Andrew Taylor Still, MD, the founder of osteopathy, held important spiritual views that influenced his practice and philosophy of osteopathy. William G. Sutherland, DO - originator of the cranial concept in osteopathy - mentioned the Breath of Life and incorporated certain philosophical principles into cranial osteopathy. Rollin Becker, D.O. came to an energetic view of osteopathy based on experimental observation.

Blending Eastern sensitivity to energy dynamics with Western frameworks of osteopathic wisdom, Randolph Stone, MD, developed an integrative system called Polarity Therapy. In this system, the structure of the mind and the movement of the spirit describe the levels of consciousness.

Robert Fulford studied with Dr. Sutherland for almost ten years. He later studied with Randolph Stone and other osteopaths. Later, Fulford came up with his own integrative form of clinical practice. Fulford was one of the first physicians to introduce pranayama into clinical practice. He also made the remarkable journey with William Sutherland to meet the philosopher Walter Russell, who had a significant influence on cranial osteopathy and biodynamic craniosacral therapy.