Chiropractic: The Vitalistic Philosophy
The Disappearing
Mechanistic Viewpoint
The body is equal to the sum of its parts. When the body suffers from pain, sickness or disease, health can be added to the body from the outside-in (invasive); introducing medicine, vitamins, food, exercise, surgery, etc.
There is a basic distrust of the individual. People therefor respond best to negative motivation such as: fear of pain, disease, sickness or punishment.
The individual can not take care of himself. He does not posses the adequate or proper intelligence. In order to best take care of himself an external authority (doctor, leader, ruler) should be in control.
The patient surrenders responsibility for himself, assigning it over to the care of the doctor. The doctor actively makes the decisions and the patient passively follows orders.
The Growing
Vitalistic Viewpoint
The body is greater then the sum of its parts. Our nervous system expresses an innate or resident intelligence which animates, motivates, heals, coordinates, and inspires living beings. Health comes from the inside-out. By removing interference in the nervous system, our innate intelligence my better maintain each of our body's cell naturally.
There is a basic trust and respect for the individual. People respond best to positive motivation, such as trust in the individual's ability to maintain his or here own well-being and to reach his or her fullest potential.
The individual is fully capable of taking care of her or himself. A Nervous system free of interference can more fully express the inborn intelligence of the body. In order to best take care of himself, the individual might consult a chiropractor, mentor, or initiator for guidance.
Practitioners and patients have a cooperative, mutually responsible relationship. Both are committed to health and well being. Both trust their innate ability to care of themselves.
