Do you have a specific example?
II solve z. B. the solid solar plexus, the solar plexus. I ask him how he perceives what is changing, how he feels. “It feels softer,” he might say. And does anything else happen? “Yes, my thoughts are suddenly calmer. I feel so wide and soft!” Then maybe I can give him a little homework to see until next time which circumstances in his life tend to soften his solar plexus and write them down. Of course, many things are easier in the protected practice room. It is then part of the treatment to support him in becoming more and more competent himself. Ultimately, however, the patient decides whether he wants to live more relaxed, with a more open posture – or not.
Is your book aimed at healthy people or at those with ailments?
To both! Health insurance companies have determined that men have symptoms for 48 years of their lives and women for 42 years. Often more than half a life! This phase can be significantly improved by changing your lifestyle.
In my book, I clearly explain the mechanisms of action for every body system, organs and many clinical pictures. In this way, the patient, the reader, gets a basis for making the right decisions for themselves and for doing something themselves. It is about the 5 models of osteopathy, plus the latest medical findings from more than 8,000 studies. These studies tell us how we live longer, healthier, and happier lives today. That is why the book contains many exercises and suggestions, such as endurance, interval training, stretching, breathing, relaxation, nutrition, a healthy intestine and how unfavorable habits can be changed. If there are unhealthy lifestyle habits, as a therapist I try to establish healthier ones instead, so that the chance of being healthy and happy increases – just like in manual treatment. We call that too Connecting the Dots.
Is there a particularly effective exercise from your book?
For me there is no such thing as one great piece of advice. Nevertheless: For most of those who come to me, the most important thing is to regularly interrupt their sitting. Sitting weakens the immune system, leading to exhaustion and illness. After just 30 to 45 minutes, the muscle stops absorbing sugar and begins to break down. Therefore: stop sitting, run up and down the stairs, do jumping jacks or push-ups… I do that too when I work at my desk for a long time. It is scientifically proven and is incredibly beneficial.
Torsten Liem, thank you very much for this interview!