Indigenous Peoples Association of Osteopathy

04/10/2026

Mandatory ROMP Title in the United States for National Health Licensing ❤️

Dear students and colleagues,

I hope you are all doing well. I wanted to share an important and positive update with you.

As you know, there are currently two national health licensing pathways for osteopathic manual practitioners in the United States: the GEHA Association pathway, which offers a more limited scope of practice, and the Indigenous Health Authority pathway, which provides an expanded scope when combined with naturopathic and Indigenous health education.

Some time ago, we established that obtaining the ROMP (Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner) title—issued by the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners—is mandatory for those wishing to join the GEHA Association.

I am very happy to share that this same requirement now applies to the Indigenous Health Authority pathway as well. Graduates of the triple degree program at the National University of Medical Sciences (USA) who wish to join this pathway will also need to obtain the ROMP title.

This is an important step forward in maintaining high standards within our profession. Before awarding the ROMP designation, the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners ensures that all applicants have graduated from an accredited manual osteopathy program and have successfully passed a board examination. This helps ensure that every practitioner meets the necessary level of knowledge, skill, and professionalism to provide safe, ethical care while protecting the public.

Thank you all for your continued dedication and commitment to excellence.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
Florida Naprapathic Association
World Osteopathy Day

10/28/2025

Please join Florida Naprapathic Association. Membership is free and open to all health professionals everywhere!

My sleepless nights are back! Whenever I start a new project I get so energized I can’t even sleep! Right now I’m working to get naprapathy licensed and regulated in Florida. It’s one of the biggest projects I’ve ever taken on — costs about $2 million — and unlike Canada, there’s no personal payout here in the U.S. because the State controls regulation & licensing. But once profession is licensed, I’m confident we’ll have enough students to cover that cost. My schools believe in this and are helping fund it.

What we need from you is simple: show support by joining the Florida Naprapathic Association (FNA). There are two free membership categories right now — professional (for naprapaths everywhere, not just in Florida) and general (for everyone else, anywhere, not just Florida).

Your support gives us the momentum to finish this.

FNA website is being developed. Once ready you can approach them for membership but in the meantime send me an email to [email protected] and say you’d like to join the Florida Naprapathic Association. I will get FNA to send you the application form now.

Naprapathy has a bright future in Florida. I encourage everyone to enroll in the online Doctor of Naprapathy (DN) program offered by National University of Medical Sciences (USA & Spain). The 4-year program can be completed in 1–2 years on an accelerated basis, depending on your prior health education, and graduates will be grandfathered in Florida once regulation occurs.

Tuition is currently about €5,500 per year, but after regulation, it will become a 3-year full-time program with tuition rising to around $25,000 per year in Florida.

To learn more about our DN program please visit www.numss.com for our university in Spain and www.numss.us for the one in US. Thx.

Dr Shawn Pourgol

10/21/2025

Florida Naprapathic Examining Board Established

I’m excited to share that the Florida Naprapathic Examining Board has been created & registered to ensure all naprapaths in Florida meet a minimum standard of knowledge and competency before becoming licensed.

This board will oversee the licensing exams and professional standards for naprapaths — helping guarantee that every doctor of naprapathy (DN) is properly trained and qualified to provide safe, effective care to the public.

An examining board is one of the key requirements for obtaining full state licensure and regulation of naprapathic medicine in Florida. It demonstrates that our profession is organized, accountable, and ready to meet the same expectations as other licensed healthcare fields.

This is a major step toward our ultimate goal — making naprapathic medicine a licensed and regulated profession in Florida.

10/21/2025

Exciting News for Naprapathic Education in Florida!

We are happy to announce registration of the Florida Council on Naprapathic Education (FCNE) — a new governing body established to evaluate and accredit schools offering naprapathic programs in Florida

This is an important step forward in the mission to regulate and secure state licensure for the profession of naprapathic medicine. By setting clear standards and ensuring that all Florida naprapathic schools meet a minimum required level of education and training, FCNE can help protect the public, elevate professional standards, and strengthen the future of naprapathy in Florida.

