At the Still Point of the Turning World

What the Reviewers Say "This is a unique text. It contains a remarkable mix. The scientific perspectives have probably never [before] been gathered together in one place. This is priceless, and makes the book essential reading for the intelligent osteopath. " Harold S Klug DO, Osteopathy practitioner, London, UK. "For those who have ears to listen and eyes to read it will probably become the most inspiring osteopathic book of their lives and careers!" Paolo Tozzi MSc Ost FT, Osteopathy teacher, Italy. "This book is long overdue and is a contribution to osteopathic thought and philosophy which has never before been so eloquently stated." Gerald Lamb BSc(Lond) DO, Osteopathy Practitioner, London, UK and International Lecturer. "[This book] will become a classic text of 'must reads' for those who think - ." Nicholas Handoll DO MSCC, Osteopathy practitioner, Hereford UK.

Robert Lever BA DO is a highly-skilled and well-respected practising osteopath with over 40 years' of experience in providing holistic and compassionate care. He is also a gifted and empathetic teacher who strives to share with his students the understanding of the background science and philosophy of osteopathy which is essential for the effective delivery of care. For over 35 years he lectured on the Principles of Osteopathic Practice at European School of Osteopathy, Maidstone, UK which later awarded him its Medal of Honour for services to osteopathic education.

1 Osteopathy: an overview [some history, the evolution of osteopathic thinking, misconceptions (inside and outside the profession), styles, theoretical fundamentals, the scope and perspective of the work].2 The vital quality of Motion [its ingredients and structural and physiological significance, how to read or interpret it; contributions from physicists and biologists].3 Holism and the osteopathic 'lens' [problems with holism; the importance of pattern and context as individuated expressions of health or ill health].4 Reciprocity [interconnectedness, relationship, interaction]. 5 Mainstream to 'cranial': continuum or quantum leap? [false dichotomies, commonalities, true differences; contributions of quantum theory]. 6 Subjectivity and the 'dance' [entrainment, resonance, transcendence; the importance of models in holistic paradigms]. 7 The Intelligent Fulcrum: palpation and thought on the move [a transcription of a lecture delivered in London to the Sutherland Cranial College]. 8 The Healing - 'if it comes at all, it comes from within' (Korr) [aspects of (unfashionable) vitalism]. 9 Beyond Technique: meeting the lesion [the true challenge of technique]. 10 Placebo and Ritual [the value of the so-called placebo effect; patients' belief in their capacity to regain health; autonomy versus dependency]. 11 The Human Spirit [adaptability, self-correction and survival]. 12 R & D & Safety [professional preoccupations]. 13 Divine Chaos: direction, meaning and mystery [the unconditional relationship with and commitment to life; the other 'uncertainty principle']. 14 The Exquisite nature of Paradox [truth enfolded in apparent contradiction]. 15 Epilogue: tying it together [spirit, humanity: relevance to the 'art']