On the Affectivity of Touch: Enacting Bodies in Dutch Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a complementary treatment method that targets motor restrictions and enhances motility through touch. While recent studies have explored the functions, dimensions, and effects of touch in osteopathy, there is a lack of research on how touch renders bodies intelligible - or <i>what</i> bodies, for that matter. In this article, we use the verb <i>to affect/to be affected</i> to explore how bodies become known by and to Dutch osteopaths, and how the senses play a role in this. Our analysis shows how touch allows osteopaths to affect and be affected by their patients' bodies - as well as by their own.