Thorax – At the Heart of Osteopathy

Embryology, Neurovegetative Regulation, and Functional Networking

Course Description:

The heart and lungs, vascular system, and vegetative regulation form a fascinating network of functional relationships. The foundation for their interaction is established as early as the embryological development of the thorax and its organs.

Starting from the embryology of the thoracic organs, this course highlights the diverse connections to the liver, kidneys, and adrenal glands, offering a comprehensive view of the organism’s regulatory mechanisms. This leads to the body’s central stress axes: the roles of the pituitary gland and amygdala are examined, as well as the links between vegetative regulation, bone metabolism, and osteoclastic activity.

Special attention is given to the central bony structures of the body’s midline. The focus is on the intraosseous treatment of the sternum as a key osteopathic approach.

Another focus is on neurovegetative regulatory mechanisms. The “Little Brain on the Heart” and selected neurovegetative plexuses are addressed in terms of their clinical relevance and therapeutic influence.

The vascular system is also examined from functional and palpatory perspectives. The focus is on venous blood flow dynamics, the vascular systems of the lungs, the relationship between the heart and mediastinum, and osteopathic approaches to the azygos system.

The course is consistently practice-oriented. The goal is to better understand functional relationships and to further develop refined palpatory skills.