The Curing Model
The goal of this model is to bring the individual back to
"normal"--a state of balance, order, equilibrium.
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
In this model, healing is a process. By clearing subluxations
(malpositioning of the spinal cord, nerves, and vertebrae
can create mechanical tension. This may interfere with the
flow of vital life force and the coordination of all life
processes), 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. The goal of the healing model is to help
the individual integrate mind, body and spirit.
We learn about ourselves, which allows our
true nature to be fully expressed. In the process of healing
we learn to feel the full range of emotions, no longer blocking
out feelings which stop the flow of innate intelligence
within. In this model, the person asks for help to reconnect
with his/her inner intelligence and meet life's challenges.
The role of the chiropractor is to help the individual be
more in touch with innate intelligence, which actually does
the healing. The doctor's responsibility is to trust the
innate intelligence of the individual, and encourage the
healing process. Healing is a process of unifying mind,
body and spirit. The measure of whether someone is healing
is "are you finding out more about yourself?"
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