumes – once again – that are not comfortable for the skin. Evoking allergic reactions, many a D.O. is adamant about using perfume free and hypoallergenic laundry soaps and also body washes. It might be surprising to learn for many patients that perfumes and even dyes in regular daily care products are actually quite detrimental to their health.
* Nutrition is another area where osteopaths are advocating that simpler is better. The highly over processed foods that are so convenient for the average consumer are actually laden with sodium and sugar as well as fats, and thus are part and parcel of the current obesity crisis. Your D.O. may discuss whole foods, minimally processed dishes, and even raw foods as being better options than prepackaged and precooked meals that are waiting in the grocery store.

Granted, you may find it at first hard to follow the advise of your osteopathic specialist. After all, it might require a complete change in the way you live your life and also conduct your profession and even day to day activities. On the other hand, with the help of your D.O. you will have a good chance of staying healthier longer, avoiding the need for costly prescriptions that may have serious side effects, and also protecting your family from the dangers of unhealthy nutrition.

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