Find Your Alternative
94. Find your alternative.
If you are trying to get to the next level of health, we need to stop using drugs and surgery as the first line of defense and the only answer. LET ME BE SUPER CLEAR HERE. I AM NOT MEDICAL BASHING AND I AM NOT AGAINST MODERN MEDICINE OR MEDICAL DOCTORS OR MEDICATION WHEN NEEDED. I HAVE HAD MANY SURGERIES. I WORK WITH MANY DOCTORS. I believe the majority of doctors would agree that their patients need to start taking responsibility for their own health.
When I get a cut on my finger, it heals itself. When I get a bad cut, I go to get stitches. When at all possible we should look for health from inside out, not outside in, whether it be meditation, yoga, massage, chiropractic, acupuncture, physical therapy, and on and on and on. What makes me feel good is that more and more people are looking at health in this manner. This includes nutrition and exercise. We are now eating food products that are, by some accounts, not considered food.
There are studies that illustrate those under alternative medicine care have lower healthcare costs and actually are less likely to get sick. Look at how we rank in the world with regard to health. In a recent study by the World Health Organization, the United Stated ranked 37th! In my practice my 100% goal is to get the patient to optimal health, and if I cannot provide that in my scope of practice, I will find (and have done so numerous times) the right practitioner to assist that patient. All doctors, regardless of specialty, are under immense pressure. We must work together to promote HEALTH. If you need a population sample for proof, look at professional and Olympic athletes. They use all resources to help them reach optimal performance. Why can’t we all come together to do the same for the rest of us?
How can this Tool assist us in reaching our goals? The answer is simple; when we feel our best we are much more likely to do the necessary steps to achieve them. This is why I use Olympic athletes as a concrete example of those who apply alternative medicine to help them reach peak performance. What I believe makes us apprehensive to try these methods is the definition that describes them, “Alternative Medicine.” The thought of using the “Alternative” can suggest using something that is secondary. And by our nature we want to try a primary approach before moving to a secondary one.
Second, calling it “Medicine” can give us the belief that in some manner it can solve all our problems. Methods of health that are considered “Alternative” are not the sole answer to any problem, and neither are medicines or drugs. As a chiropractor I believe everyone can benefit from an adjustment to remove the nerve interference in their nervous system. I also emphasize to my patients that chiropractic cannot solve all their problems. They must incorporate multiple forms of care, nutrition, exercise and headspace to reap the maximum benefit from all of these components of life. While all of these aspects are beneficial to optimal health, they can only express their true benefits when used together.
Chiropractic will not solve all your problems. Nutrition will not solve all your problems. Self-help books will not solve all your problems. And “Modern Medicine” will not solve all your problems. There is a saying, “Everything in moderation.” I would change it to “Everything in combination.” Meaning, when all these aspects are applied to work in harmony and when necessary, we will all be healthier and will have the strength to tackle the challenges we all must face.