Robert C. Fulford, D.O. (1905–1997) was a pioneer in the introduction of alternative and energetic medicine in the context of osteopathy. From the nineteen forties, he developed several methods to treat chronic illnesses.Comeaux, Z. (2002). Robert Fulford, D.O. and the Philosopher Physician. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press. Among the main methods he employed, was cranial manipulation - sometimes referred to as cranial osteopathy.Chaitow, L., Comeaux, Z., et al. (2005). Cranial Manipulation: Theory and Practice. Edinburgh, UK: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.Fulford, R.C., & Stone, G. (1997). Dr. Fulford’s Touch of Life: The Healing Power of the Natural Life Force. New York, NY: Pocket Books. He was a student of William Garner Sutherland.
Fulford has been acknowledged prominently by leading alternative medicine proponent Andrew Weil as a major influence on his professional and personal life.Weil, A. (1995). Spontaneous Healing: How to Discover and Enhance Your Body's Natural Ability to Maintain and Heal Itself. New York, NY: Knopf. Zachary Comeaux discusses Dr. Fulford's approach, philosophy and techniques in his 2002 book Robert Fulford, D.O. and the philosopher physician. Gene Stone, whom Dr. Fulford asked to collaborate with him on his book Touch of Life, included Dr. Fulford's five-step exercise plan as the basis for the chapter on Stretching, in his book The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick
Also an electric percussive device is referred to as the Fulford hammer or Fulford percussor, following his introduction of its use in Osteopathic treatment.Chila, A.G. Ed (2010). Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
References
External links A short documentary by Andrew Weil describes Fulford's work and includes interviews as well as him working and using the percussor.