Osteopathy is a patient-centered approach to health relating to the whole body of the patient. Skilled palpation and a detailed knowledge of anatomy, physiology and biomechanics guide the osteopath to assess and restore balance within and between all the systems of the body. This includes the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, cranial and visceral systems. In health, the body seeks to maintain a balance within and between these systems. An osteopath uses a wide array of manual approaches to reduce and resolve strains, stress and dysfunction in all areas of the body. The goal is to remove restrictions to vascular, neural and biomechanical mechanisms and ultimately support the natural healing mechanism.