On the other hand, we also have a natural tendency toward self-improvement, which means that we can function more efficiently both psychologically and physically. Psychologically, this tendency is characterized by the conscious effort we make toward an increasing self-awareness that can break down unbalanced, conditioned behavior and be our source of continual growth. Healing spans an extremely wide range, from getting rid of a common cold, to achieving a well-balanced personality. It is, of course, not necessary to go through a deep inner change in order to cure a cold. On the other hand, to heal from serious illness such as cancer may require along with the appropriate medication a total transformation and an awakening.
Healing goes hand in hand with a feeling of well-being and the return to a joyous personality.
Treatment and Healing Healing does not always coincide with treatment. Whether the treatment takes the form of manual manipulation, surgery, drugs, or counseling, healing will not always follow and may come about months or years after clinical treatment. One definition of healing may therefore be that a person is functioning to the best of her potential and is therefore healthy. An example of this is a child who, after a fracture, has one leg slightly shorter than the other. Osteopathic treatment may help with the back pain, digestive and sleeping problems, but the length of the child s leg may be irreparable.