Healing vs. Curing: The Chiropractic Approach
Chiropractic is based on a healing model, which is distinct from the curing model now prevalent in modern society. Each of these models represents a completely distinct world view.
The curing model emerges from a Newtonian perspective, which views everything in the world as separate and distinct from everything else. From this perspective, disease is seen as an isolated event that must be controlled or eliminated before it causes further damage. The presence or absence of the symptom is the indication of whether someone has been cured. The healing model comes from an understanding of quantum physics and unified field theory, which views all of creation as emerging from the same source. In this model, everything is interconnected and affects everything else. Healing is a process of reintegrating mind, body, and spirit. The measure of whether someone is healing is “are you learning more about yourself?”
The Curing Model
The goal of this model is to bring the individual back to a so-called normal. Typically, a person with a symptom goes to the doctor for treatment. The doctor, who is viewed from both sides as the ultimate authority, isolates and labels the problem. S/he then prescribes a course of treatment to control or eliminate the condition before it causes more harm. The body is seen as separate and independent from the mind and spirit.
In this model, the individual loses a sense of involvement or control in the healing process and slips into victim consciousness. Both sides agree that the doctor is the only one who can have an effect on the condition. There is no awareness that the person has any responsibility for creating or curing the condition. In fact, the effect of the mind and the spirit are usually not even considered. The symptom is seen as the enemy‚ and the doctor and the medical technology at his disposal are the ammunition which must be enlisted to defeat the enemy.
Fear and judgment are at the root of this model. The body is seen as a victim of the whims of time and change, both of which are resisted and feared.
The Healing Model
The goal of the healing model is to help the individual reintegrate body/mind with spirit. We learn about ourselves, which allows our true nature to be more fully expressed. In the process we learn to feel the full range of emotions, no longer blocking out feelings that stop the expression of the innate intelligence within.
In this model, the person asks for help to reconnect with his or her inner intelligence and meet life's challenges. The role of the chiropractor is to help individuals to be more in touch with their innate intelligence, which actually does the healing. The doctor's responsibility is to initiate the adjustment, clear the pathways for the expression of innate intelligence, trust the innate intelligence of the individual, and encourage the healing process.
In the process of healing, one may experience symptoms. When viewed from a healing perspective, symptoms are not judged as good or bad. They are agents of change, which provide an opportunity for growth. They appear to indicate the body is overwhelmed and to alert the individual that a change in the way the nervous system functions is needed for progress to occur.
In this model, healing is a process. By clearing subluxations, the nervous system becomes more flexible and able to change. Trust is the basis of this model: trust in the inner intelligence that governs all life and exists within everyone.
It is up to each person to choose which model they wish to use. The intent of the individual determines the benefit that is gained from each adjustment. In the process of healing, life expresses itself. When people are more integrated they are more connected with what they need to do‚ what decisions or choices they need to make‚ to be themselves and make progress in their lives.
Marvin Talsky, DC
Skokie, Illinois
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The curing model emerges from a Newtonian perspective, which views everything in the world as separate and distinct from everything else. From this perspective, disease is seen as an isolated event that must be controlled or eliminated before it causes further damage. The presence or absence of the symptom is the indication of whether someone has been cured. The healing model comes from an understanding of quantum physics and unified field theory, which views all of creation as emerging from the same source. In this model, everything is interconnected and affects everything else. Healing is a process of reintegrating mind, body, and spirit. The measure of whether someone is healing is “are you learning more about yourself?”
The Curing Model
The goal of this model is to bring the individual back to a so-called normal. Typically, a person with a symptom goes to the doctor for treatment. The doctor, who is viewed from both sides as the ultimate authority, isolates and labels the problem. S/he then prescribes a course of treatment to control or eliminate the condition before it causes more harm. The body is seen as separate and independent from the mind and spirit.
In this model, the individual loses a sense of involvement or control in the healing process and slips into victim consciousness. Both sides agree that the doctor is the only one who can have an effect on the condition. There is no awareness that the person has any responsibility for creating or curing the condition. In fact, the effect of the mind and the spirit are usually not even considered. The symptom is seen as the enemy‚ and the doctor and the medical technology at his disposal are the ammunition which must be enlisted to defeat the enemy.
Fear and judgment are at the root of this model. The body is seen as a victim of the whims of time and change, both of which are resisted and feared.
The Healing Model
The goal of the healing model is to help the individual reintegrate body/mind with spirit. We learn about ourselves, which allows our true nature to be more fully expressed. In the process we learn to feel the full range of emotions, no longer blocking out feelings that stop the expression of the innate intelligence within.
In this model, the person asks for help to reconnect with his or her inner intelligence and meet life's challenges. The role of the chiropractor is to help individuals to be more in touch with their innate intelligence, which actually does the healing. The doctor's responsibility is to initiate the adjustment, clear the pathways for the expression of innate intelligence, trust the innate intelligence of the individual, and encourage the healing process.
In the process of healing, one may experience symptoms. When viewed from a healing perspective, symptoms are not judged as good or bad. They are agents of change, which provide an opportunity for growth. They appear to indicate the body is overwhelmed and to alert the individual that a change in the way the nervous system functions is needed for progress to occur.
In this model, healing is a process. By clearing subluxations, the nervous system becomes more flexible and able to change. Trust is the basis of this model: trust in the inner intelligence that governs all life and exists within everyone.
It is up to each person to choose which model they wish to use. The intent of the individual determines the benefit that is gained from each adjustment. In the process of healing, life expresses itself. When people are more integrated they are more connected with what they need to do‚ what decisions or choices they need to make‚ to be themselves and make progress in their lives.
Marvin Talsky, DC
Skokie, Illinois
Return to Articles
