Four key principles of osteopathic philosophy are recognised as:

1. The body is a unit; the person is a unit of body, mind, and spirit.
2. The body is capable of self regulation, self healing, and health maintenance.
3. Structure and function are reciprocally interrelated.
4. Rational treatment is based upon an understanding of the basic principles of
   body unity, self regulation, and the inter-relationship of structure and function.