Osteopathy Related Research & Science, Toronto, ON (2026)

09/03/2026

RMO: Helping Protect the Public and Strengthen Manual Osteopathy

Did you know that there are individuals practicing as manual osteopaths in Canada who may not have adequate education or clinical training?

Unfortunately, we have documented cases of individuals calling themselves manual osteopaths after completing only a weekend course, and others after programs involving as little as 46 hours of instruction. We have helped closed a number of such schools over the years but new ones keep opening up. Situations like these highlight the importance of having a clear professional designation that the public can recognize and trust.

The RMO (Registered Manual Osteopath) designation is awarded by the College of Registered Manual Osteopaths (CRMO) and is now required by ACMA, as well as recognized or required by a number of other professional organizations, including the American Association of Osteopathic Manual Practitioners and the International Osteopathic Association.

Becoming an RMO is not simply a matter of paying a membership fee. Applicants must meet comprehensive educational and professional standards. These include more than 2,000 hours of osteopathic education, 1,000 hours of academically supervised clinical education, successful completion of written and practical board examinations, no criminal background, having sufficient malpractice insurance, and additional education in important areas such as insurance fraud prevention and sexual abuse prevention.

Our goal is simple: when members of the public see the RMO designation, we want them to understand that the practitioner has met established standards of education, clinical preparation, ethics, and professional competency.

We are also in the process of hiring a public relations firm to help educate Canadians through traditional and social media about the RMO designation. We plan to communicate its meaning to the public, insurance companies, government bodies, and other organizations so that RMO becomes a recognizable indication of a qualified manual osteopath.

Ultimately, the RMO designation is about public protection. Patients deserve to know that the person providing their manual osteopathic care has appropriate education, clinical training, and professional preparation. They deserve access to care that is safe, effective, and ethical.

Osteopathy also has important connections to Indigenous healing traditions and knowledge and it is considered a heritage of Indigenous Peoples. The College of Registered Manual Osteopaths is owned and operated by Indigenous Peoples and has a Council of Elders that provides oversight and guidance to its operations, including its commitment to respecting and protecting Indigenous Peoples' relationship with this profession.

By establishing meaningful standards and helping the public understand what RMO represents, we hope to protect patients while strengthening the credibility, professionalism, and future of manual osteopathy.

09/01/2026

Mandatory RMO Title for ACMA Members Effective January 1, 2027

We are pleased to share an important new development aimed at strengthening the manual osteopathy profession in Canada and supporting high standards of patient care.

RMO – Registered Manual Osteopath is a copyrighted professional title issued by the College of Registered Manual Osteopaths (CRMO). The RMO designation indicates that a manual osteopath has successfully completed rigorous written and practical board examinations, as well as at least 1,000 hours of supervised clinical practice, in line with recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

As part of a broader effort among organizations in the manual osteopathy profession to promote consistent professional standards and public protection, the Canadian Alliance of Alternative Medicine (ACMA) has decided that the RMO designation will become mandatory for all current and new ACMA members effective January 1, 2027.

The goal is simple: to give patients greater confidence that an RMO has met established educational, clinical, and examination standards necessary to provide safe, ethical, and effective manual osteopathic care.

All current ACMA members, as well as those wishing to join ACMA, are encouraged to contact CRMO and begin the registration process. Beginning January 1, 2027, current ACMA members will be required to hold CRMO membership and the RMO designation in order to renew their ACMA membership.

We also have some great news! During September 2026, ACMA will cover the full $2,500 cost of the CRMO board examinations for its current and new members. To benefit from this special grant, eligible applicants must register with CRMO during the month of September.

We extend our sincere appreciation to ACMA President Dr. Sylvain Desforges, an osteopath, chiropractor, naturopath, and graduate of National University of Medical Sciences (Spain), for his dedication and hard work in advancing professional standards and helping protect the Canadian public.

This is an exciting step forward for manual osteopathy in Canada and toward ensuring that patients can more easily identify practitioners who have demonstrated the qualifications and competencies expected of Registered Manual Osteopaths.

Together, we can continue building a stronger, safer, and more respected manual osteopathy profession in Canada.

08/13/2026

I’ve lost a lot in life because of one simple thing: lack of energy!

When I was 80 pounds overweight a decade ago, my brain had a million projects ready to go… but my body kept saying, “Great ideas! Let’s start tomorrow.” 😂

Now, after 10 years of eating one meal a day, healthy food, regular exercise, no alcohol, and using the right supplements and peptides, I have an insane amount of energy!

So what did I do with all this new energy? At an age when I should be thinking about retirement, golf, and afternoon naps, I decided to start creating a MEDICAL SCHOOL, the National University of Medical Sciences School of Medicine—the hardest and most complicated project of my life! 😂 Apparently, I don’t understand the concept of retirement.

Energy changes everything! ❤️

Healthy body, healthy mind—and never underestimate how much energy affects your ability to create wealth, chase dreams, and actually turn ideas into reality.

I feel good. I feel happy. I feel energized!

Retirement will have to wait. 😄

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

08/02/2026

Congratulations to the National Academy of Osteopathy in Canada on its beautiful new campus!

