Chiropractic
Philosophy
The chiropractic perspective
on health and disease emphasizes two fundamental
concepts:
1) The structure
and condition of the body influences how the body
functions and its ability to heal itself; and
2) The mind-body
relationship is instrumental in maintaining health
and in the healing processes.
Although chiropractic
shares much with other health professions, its emphasis
and application of philosophy distinguishes it from
modern medicine. Chiropractic philosophy gravitates
toward a holistic ("total person") approach to healing
which combines elements of the mind, body and spirit
and maintains that health depends on obedience to
natural laws, and that deviation from such laws can
result in illness.
Chiropractic Philosophy
includes:
• emphasis
on patient recuperative abilities rather than
surgery
• recognition
that dynamics exist between lifestyle, environment
and health
• understanding
the cause of illness in order to eliminate
it, rather than simply treat
symptoms
• recognition
of the centrality of the nervous system and
its intimate relationship with
the capacities of the human body
• balancing
benefits versus risks of clinical interventions
• recognition
of the primary importance of monitoring progress
closely through
appropriate diagnostic procedures
• a
patient-centered, hands-on approach focused
on influencing function through
structure
• focus
on early intervention emphasizing timely diagnosis
and treatment of conditions
that are wholly functional and reversible
Chiropractic philosophy
blends an effective combination of conviction,
critical thinking, open-mindedness, and appreciation
of the natural order of things. Chiropractic focuses
on the establishment and maintenance of a relationship
between patients and their environment which is
most conducive to functional well-being.
