A Residual of pseudomedicine. DOs appear to be more likely than MDs to become involved in dubious health care practices. Such systems are quasi-religious and develop a following of ideological true believers, and attracts sociopaths. The CO theory is that the human brain makes rhythmic movements at a rate of 10 to 14 cycles per minute, a periodicity unrelated to breathing or heart rate. CO practitioners claim to be able to feel small cranial pulsations with their finger tips.
Restrictions are the sutures which interfere with normal pulsations are a common cause of disease.
Critics believe that the rap on the skull done by CO practitioners may be a form of suggestive therapy. But the osteopathic physician may also use osteopathic manipulative therapy, a technique of using the hands to realign the muscles and bones. The Practice and Applied Therapeutics of Osteopathy . Kirksville Journal Printing Co., 1901. This article was posted on December 29, 2000.