Osteopathy is based on four basic principles, one of which is that the body has an innate, natural ability to self-regulate and to heal itself, when no restrictions or injuries are present. The key factor that permits this regulation and healing to proceed unimpeded, is the ability of the body to freely circulate all of its fluids and liquids. These fluids include the blood, lymph, synovial fluid, digestive juices, cerebrospinal fluid, axoplasm, and all the other intracellular and extracellular fluids of the body.
The blood and lymph has:
- Neutrophils and basophils in the blood,
- macrophages and mast cells in the tissue, eosinophils, natural killer cells,
- lymphocytes (T cells; B cells to make antibodies) to fight infections,
- antigens (allergens),
- inflammation, diseases, viruses, bacteria,
- parasites, and germs;
- and cytokines which directs the immune response.
Check out this link about Immune System for further explanation.
Osteopathic Manual Techniques (OMT) can release muscle tightness related to the organs of the immune system and thus increase the circulation of these white blood cells and cytokines. Moreover, these organs include the skin, lymphatic system, bone marrow, and thymus. Secondary lymph organs are the spleen, tonsils, adenoids, appendix and small Peters patches in the intestines, which store T cells.
Releasing these organs can help them function properly and improve the circulation of the blood and lymph need to enhance the immune response.
Specifically, osteopathic lymphatic techniques have been associated with an improved immune response especially in the study conducted by Bockenhauer et al. (2002).
Bockenhauer SE, Juliard KN, Lo KS, Huang E, Sheth AM. Quantifiable effects of osteopathic manipulative techniques on patients with chronic asthma. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2002;102(7):371-375.
In addition, these lymphatic techniques can also enhance filtration and removal of inflammatory mediators and waste products from the interstitium, as seen in the Knott et al. 2005 study. Further research is need to give greater support to these studies, but shows promise in helping patients recover quickly.
Knott EM, Tune JD, Stoll ST, Downey HF. Increased lymphatic flow in the thoracic duct during manipulative intervention. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2005;105(10): 447-456.
With these studies, Lymphatic Pumping techniques which are the OMT of choice, that osteopathic manual practitioners use to help improve the immune response of their patients.
In combination with muscle and organs releases, OMT is another option to help improve the immune response and thus help of the patient recover or prevent!