Rule of the Artery 2-3 (2025)

PLEASE NOTE:
1. To register for ROA2/3, ROA1 must have been completed in a previous year. 
2. The course will be held at the Osteopathic Center San Diego (not the hotel) which means that enrollment will be limited to 28

Rule of the Artery 2-3

Course Directors: Maxwell Fraval, LLB, DO (UK), MOsteoSc (Paed) & Michael Solano, B.Sc, Dip.Ed, BAppSc (Osteo)

Instructional Format: Live, In-Person training with lecture and lab format

Date: June 13-15, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM PDT
Cost: $1,440.00, register here
Location: Osteopathic Center San Diego (OCSD), 3706 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123

Lodging
Hilton Garden Inn Mission Valley/Stadium 
3805 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Hotel booking link here

CME Sponsor:
Osteopathy’s Promise to Children
Activity Website

Statement of Need

A foundational principle of osteopathic philosophy is the treatment of the whole person, which requires a deep understanding of anatomy and physiology. The Rule of the Artery courses were developed to address the need for osteopathic practitioners to gain a thorough knowledge of the heart, vasculature, and blood, along with the processes that support tissue nutrition. This comprehensive understanding is essential for effective osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) practice. To further enhance this education, the core material from these courses has been expanded into a companion textbook, Osteopathy Is in the Blood, providing an invaluable resource for osteopathic training and practice.

Course Description

The aim of this course is to apply the principles and practice of Dr. A.T. Still based on a study of Dr. Still’s published works and utilizing the palpatory skills developed whilst following Dr. Sutherland’s Teachings within the Science of Osteopathy. Consideration is given to some newly described anatomy associated with the control of cerebral circulation. The course then reviews some of the functional relationships between the heart and other organs.

The course will have a clinical orientation, based on the material presented and the skills developed in ROA 1, and will expand to consider the place of emotion in dysfunction, an approach in the treatment of mother and baby, and hypertension. The course will finish with a new perspective of the CV4 and the many rhythms of life.

1. The Biotensegrity of the Vasculature will explore how vascular fulcra integrate Dr. Sutherland’s model of the PRM with Dr. Still’s principle of the rule of the artery and vein. The functions of the PRM are expressed through vascular tensions with the heart as a biophysical and biomechanical fulcrum.

2. Invisible Rainbows: Charge and Function – how Electro-Magnetic Fields are affecting health: Dr Still spoke of the body’s electrical function as an integral component of its nature. We are living in an increasingly charged environment and some are not coping optimally. This lecture introduces 2 models to possibly explain why. The practical session explores the implication of excess EMF on our physiology.

3. The vascular interface with the Cerebrospinal fluid; CSF flow dynamics; CSF peptides and cerebral tone.

4. The periosteal membrane will be presented as a continuous functional membrane which resolves the tensions between voluntary and involuntary movements. This will include the fluctuation and function of bone fluid in relation to the physiology and function of bone marrow and the stem cell niche.

5. The spirals of Life lecture developed from an interest in the Fibonacci sequence. It proposes a model of membranous connection between the RTM and the architecture of the heart. This relationship is explored in the practical session.

6. Heart as Emperor: Understanding and exploring Ventricular vortex mechanics. This will include blood cavitation and blood volume, and the role of the heart’s trabecular complexes and Thebsian veins in the development of the heart’s code.

7. Kidney and Adrenals: this lecture is an overview of the multiple functions of the kidney and adrenal, and their relationship to the heart and vasculature. This relationship is developed in the practical sessions and will explore the functional dynamics associated with the increasing depth of the vasculature into the glands.

8. The function, anatomy and physiology of the midbrain and cavernous sinus will be investigated in relation to neurodegenerative disorders and brain trauma.

9. The integration of the heart and brain in cognitive function.

The activity will address osteopathic clinicians’ needs to improve knowledge, competence and/or performance for treating systemic disorders related to circulation by leveraging the principles of osteopathic medicine. Participants will review and improve their knowledge of the physiology of circulation and the biophysics of flow. Detailed anatomy of the cerebrospinal venous flows and the sensorimotor functions of venous structures will be investigated. There is important information regarding intravascular communication and the recycling of neurotransmitters and hormones. The physiology of proteinopathies is also viewed in the context of intravascular transport and how this may impact neurodegenerative diseases, PTSD and neuroendocrine disorders. This understanding will be applied to conditions such as children with learning difficulties, and neuro endocrine disorders that relate to the function of the cavernous sinus.

Agenda: (See Agenda Tab)

TARGET AUDIENCE
This course is designed for healthcare professionals with a background in osteopathic practice and a commitment to advancing their palpatory and diagnostic skills:

• Medical Physicians (DO or MD): Licensed osteopathic and allopathic physicians with an interest in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM).
• International Osteopaths: Practitioners who have completed a degree from an accredited osteopathic institution outside the U.S.

ELIGIBILITY 
To enroll, participants must meet one of the following qualifications:

• Licensed Physicians: Must hold a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
• International Osteopaths: Must have completed an osteopathic training program outside the United States.

Note: Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee enrollment. Participants must also fulfill the prerequisite training requirements outlined below.

PREREQUISITES
Participants must show proof of satisfactory completion of an ROA 1 course in a previous year. Submit documentation to cme@the-promise.org.

The Value of Repetition in Mastery
Advancing palpatory skill development requires repeated exposure and hands-on refinement. Repeating the Rule of the Artery 1 (ROA 1) course enhances perceptual depth and allows for greater access to the subtle fluid dynamics required for advanced study. Each experience strengthens understanding, reinforces core osteopathic principles, and improves palpatory sensitivity and accuracy, fostering the necessary refinement for higher-level osteopathic practice.

CME Information
Osteopathy’s Promise to Children (OPC) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. OPC designates this activity for a maximum of 24 AOA Category 1-A CME credits. CME and specialty credits will be reported commensurate with the extent of the physician’s participation in this activity.

Interactive Learning: OPC courses allow participants to ask questions of the presenter in real-time.

Cancelation and Refund Policy: OPC reserves the right to change the delivery format, delay, or cancel a CME event due to unforeseen circumstances. If an event is canceled, OPC will refund your registration fee in full. OPC is not responsible for travel, hotel, or other costs incurred by the registrant. See brochure for the complete policy statement.

Substitutions: Participants may transfer their registration to another CME event at no additional cost by emailing cme@the-promise.org.

Refunds: Refunds will be issued for cancelations received two weeks prior to the event, minus a $100 administrative fee. “No shows” are subject to the full event fee.

Cancelation Requests: Email requests to cme@the-promise.org. No refunds or credits will be issued once the CME event has started.

Liability Release and Waiver
Participation in this course may involve physical activity, including contact with faculty and other participants. Physical diagnostics and manual therapeutics may carry risks of injury or aggravation of pre-existing conditions. All participants agree to assume full responsibility and risk for any losses or damages, including bodily injury, death, or property damage, arising from their participation in the course.