The establishment of FCNE brings the naprapaths one step closer to achieving full state recognition for naprapathic medicine in Florida — something that will benefit every practitioner, student, and patient.

Together, naprapaths are building the foundation for a strong and respected naprapathic community in Florida.

10/10/2025

$20,000 Donation to the Coalition for Regulation of Manual Osteopathy in Ontario

I have always believed in seeing the good in people — and in return, God has blessed me with a good life. A life that allows me to give back and support causes that truly matter to me.

Most manual osteopaths in Ontario are my students, and many of them are deeply committed to advancing the regulation of our profession. My students are like family to me, and today I’m proud to support them by donating $20,000 to the Coalition for the Regulation of Manual Osteopathy in Ontario (CRMOO). I have also asked my schools and businesses to contribute to this important cause.

This is not the first time our profession has sought regulation. Previous attempts fell short because they were not inclusive — one group tried to control the process by excluding others. This time, things are different. The Coalition is built on inclusivity and unity. Every manual osteopath, regardless of where they studied, is welcome to join. All practitioners working in Ontario prior to regulation will be grandfathered into the new regulatory college once/if it is established. No one will be left out.

Membership in the Coalition is completely free. You do not need to donate — my contribution, along with support from the National Academy of Osteopathy (NAO), National University of Medical Sciences (NUMSS), and the College of Registered Manual Osteopaths (CRMO), will cover all expenses.

All you need to do is join the movement on Facebook by visiting:

👉 www.fb.com/groups/osteopathyregulation

Let’s unite to make manual osteopathy a regulated profession — to protect the public and to honor osteopathy’s deep Indigenous heritage.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
World Osteopathy Day

10/08/2025

Osteopathy Regulation in Ontario

I’m happy to share some great news — the Ontario based, College of Registered Manual Osteopaths (CRMO), together with the Coalition for Regulation of Manual Osteopathy in Ontario (CRMOO), has officially started the process of getting manual osteopathy regulated in Ontario.

As many of you know, osteopathy is part of the heritage of Indigenous Peoples. It’s only fitting that Indigenous Peoples lead this effort to protect and preserve that heritage for future generations while protecting people of Ontario.

The College of Registered Manual Osteopaths was founded and is led by Indigenous Peoples. It includes a Council of Elders and is supported by Indigenous Nations and communities across Canada.

Since most manual osteopaths in Ontario are my students, I want to give my full support to this initiative. While osteopathy’s roots belong to Indigenous Peoples, we want this process to be inclusive and open to everyone who practices or studies manual osteopathy.

Here’s what’s been decided by CRMOO so far:
-Free membership:
Any manual osteopath or current student in Canada can join CRMOO free of charge.

-Grandfathering for practitioners:
All practicing manual osteopaths who are members of CRMOO before regulation takes effect will automatically be accepted into the new regulatory college once it’s created.

-Grandfathering for students:
All current and future students of manual osteopathy programs in Canada who join CRMOO before regulation will also be accepted into the new regulatory college when it’s formed.

-Recognition for schools:
Manual osteopathy schools that join CRMOO will have their graduates grandfathered into the new regulatory college.

-Recognition for associations:
Any osteopathy association in Canada that joins CRMOO will have its members grandfathered and accepted into the new regulatory college.

-Representation on the board:
Every participating school and association will have one paid seat on the executive board of the new regulatory college.
In addition, First Nations, Métis Nations, and Inuit Nations that join CRMOO will each have one paid position on the board of the regulatory college as well.

Regulating a new health profession takes time and resources — it involves lawyers, lobbyists, and other professionals. As a member of the Southern Cherokee Nation and the Red Fire People, and a former Minister of Education for the Nation, I see it as my responsibility to help and support this effort.

