A functioning self-healing and immune system can solve virtually any health problem. Therefore osteopathy focuses on activating these oftentimes impaired self-healing powers and thereby achieve a completely natural healing. The cause of impaired self-healing powers is a problem with the nourishing and cleansing of the cells, the muscles, the bones or any other structure. The osteopath achieves this by means of his knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and with finesse of his palpation. The osteopathic techniques are however also wonderfully suited for self-treatment. This is where personal body-awareness comes into play.In this book, Thomas Seebeck conveys the principles of osteopathic treatment, and a variety of exercises for back pain relief at all areas of the spine. The exercises are illustrated in a detailed and practical manner.This book is a subset of the book "Osteopathic Self-Treatment" written by the same author. ContentsPart 1: Osteopathic PrinciplesUnlike you would thinkDirect and indirect techniqueDirect and indirect technique in natureOsteopathy - supporting nature's healing powers"Activating Forces"Strain-Counterstrain (SCS)The "onion of discomfort"Part 2: Exercises from top to bottomCervical spineDiscomforts at the back of your head (upper cervical spine)Cervical spineDiscomforts in the neck radiating into the head (cervical spine)Thoracic spineThe area of the thoracic spine/chest/ribs - sitting downThe area of the thoracic spine/chest/ribs - standingThe counterstrain exercise for the chest areaLumbar spineExercise with stronger back painDiscomforts of the lumbar spineExercises for the whole spineThe "waves on the ocean" exerciseUnstable spine - "no plane"Unstable spine - "maybe plane"Exercise option on the "yes plane"Support for the spine: from pelvis to feetDiscomforts in the area of the pelvic floorDiscomforts in the area of the sacroiliac jointDiscomforts in the gluteal areaHip joint problemsThe area of the hip joint/pubic bone/adductorsKnee exerciseExercise for the balance of the knee musclesFeet - Problems with the upper ankle jointProblems with the lower ankle jointShouldersBasic exercise for shoulder discomfortsDysfunctions in the area of the acromioclavicular joint"Grounding" and centering"Grounding" exerciseCentering exerciseExercise of the inner alchemy