This course combines modern scientific approaches with a heritage that stems from indigenous medicine. The aim is not only to honor the beginnings of osteopathy – as introduced by A.T. Still after his encounters with indigenous tribes – but also to promote evidence-based and culturally sensitive osteopathic treatments in the present day.

The course introduces the Cynefin framework as a tool to support clinical decision making and demonstrates its application in the person-centered clinical reasoning process. This framework takes into account the diversity of therapeutic approaches in osteopathy, including cranial osteopathy.

The course content is based on a scientific foundation drawn from the neuroscience of perception. It describes changes in body awareness that are observed in approaches from traditional/indigenous healing methods. These manual, interoceptive approaches reflect the body-mind-spirit principle, which was brought back to the fore in the last update of osteopathic principles in the USA (Rogers et al., 2002).

Learning objectives:

• Deepen understanding of the historical legacy of indigenous medicine in osteopathic practice:
  Develop a critical understanding of A.T. Still’s integration of traditional/indigenous healing methods into osteopathic principles. Examine their contemporary relevance and ethical implications in modern healthcare.
• Orientation in the scientific context of osteopathy:
  Analyze historical models of osteopathy from the perspective of modern neuroscience. In particular, explore the neurobiological basis of perception and pain and their relationship to interoceptive manual techniques in cranial osteopathy.
• Enhance clinical practice through culturally sensitive approaches:
  Improve your competence in cranial techniques by integrating person-centered and culturally sensitive treatment approaches. Foster deeper connections with patients and effective communication within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Promote professional growth in an inclusive setting:
  Create a collaborative environment for peer learning and reflection while utilizing evidence-based practices to enrich osteopathic care. Develop a strong professional identity based on compassion, collaboration, and the integration of traditional wisdom with modern scientific knowledge.

Find out more about Rafael Zegarra and his osteopathic approach in the interview with Rafael Zegarra and Torsten Liem.