In the late 1800s, Dr. Andrew Taylor Still of the United States invented a drug-free, manual technique to improve circulation and correct altered biomechanics. He called it Osteopathy. Osteon for bone, and Pathos for suffering. Drawing on his extensive study of the natural world, along with traditional practices of Native Americans, Dr. Still believed that the human form had within it a level of protection that includes an innate ability to heal itself.

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In the wake of the Civil War, Dr. Still suffered the loss of his three children as a result of spinal meningitis. The tragic events caused him to call into question orthodox treatments that often caused more harm than good. Over the next 30 years, Dr. Still researched the human body and alternative treatments, leading to the discovery of manipulating the musculoskeletal system to prevent and treat a variety of ailments and diseases.

Dr. Still is the founder of the world’s first osteopathic medical school in Kirksville, Missouri, American School of Osteopathy—now called A.T. Still University. Osteopathy became widely received towards the middle of the 20th century with acceptance and practices gradually spanning all 50 states and is spreading like wildfire througout the rest of the world.