The following organizations have already joined CRMOO and pledged to contribute funds toward the regulation project:

-National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
-National University of Medical Sciences (Spain, USA, Panama)
-Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada
-College of Registered Manual Osteopaths
-American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners
-OSTEO-MASSAGE Health Centers of America
-Canadian Naprapathic Association
-International Osteopathic Association
-Osteopathy Association of Panama
-Iranian Osteopathic Association
-U.S. Council on Osteopathic Manual Practice Education
-American Osteopathic Manual Practice Examining Board
-Indigenous Peoples Association of Osteopathy
-Canadian Manual Osteopathic Association
-Canadian Union of Osteopathic Manual

In the coming weeks, CRMOO will contact all osteopathy schools and associations across Canada to invite them to join.

Manual osteopaths and students are also welcome to join the movement by visiting our official CRMOO Facebook group (link below): https://www.facebook.com/groups/1084799586800929

Let’s work together to make manual osteopathy a regulated profession in Ontario — to protect the public, strengthen our profession, and honor the heritage of the Indigenous Peoples who gave osteopathy to the world.

Dr. Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD
Osteopath, Naprapath, Chiropractor & Founder of:
National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA)
National University of Medical Sciences (USA, Spain, Panama)
Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada (380 clinics in 34 countries)
World Osteopathy Day

08/19/2025

In this video, manual osteopath, naprapath & chiropractor, Dr Shawn Pourgol, MBA, DC, DO, DN, PhD president of National Academy of Osteopathy, National University of Medical Sciences and Osteopathy Chronic Pain Clinics of Canada reviews some important points to keep in mind before performing any manual osteopathic techniques.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17G6SKcjrd/

07/16/2025

Osteopathic soft tissue manipulation enhances recovery of muscle mass in a disuse model of sarcopenia.

Context Sarcopenia is a disease characterized by low muscle mass and function that places individuals at greater risk of disability, loss of independence, and death. Current therapies include addressing underlying performance issues, resistance training, and/or nutritional strategies. However, these...

07/08/2025

What is the Osteopathic Psychosomatic Technique (OPT)?

Osteopathic Psychosomatic Techniques are manual therapy methods used by some manual osteopaths that aim to address the interconnection between the mind (psyche) and body (soma). These techniques are based on the belief that emotional stress, mental trauma, or unresolved psychological conflicts can manifest as physical tension, pain, or dysfunction in the body—and vice versa.

Key Concepts:
Mind-Body Connection: Emotional states like anxiety, grief, anger, or trauma may cause physical symptoms such as chronic pain, muscle tension, fatigue, or gastrointestinal problems.

Somatic Memory: The idea that the body "remembers" trauma or emotional stress in muscles, fascia, or joints.

Manual Release: Through gentle hands-on techniques, manual osteopaths aim to release these stored tensions to promote emotional and physical healing.

Techniques May Include:
-Cranial osteopathy to calm the nervous system.
-Myofascial release of areas linked to emotional trauma.
-Visceral manipulation for stress-related organ tension (like stomach or liver).
-Dialoguing during treatment, where a practitioner may ask the patient to recall or reflect on emotions while working on tension points.
-Breath and body awareness techniques.

Applications:
-Chronic pain with no clear structural cause
-PTSD or anxiety-related physical symptoms
-Psychosomatic disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia)
-Patients who feel “stuck” emotionally or physically despite other treatments

These techniques are not psychotherapy, but can be complementary to mental health therapy. The goal is to restore harmony between mind and body by treating both as part of a unified system.

National Academy of Osteopathy (Canada, USA) is the only school teaching osteopathic psychosomatic techniques as part of its diploma program. To learn more about the DOMP program offered by NAO please visit www.nationalacademyofosteopathy.com.

Thank you.

06/22/2025

Happy World Osteopathy Day!

Today, we celebrate the healing power of osteopathy—a profession dedicated to restoring health through the art of touch.

Today, we also celebrate a historic milestone in the United States! For the first time, anyone who is not part of a regulated health profession in the U.S. and wishes to obtain a GEHA license to practice as an osteopathic manual practitioner in any of the 50 states must now become a Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (ROMP)—by joining the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners.

