Which of the following is NOT one of the four principles of osteopathic medicine?

One of the fundamental principles of osteopathic medicine is that the body must be treated considering its holistic nature. The correct answer highlights that the assertion "The body must be treated with medication" does not align with the core philosophy of osteopathy. Osteopathic medicine emphasizes a comprehensive approach that considers the interplay of bodily systems, innate self-regulatory mechanisms, and the relationship between structure and function. While medication can be an aspect of treatment, it is not a principle; rather, the emphasis is on treating the individual as a whole, utilizing various modalities including osteopathic manipulative treatment, lifestyle modifications, and preventive care, rather than relying solely on pharmacological interventions.

The other principles acknowledge the complex interactions within the body, its capacity to heal itself, and how its structure influences overall function, all of which are foundational concepts in osteopathy.