Serhii Hubanov: Transforming Human Pain into Growth

Serhii Hubanov is the founder of the innovative Soul&Body Health Center in Kyiv and an osteopath with over 10 years of experience. A trained pediatrician, he also practiced as a sports medicine doctor.

In this interview with VITAGURU, Serhii discusses the essence of osteopathy, why he’s committed to developing this field in Ukraine, and what “new age medicine” means. He also reveals the mission behind Soul&Body and how the center helps people reconnect with themselves.

Serhii, what is osteopathy, and how does it differ as an alternative method of treatment?

Osteopathy is about improving quality of life through the body. It’s fundamentally about health.

It involves manual techniques to enhance biomechanics and circulation, essentially “tuning” the body for optimal function—without medication or surgery. Osteopathic methods are safe and offer long-term results.

The key task of an osteopath is to listen to the body. We approach the body to find health, not illness.

What led you to osteopathy? Where did you study?

I first discovered osteopathy 15 years ago as a patient, after struggling with back pain. The results amazed me so much that I decided to pursue it professionally.

As a pediatrician with a second specialization in sports medicine, I studied manual therapy with a focus on osteopathy at the Academy of Folk Medicine. Today, I see myself as a physician who uses osteopathic methods.

There are many osteopathic schools around the world—Russian, French, English, Spanish, and American. Ukraine doesn’t yet have its own. I’ve studied in several, but the school in Lyon—“Integral Osteopathy”—resonates with me the most. It integrates osteopathy with traditional Chinese medicine.

What kinds of issues does an osteopath address?

An osteopath is a fully trained doctor working holistically with the body—most often using a comprehensive therapy approach.

We help with acute pain, chronic conditions (digestive issues, hormonal imbalances), posture disorders (scoliosis), disc herniations, joint diseases, flat feet, and even congenital conditions like cerebral palsy.

Osteopathy also assists with headaches, neurological disorders, stress, post-stroke recovery, postpartum conditions, stuttering, and digestive problems.

There are some absolute contraindications: acute injuries, fractures, strokes, heart attacks, active cancer, and psychiatric disorders. But in most other cases, osteopathy helps guide people toward health. Each issue reflects a deeper context—once resolved, it allows a person to shift to a new level of well-being.

Osteopathy is more than bodywork—it’s a form of crisis management.

The mission of Soul&Body is to align body and soul—to bring people into the present moment and help the body become a clear channel for the soul.

What is the foundation of osteopathic work? How does it affect the body?

Osteopathy is highly flexible and adaptive. Techniques are tailored to each individual and may include gentle pressure, stretching, massage, rotations, joint adjustments, or trigger point therapy.

There are three primary technique groups:

Structural techniques – Focused on bones, muscles, and ligaments. These include gentle positioning, pressure, stretching, and adjustments to restore musculoskeletal function.
Visceral techniques – Target internal organs and their ligaments. This work often involves an energetic component.
Cranial techniques – Harmonize the rhythms of the body. Beyond breath and heartbeat, each organ has an internal rhythm. This is particularly strong in the nervous system, which pulses like ocean waves at 8–12 cycles per minute. Balancing these rhythms brings harmony to the entire system.

I currently integrate various methods—rehabilitation, somatic practices, myofascial release—to provide holistic support.

Our center’s goal is to create a true synthesis—an integrated approach that helps clients become healthier, more balanced, and more connected with themselves.

How often should someone visit an osteopath? Even if they feel fine?

Every person should have a full-body check-up at least once a year.

As for osteopathic care, monthly visits are ideal for maintaining balance and well-being. For those looking to invest time into their quality of life, osteopathy is a must-have.

Tell us more about the “new age medicine” concept you’re developing.

New age medicine is an integrative approach that combines conventional and functional medicine (like osteopathy, homeopathy, reflexology), a healthy lifestyle, and psychology. It’s about saying “and,” not “or.” Everything works together—because humans are multidimensional beings.

With the right application, this combination leads to equilibrium and inner balance.

Our philosophy is centered on personalized, holistic care. There is no universal protocol—one person might need sessions with an osteopath, another with a psychologist, and another with a nutritionist. All processes happen within, and the right mix awakens a person to a new way of living.

The essence of our work is mutual growth—both for the specialist and the client. We help people transform their pain into personal development. Understanding oneself is the first step, and we support that journey.

What are your plans for the future?

We’re focusing on three key areas:

New programs and courses – We recently launched “Pregnancy Support” and “Working with Children Under 1.” We’re also expanding into aesthetic wellness, like body contouring, in response to growing demand.
Educational platform – We’re creating a health education project with seminars, workshops, and trainings on wellness, nutrition, parenting, and body awareness. I already train my team regularly and want to share this knowledge with a wider audience.
Integration with medical professionals – We aim to offer training for family doctors in osteopathic fundamentals. As a physician, I believe it’s vital to promote humane, integrative approaches to health.