The course examines limbic–cortical networks and their regulatory dynamics, including:
- Amygdala and threat perception
- Hippocampus and contextual and emotional memory
- Anterior cingulate cortex and affective modulation
- Prefrontal cortex and top-down regulatory control
- Hypothalamus as a central integrative hub
- Ventricular system and its anatomical and fluid-dynamic relevance
Particular attention is given to:
- Top-down and bottom-up regulatory processes
- Predictive coding models and the perception of bodily states
- Salience network dynamics in stress-related conditions
- The clinical relevance of interoception within a person-centred care framework
What to expect
The aim of this course is to provide a scientifically grounded framework that supports osteopathic intervention through the body to influence central regulation, integrating contemporary neuroscience with structured clinical reasoning.
Participants will explore how limbic–cortical networks, autonomic regulation and interocepetive processes contribute to the development and persistence of stress-related clinical presentations.
The module alternates theoretical sessions with practical demonstrations and supervised manual approaches. Particular emphasis is placed on clinical contextualization, allowing participants to understand how neurobiological principles can inform osteopathic assessment and treatment strategies.
Clinical examples and case-based discussions will support the integration between neuroscience knowledge and osteopathic manual practice.
This module is particularly suited for institutions seeking a strong academic and neurobiological framework for the osteopathic mind–body approach.
Learning objectives
At the end of this module participants will be able to:
- Understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress regulation and anxiety-related conditions.
- Describe the functional role of key limbic–cortical structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus.
- Explain the concepts of top–down and bottom–up regulation in relation to autonomic and emotional responses.
- Discuss the role of interoception and salience network dynamics in the perception of bodily states and persistent somatic symptoms.
- Integrate current neuroscience concepts, including predictive coding models, into osteopathic clinical reasoning.
- Apply safe and coherent osteopathic manual approaches aimed at supporting central regulatory mechanisms.
- Analyse clinical cases by contextualizing neurobiological mechanisms within a person-centred osteopathic framework.
Schedule
Day 1
Module 1:
- Differentiation between anxiety, stress, and depression
- Clinical presentation and symptom patterns
- Multifactorial etiology (biological, emotional, environmental)
Module 2:
- Hormonal axes involved in stress response
- Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis
- Neuroendocrine regulation and systemic impact
Module 3:
- Introduction to the limbic system
- Functional organization and osteopathic relevance
- Brain–body interaction
Module 4:
- Cingulate cortex
- Orbitofrontal cortex
- Prefrontal cortex
Day 2
Module 1:
- Cortical regulation of emotions:
- Hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus
- Memory, emotional processing and adaptation
Module 2:
- Hypothalamus and autonomic regulation
- Thalamus–hypothalamus integration
- Neurovegetative balance
Module 3:
- Amygdala and emotional processing
- Locus coeruleus and stress response
- Arousal systems and vigilance
Module 4:
- Integration of the limbic system
- Somatic expression of emotional dysregulation
- Osteopathic clinical reasoning
Day 3
Module 1:
- Osteopathic assessment in anxiety, stress, and depression
- Identification of primary dysfunctions
- Cranial and myofascial connections
Module 2:
- Osteopathic techniques targeting:
- Limbic system (indirect/manual approaches)
- Hypothalamic–pituitary area
Module 3:
- Clinical case presentation
- Patient evaluation and treatment strategy
- Clinical decision-making process
Module 4:
- Integration of treatment strategies
- Practical session and final synthesis
