Subtle Motion

Introduction The literature in osteopathy is of two gross categories: one that is basic and scientific biomechanical principles in nature and written in a narrative for the novice (such as Foundations of Osteopathy and An Osteopathic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment); and the other, which is written in more philosophical and perhaps even mystical narratives by the masters, physicians of great accord such as Dr. Still, Dr. Fulford, Dr. Sutherland, and Dr. Becker. The first perspective is written in “solid” facts and is designed to provide a foundation for the logical mind. The second perspective seems often cryptic and mystical as the masters try to relay “greater truths” than what can be described by current scientific principles and metrics. There is an active role of observation in osteopathy, which can only fully be known by firsthand experience. As such, it can never be fully communicated, only fully realized. These greater truths cannot be shown even by a master, but one can paint around and point towards these truths. As a student, then resident, and practicing physician I searched for a description, a narrative of this transitional experience from novice or even expert to master osteopath, but it was not to be found. What follows in Subtle Motion: Journey and Journal of a Cranial Osteopath are my firsthand experiences as I transitioned from a novice/expert into a master, a journey which undoubtedly never quite ends. My perspective is unique in large part due the traumas experienced throughout my life. As such it’s important to understand my personal history for any of the contents of this journal to be put in proper perspective. You may have to forgive the first few entries as they walk the reader through relevant history. The only way I can even begin to communicate some of these greater truths is from the subjective perception of first-person. Keep this in mind as you read, and also remember this: science has nothing to say on any subject it cannot measure or perceive. Some things may be known, but cannot be measured. There is a transition from the novice/expert to the master osteopath as the perspective changes from communicating and thinking in terms of what can be measured into what can be known. Wisdom is powerful, but it can never be fully encapsulated by language or facts. As you make your way through the entries, topics will cover a great breadth of subject matter. Discussions of anatomy, cranial osteopathy, and physiology are interspersed and related to the discussions of cosmology, quantum mechanics, and even fractal mathematics. Any good effort study of any subject links with osteopathy. It is up to the student to figure out how. Throughout the work are patient cases, which are utilized to ground discussions in real-world results. Though the names of these patients have been changed or omitted, each and every one of these examples is true. Some of the results may seem miraculous, and I would agree. The power within osteopathy, the power within an osteopath, the power within a patient is deep and profound. From that deep source miracles can arise. That said, I hope you enjoy the journey as I did. I have done my best to speak in factual terms and plain language, but first-person perspective and experience are concerned with facts and terms these fall far short in relaying hidden or greater truths. Let the experience take the role of teacher. I hope you will be will be the student. Taking on these roles it is my job to teach. It is the student’s job to learn. I pray you keep an open mind, and in time find the enlightenment you so eagerly seek. -Jacob William Watters, D.O.