We begin with the knowledge that much of the internal conflict we have within our own profession, and even the conflict we have with our medical counterparts stem from this misuse of wellness care. As chiropractors, we need to remind ourselves of the mission we have for chiropractic. Initial intensive care or symptom care is designed to reduce the discomfort or pain associated with a particular disease or condition. Responses to this include adjusting for relief and often medicinal and other non-drug therapies. The next phase is health care, which is often referred to by patients as preventative care.
Health care goes beyond getting rid of symptoms or disease.
It is about having enough health so that these problems don't return, and to maintain optimal physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The final and most important part of this paradigm is wellness care. I am of the opinion that life is far more than just getting rid of or preventing disease. Life is a process of growth and development that changes from one day to the next. The process of life, the human experience, is one of maximal growth and development in each of these areas.