osteopathy is in the blood
Discover Dr. Still’s Rule of the Artery revealed in the science of today in this book from world-renowned osteopathic practitioner, Maxwell Fraval, LLB, DO, MOsteoSc(Paed).
Join book launch events and webinars to connect with the author and other physicians and faculty in the cranial field. Don’t miss a thing by signing up for email alerts below.
the science and clinical application of the rule of the artery
about the book
The book has developed out of our clinical observation and experience as well as an ongoing desire to understand Dr. Still’s philosophy and principles of practice more deeply. With a background in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field, we view this book as an extension of that perspective into the circulatory system. We first presented this material in 2002 after a number of years of enquiry and development. We believe we have stumbled upon an explanation for the genesis of involuntary motion. We also understood how insightful and apt Dr. Sutherland’s reference was to the “The Primary Respiratory” as a core concept of his work.
Dr. Still wrote about the importance of the arterial supply and emphasised venous drainage as a source of renewal in the tissues. Osteopaths also regard an imbalance of the autonomics as a source of disease. The heart and vessels mediate the neurovascular and neuroendocrine activity of the autonomics. Understanding the functions of the heart and vessels will help the OMM practitoner understand ways in which intervening with OMT has the potential to restore homeostasis.
This book is also an essential learning tool for The Rule of the Artery courses offered at OPC. Spots are limited – register today!
Table of Contents:
- The Embryology of Breathing and the Mediastinum (by Prue Eddie & Alistair Moresi with research & contribution from Michael Solano)
- Water, Flow, and Function
- The Embryology of the Heart (by Prue Eddie with research & contribution from Michael Solano)
- The Fascia and the Code
- The Development of the Vasculature (by Benjamin Stringer with research & contribution from Michael Solano)
- The Heart as a Generator
- The Venous Return
- The Heart-Lung Connection
- The Aorta as a Fulcrum
- The Lymphatics (by Catherine McDonald with research & contribution from Michael Solano)
- The Circle of Willis
- Ion Waves and Their Electromotive Force
- A Vasculature Description of the Motion of the Primary Respiratory Mechanism (by Michael Solano)
How to Purchase the book
In the U.S.
Customers in the United States can purchase their copy directly through IngramSpark by clicking on the links below or scanning the QR codes.
The book is also available through major U.S. book retailers, including:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Apple Books
Available Formats:
Softcover (Paperback) – ISBN: 979-8-9917420-0-9
Hardcover (Case Laminate) – ISBN: 979-8-9917420-1-6
internationally
With IngramSpark’s Global Connect®, Osteopathy Is in the Blood is available in markets worldwide, including Brazil, China, Germany, India, South Africa, and beyond!
Local print-on-demand facilities ensure faster delivery and lower shipping costs.
Order directly from:
Booktopia (Australia’s leading online bookstore)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Apple Books
And thousands of other local and online bookstores worldwide!
Simply search for Osteopathy Is in the Blood by Maxwell Fraval at your preferred bookstore.
about the author

Testimonials
"This book is an invaluable reference text for all osteopaths. The research demonstrates that the founding principles of osteopathy are fully backed up by modern scientific research. Studying these concepts will challenge osteopaths to think more deeply and work more effectively with the blood and circulation, which is fundamental to exploring the full potential of osteopathy to enhance health."
Liz Hayden DO (UK)
“This book offers a much-needed explanation of what we as osteopaths feel in our work but have not always been able to put into words. The inspiring thoughts and theories presented reveal completely new therapeutic possibilities for osteopaths to work with the circulatory system.”
Noori Mitha DO, FSSCO (Germany)
"Perfused with osteopathic wisdom, this important work presents new and perhaps unexpected knowledge about the blood and vascular system. Drawing upon cutting-edge science, biodynamic embryology, and perceptive insight, it presents a wealth of information to guide new approaches to treatment."
John Lewis DO (UK) (Author of A.T. Still: From the Dry Bone to the Living Man)
"This groundbreaking book is a quantum leap forward in osteopathic philosophy and practice. It presents current cardiopulmonary research and physiological understanding that underlies and explains key osteopathic concepts that were put forward 120 years ago. The reader will find the scholarship definitive and the book to be one of the best to appear in the last 50 years of osteopathy."
Prof. Hollis King DO, PhD (USA)
"I highly recommend this book which utilizes extensive visual aids and research to explain the interconnected relationship between embryology, anatomy, and physics in Osteopathic practice."
Christiane Topf DO (Germany)
Events
OCA Book Club
Sat, Feb 15 – 2pm PST, 5pm EST, 9am AUS
FREE for OCA Members
Rule of the Artery 2-3
Maxwell Fraval, LLB, DO (UK), MOsteoSc(Paed) | Michael Solano, BSc(HM) DipED(Sec) BAppSc(Osteo) | Alistair C. Moresi, Bach.App.Sc.(Osteo)
Jun 13-15, 2025
$1,440 (24 CME Credits)
Rule of the Artery 1
Maxwell Fraval, LLB, DO (UK), MOsteoSc(Paed) | Dr. Kathy Gill, MD | Orianne Evans, DO (UK) | Dr. R. Paul Lee, DO, FAAO, FCA | Alistair C. Moresi, Bach.App.Sc.(Osteo) | Dr. Ilene M Spector, DO, FCA
Jun 25-27, 2025
$1,440 (24 CME Credits)
2025 OCA Annual Conference: On the Trail of Dr. Still’s Legacy – An Osteopathic Approach to Vascular Treatment
June 19-22, 2025
Monterey, California, Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa
About the Rule of the Artery Courses
This course developed from the desire to understand what it was that Dr. Still was talking about and what he was doing in his clinical practice. It led into an exploration of the first principal of Osteopathy as described by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, ‘The Rule of the Artery is Supreme.’ The course involves the investigation of the heart and vasculature and the fluid dynamics of the blood. Additionally, the course explores the interface between the heart, the primary respiratory mechanism and the autonomic nervous system. The study of the cardiovascular system leads to the consideration of the heart as more than a pump. This course will explore the concept of the heart as a hydrodynamic and electromagnetic generator, qualities which are then thought to be imparted to the blood. The role of the heart in the integration of mind, body and spirit is also considered.
“Thus we find the heart to be the mother of all…” Dr. Andrew Taylor Still