Osteopathic medicine is a philosophy of health care and  a distinctive art,
supported by an expanding, scientific knowledge; its philosophy embraces the
concept of the unity of the living organism's structure (anatomy) and function
(physiology).  Its art is the application of the philosophy in the practice of
medicine and surgery in all its branches and specialties.  Its science includes
the behavioral, chemical, physical, spiritual and biological knowledge related to the establishment and maintenance of health as well as the prevention and alleviation of disease.  Osteopathic concepts emphasize the following principles:

1:  The human person is a unit in which structure, function, mind and spirit
are mutually and reciprocally interdependent.

2: The body, through a complex equilibrial system, tends to be self-regulatory
and self-healing in the face of disease processes.

3:  Adequate function of body systems depends upon
unimpeded circulatory mechanisms, nerve impulses and neurotrophic influences.

4: A rational treatment regimen is based on this philosophy and these principles.