07/09/2026

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach that aims to support the body's natural ability to heal and maintain balance. Using light, precise techniques, practitioners work to release tension and improve the mobility of the head, spine, and surrounding tissues. Many people report feeling more relaxed, sleeping better, experiencing fewer headaches or jaw problems, and enjoying an overall sense of well-being after treatment.

06/22/2026

Happy World osteopathy Day!

06/15/2026

Fountain of Youth? ❤️
Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 vs. Ipamorelin/Tesamorelin

Few peptides have gained as much popularity in the wellness and anti-aging world as the combinations of Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin/Tesamorelin. After GLP-1 medications, these growth hormone–stimulating peptides have become some of the most sought-after compounds in the United States.

These peptides work by stimulating your body to naturally release more growth hormone, primarily during sleep. Growth hormone affects nearly every tissue in the body, including bones, muscles, skin, connective tissues, nerves, energy production, recovery, repair processes, and even libido. Many users report feeling younger, stronger, and more energetic after several months of use.

For years, Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 has been the more popular combination, not necessarily because it is more effective, but because it is more affordable, requires a lower dose, and remains stable in the vial for a longer period after reconstitution.

Tesamorelin, on the other hand, is an FDA-approved peptide for reducing visceral abdominal fat. This makes it particularly attractive for individuals using GLP-1 medications for weight loss. Compared with CJC-1295, Tesamorelin appears to have less impact on insulin sensitivity, may offer greater benefits for fatty liver disease, and has stronger evidence for improving metabolic health and reducing deep abdominal fat.

CJC-1295, however, may be superior for increasing IGF-1 levels, preserving muscle mass, improving recovery, enhancing sleep quality, and supporting overall anti-aging goals.

There are also practical considerations. Tesamorelin tends to lose stability more quickly after reconstitution and may become unusable within a few weeks, whereas CJC-1295 often remains stable for a significantly longer period in the vial. In addition, Tesamorelin generally requires a higher dose, meaning a vial may not last as long.

Cost is another factor. A typical month of Ipamorelin/CJC-1295 therapy may cost approximately US$250, while Ipamorelin/Tesamorelin may cost US$500 or more, depending on dosage and source. Peptide therapy and biologicals are not cheap! I spend $3000 per month on these compounds to optimize my health!

If you are already using a GLP-1 medication, I personally prefer the combination of Ipamorelin and Tesamorelin. Many users notice reductions in abdominal fat relatively quickly and report substantial improvements in energy levels and overall well-being. The effects can feel more noticeable in the short term compared with Ipamorelin/CJC-1295, whose benefits often develop gradually over time.

That said, these are powerful peptides and should not be viewed as risk-free. Increasing growth hormone and IGF-1 levels may carry potential risks, including worsening insulin resistance in some individuals and, theoretically, stimulating the growth of existing cancers. Anyone considering these therapies should undergo appropriate blood testing, cancer screening, and supervision by a health professional.

I have personally used these peptides for years and have been very pleased with the results. For me, maintaining lower visceral fat, improving recovery, preserving muscle mass, and sustaining high energy levels has made a significant difference in quality of life.

While no peptide is truly a "fountain of youth," these compounds may be among the closest tools currently available to help support healthy aging, body composition, and vitality when combined with proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and medical supervision.

Chiropractors in Florida have been actively lobbying for expanded scope of practice, including the ability to prescribe and dispense certain therapies. At present, many chiropractors work with telehealth physicians who evaluate patients and prescribe medications or peptides when appropriate.

I believe peptide therapy has the potential to offer significant benefits for many individuals when used responsibly and under proper supervision. Because of the growing interest in this field and the increasing amount of scientific research being published, I wanted our students to have a solid understanding of both the benefits and limitations of these therapies.

As a result, I added a course on Peptide Therapy and Biologicals to the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program offered by National University of Medical Sciences (USA). The course covers the science, mechanisms of action, clinical applications, safety considerations, and current research surrounding peptides and biological therapies.

It is a subject I am passionate about, and I personally teach the course to help prepare future practitioners for the rapidly evolving world of regenerative, functional, and longevity medicine.

Have a blessed day!

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

06/12/2026

Glucosamine, One of the Most Popular Joint Supplements, May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Death

Millions of people take glucosamine every year to support joint health and help manage osteoarthritis. However, emerging research suggests there may be reasons for caution.

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Florida found that glucosamine use was associated with a 25% higher risk of receiving an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis among individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study also reported a 25% higher risk of death within the study period among glucosamine users.

Researchers suggested that glucosamine may contribute to metabolic processes that could be harmful in individuals already at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

One possible explanation involves a process known as "sugar tagging" (glycosylation), where sugar molecules attach to proteins or fats inside cells. This process is essential for normal cellular function. However, because glucosamine is a sugar-like molecule, researchers believe it may cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially interfere with normal metabolic pathways, leading to excessive sugar tagging and unwanted effects in the brain.

While glucosamine continues to be widely used and may benefit some individuals, these findings highlight the importance of discussing all supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you have concerns about cognitive health or a family history of Alzheimer's disease.

As always, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of glucosamine supplementation.

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

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

Osteopathy Related Research & Science

09/03/2026

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