Inflammation, pain and the vagus nerve: the Integrative Osteopathic view

Chronic pain doesn't always originate where it is felt. In many cases, it results from a complex interaction between neurophysiological mechanisms, persistent inflammatory processes and the activity of the vagus nerve. These three elements are closely interlinked, and understanding this relationship is fundamental for a more informed clinical approach to persistent pain and...

Movement is Medicine: physical exercise as a regulator of metabolism and the immune system

Physical exercise, when framed appropriately for the individual context, is recognised as a relevant physiological stimulus with an impact on multiple systems in the body. Scientific research has explored the relationship between movement, metabolism and the immune system, suggesting that regular physical activity can influence adaptive processes associated with homeostasis, inflammation...

Muscle tension: why stretching doesn't always solve the discomfort

When areas of tension appear in the body, the most common impulse is to lengthen or “stretch” the muscles in an attempt to relieve the discomfort. This automatic response is deeply rooted in the perception that muscle stiffness alone is the problem. However, from a clinical point of view, this association is not always correct....

Rest is more than sleep: 6 types of rest from an integrative perspective

Sleeping well is fundamental, but not always enough to guarantee consistent levels of energy, mental clarity and well-being. Many people report persistent tiredness even after an apparently restorative night's sleep. In these cases, the origin of the fatigue may not lie exclusively in sleep, but also in the absence or insufficient integration of other forms of rest...

Cranial osteopathy and the vagus nerve: an approach to physiological balance

Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle therapeutic approach that focuses on the manipulation of cranial structures and the sacro-cranial system, with the aim of improving the functioning of the central nervous system. This technique can influence the function of the vagus nerve, the largest nerve in the autonomic nervous system, which plays a fundamental role in regulating...

Epigenetics: the influence of the environment on health regulation, the view from Psychoneuroimmunology

Scientific research has shown that genetic information does not act in isolation, nor does it determine health trajectories throughout life in a linear fashion. Epigenetics, a field that studies the biochemical mechanisms that regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, contributes to a more dynamic understanding of...

Osteopathic approach to craniomandibular disorders and headaches

Craniomandibular disorders encompass conditions that affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the muscles responsible for chewing and related structures. These can be classified into three main groups: joint dysfunctions, such as articular disc displacement and arthritis; muscle dysfunctions, which include muscle spasms and fatigue; and mixed dysfunctions, which combine joint and muscle symptoms,...