The Wellness Approach to Living
Wellness has been defined as, “the state or condition of being in good physical and mental health.” We all strive for wellness in our lives. The approach we take to obtaining this state of wellness depends on our individual goals. By looking for underlying causes of pain, then making lifestyle changes and natural interventions to optimize the ability of the body to heal itself, the wellness approach is realized.
Think of this example: I have a tendency toward diabetes. My blood sugar levels have been a little high the past few months. I have decided to bring down my numbers with diet and exercise. Over a period of weeks, I exercise daily and cut out extra calories with portion control. After two months, the extra weight comes off, my fitness level goes up, and my blood sugar numbers come down to normal. An added benefit is that my high blood pressure also returns to normal levels and my self-esteem increases.
First, I have identified the problem of high blood sugar numbers. Next, I formulate a plan that does not include drugs, but rather natural methods to achieve my goal. Finally, my body heals itself from high blood sugar with the added benefit of other parts of my body also beginning to heal.
An atmosphere that encourages natural healing first, before invasive treatments, leads to the body healing itself. This is wonderful news for people who are looking for more natural methods to treating the body. Chiropractic care is part of the wellness approach to living.
Wellness Care Versus Medical Care
Medical care wants to add something to the body’s system—a drug or surgery—to treat the symptoms causing pain or trouble. Wellness takes the opposite approach. By removing anything that might be hurting the body’s ability to function normally, wellness is trusting the body to know what it needs to heal itself.
Let’s go back to my high blood sugar numbers. If I were to use a medical approach to lower my numbers, they would probably go down. But, I have ignored the real reason for my high blood sugar numbers and not addressed my high blood pressure at all. However, by treating the underlying cause of my high blood sugar numbers with proper diet and exercise, I have not only lowered my blood sugar numbers, but my high blood pressure and depression as well. All without the use of drugs!
Chiropractic care is the wellness approach to dealing with back pain and joint stiffness. If you are currently considering a wellness approach to your back pain and stiffness, drop by The Joint for a gentle and natural adjustment.