Still established that all types of acute or chronic illnesses are reflected in the muscular-skeletal apparatus, and he devised appropriate manual curing techniques. The principle in question is that the manipulation of bones, muscles and other tissues releases obstacles that impede a good blood circulation liquids and nervous impulses which in turn stimulate the body natural self healing capacities. Osteopathy not only cures symptoms but can also resolve the true causes of illnesses.


Still's principles are still valid to this day and are as follows:
1. The body is our drugstore. All the substances we need to recover and keep in good health can be found there.
2. The artery is a river of life, health and well-being. If its flow is blocked, the illness appears.
3. Illnesses are the after-effects of disorders in the nerve channels and the blood flow.