Join us in celebrating this beautiful profession and the incredible impact it has on so many lives.

06/09/2025

Scope of Practice for ROMPs (Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioners) in the United States
Starting June 22nd, 2025—World Osteopathy Day—anyone seeking a GEHA license to practice as an osteopathic manual practitioner in any of the 50 U.S. states must first become a ROMP (Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner). This requires membership in the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP), the official body responsible for granting the ROMP designation.
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Scope of Practice of ROMPs in the United States
It is important to note that OMPs are not medical doctors, osteopathic physicians (DOs), or licensed osteopaths. They:
• Do not prescribe medication
• Do not perform surgery
• Do not offer medical diagnoses & medical care
• Do not take or read X-rays
• Do not offer electrotherapy & other physiotherapy modalities
• Do not provide HVLA (manipulation) technique
• Do not offer or perform any other restricted medical acts

Focus on Holistic Care
ROMPs focus on the whole body, aiming to decrease pain, restore flexibility & balance and improve mobility and function through natural, hands-on care. They commonly help clients manage both acute and chronic conditions such as:
• Back and neck pain
• Joint pain in arms or legs
• Muscle tension
• Headaches and migraines
• Postural imbalances

Their goal is to promote the body’s natural ability to heal by improving circulation, reducing pain, inflammation & muscle spasm, improve flexibility and range of motion, and enhancing physical well-being—without the use of drugs or surgery, with hands-on care.

06/08/2025

If you wish to practice as an osteopathic manual practitioner in the United States, you must obtain a GEHA license. To qualify for this license, it is mandatory to hold the title of ROMP – Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner. This designation is granted by the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP) to its members. This post outlines the steps you need to follow to become a ROMP.
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ROMP Certification
The Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (ROMP) designation is awarded to qualified osteopathic manual practitioners who become members of the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners (AAOMP). This credential recognizes practitioners who meet the highest standards of training, ethics, and professional practice in the field of osteopathic manual care in the United States. Effective June 22, 2025—World Osteopathy Day—any individual seeking a GEHA license (https://gehassociation.org) to practice as an osteopathic manual practitioner in any of the 50 U.S. states must first obtain the title of Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (ROMP) from the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners.

How to Apply

To become a Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioner (ROMP), applicants must submit the following:
• A completed application form
• A recent, colored passport-size photo (or a scanned copy)
• A non-refundable fee of $350 USD, which includes:
o $150 one-time registration fee
o $200 annual membership fee

Certification Requirements
Applicants must meet all the following criteria:
1. Accredited Education
You must be a graduate of a program accredited by the U.S. Council on Osteopathic Manual Practice Education (UCOMPE) (www.ucompe.org). Your school must send your transcript directly to AAOMP.
2. Good Character and Professional Conduct
You must not have been convicted of any offense that would impact your ability to practice safely and ethically. You must disclose all prior offenses, findings of misconduct, malpractice, negligence, or professional incompetence.
3. Successful Completion of Licensing Exam
You must pass the certification examination administered by the American Osteopathic Manual Practice Examining Board (AOMPEB) (www.aompeb.org).
4. Adherence to the Code of Ethics
You must commit to upholding AAOMP’s professional code of ethics. As a ROMP, you may be subject to the association’s disciplinary process in cases of complaints by patients, peers, or other stakeholders. Ongoing professional development through approved continuing education courses is mandatory.
5. English Language Proficiency
You must demonstrate sufficient communication skills in English to provide effective care to clients in the United States.
6. Professional Liability Insurance
You must maintain valid malpractice insurance (also known as errors and omissions coverage) to protect both yourself and your clients.
7. First Aid & CPR Certification
You must provide proof of valid certification in Standard First Aid and CPR.
8. Government-Issued Photo ID
A clear copy (scanned or printed) of a valid, government-issued photo ID must be submitted with your application.
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The ROMP designation assures the public and employers that Registered Osteopathic Manual Practitioners have the qualifications, training, and ethical grounding to deliver safe, effective osteopathic manual care in the U.S.