Cranio-Visceral Osteopathy: an integrative view of the body

Cranio-Visceral Osteopathy combines two complementary approaches: Cranial Osteopathy and Visceral Osteopathy, with the aim of improving communication between the central nervous system and the internal organs, promoting functional balance in the body. Cranial Osteopathy focuses on the manipulation of cranial structures and the central nervous system, while Visceral Osteopathy acts...

Persistent back pain? The gut can play an important role

Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is a common complaint and in many cases is associated with structural alterations in the spine, muscles or joints. However, there are situations in which the origin of the pain may not be restricted to these structures, and it is pertinent to consider other factors involved. The body works...

Do you sleep badly? How the biological clock and circadian rhythm influence sleep

The human body works according to an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. This system plays a part in organising multiple biological functions, such as sleep, appetite, body temperature, hormone production, energy levels and mood. This rhythm is naturally synchronised with the cycle of light and darkness, i.e. with...

Integrative Osteopathy: a clinical approach centred on the body as a whole

Osteopathy is an approach based on knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body, integrating observation of mobility, tissue organisation and the functional relationship between the different systems. It starts from the understanding that bones, muscles, joints, fascia and other tissues act interdependently and that changes in one...

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...

Melatonin, sunlight and sleep regulation: understanding the relationship

Melatonin is a central hormone in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle and plays an important role in the overall physiological balance. It is associated with the organisation of the circadian rhythm, the quality of sleep and various adaptive processes in the body. Although it is commonly known as the “sleep hormone”, its regulation depends to a large extent on...

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...