January 2010

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Introduction to Neuromechanical Instrument Adjusting: Impulse Adjusting Technique

A life of wellness... or not?

By Gilles Lamarche, DC

The term wellness has been utilized within the chiropractic profession for decades.

Now, when you look around, you will notice it being utilized in so many other industries, as well.

What is the definition of wellness? You hear it in the news, you read it on billboards, you see it on commercial signs, people talk about it in social settings and at work, but interestingly enough, there is no universally accepted definition.

You would think that the definition would certainly relate to health. The definition of health as described by The World Health Organization (WHO) is as follows:

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”1 This definition has not been amended since 1948.

If this is the case, then why are we such a sick society? Why have most healthcare practitioners not embraced the definition and what can you as a chiropractor do to help humanity discover improved health and well-being?

The goal is to get you to embrace this concept and serve your patients so they will get the “big idea.”

The WHO definition embraces total health, which can also be referred to as wellness — which in most circles is a tough word to define.

Charles B. Corbin of Arizona State University gives this definition: “Wellness is a multidimensional state of being describing the existence of positive health in an individual as exemplified by quality-of-life and a sense of well-being.” 

This is not much different than the definition written by WHO 60 years ago. Even though the words may be different, the concept is not. Wellness is an ongoing and active process of becoming aware and making consistent wise choices toward a more successful and fulfilling life.

If you break that down it means:

• Process shows that improvement is possible;.

• Awareness means we are seeking information on how to improve;

• Choice refers to having options, and our capacity to select options in our best interest; and

• Success is determined by each person. In the context of health, most would consider success to be related to the capacity of living a fulfilled life based on each individual’s expectations — living a life filled with joy, vitality, energy, and an overall sense of accomplishment.

The most commonly described subdimensions of wellness include: physical, mental, spiritual, social, occupational, financial, emotional, and family well-being.

Physical, mental, and spiritual well-being relate directly to the art, science, and philosophy of chiropractic. Since subluxations can be caused by physical, chemical, or emotional stresses, it makes sense to communicate a clear and consistent message relating to the appropriateness and effectiveness of chiropractic care in order to improve the health of the nation.

If you have chosen to share this message of health with your practice, congratulations, you are steps ahead of many.

If you are going to become the best wellness practitioner you can be, you must first live the paradigm. The physical dimension of wellness encourages cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, strength, endurance, great posture, and a nervous system free of interference.

As you gain control of your physical health, you will value every step you take to maintain good physical health. You will recognize that it’s better to consume food that enhances your health rather than food that impairs it. You will see the viability of making continuous wise choices, and that it is much better to be physically fit than out of shape.

Once you live this experience, it will become simple to teach others. People do not learn well by the “do as I say, not as I do” concept and are much more willing to participate when the person sharing the information is congruent with the message they are teaching.

There is no doubt that achieving health goals and living a wellness lifestyle requires conviction, the application of knowledge, motivation, and continuously making wise choices.

Now, some may say that this can be an arduous task. But, ask yourself what your life will be like if you do not start making these wise choices. What will the life of your practice members be like if you don’t share this knowledge with them and help them begin their path to wellness?

With knowledge comes responsibility. Will you choose to act responsibly in service to yourself, and your family, community, and practice members? Too many have made unwise health choices over the years, and the cost to them and their families has been extraordinary. Not just in terms of economics, but in quality of life.

Chiropractic is well positioned to be the leading profession when it comes to health and wellness. You are well educated on the subject and you understand the value of good nutrition, proper supplementation, and an active lifestyle. You understand the value of a nervous system free of interference cannot, and must not, be understated.

Join the wellness movement and then choose to teach the paradigm. Become part of the solution rather than focusing on the problem.

Gilles Lamarche, DC, maintained a successful practice for 25 years before  becoming director of Parker Seminars and vice president of Parker College of Chiropractic. He can be reached at glamarche@parkercc.edu.

Reference

1 The bibliographic citation for this definition is: Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19 June - 22 July 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948.

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