Chiropractic: Embrace chiropractic, a new way of life Chiropractic is the science, art and philosophy of the relationship between the nervous system and body (health) function. The World Health Organization issued the international standard for the chiropractic profession in 2005: Guidelines for Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic. Strengthening the body’s ability to repair itself 1. Scientific: From the beginning, chiropractic has been based on the science that the nervous system controls the function of all the body’s senses, movements, tissues, organs and systems. The brain is protected by the skull, but the spinal cord is more susceptible to injury because the 24 vertebrae that protect it are mobile. When these bones lose their normal mobility and position, they can irritate the nervous system. This disrupts the function of the organs and soft tissues controlled by these nerves, and this is called a complex spinal subluxation. Chiropractic is the science of identifying areas of spinal dysfunction, the art of correcting these disorders, and the philosophy of analyzing the nature of these problems. 2. Artistry: After a thorough examination and history taking, your chiropractor will recommend a specific treatment plan for you. If your condition falls under the umbrella of chiropractic, then the treatment plan will include specific chiropractic corrections. The term orthopedic describes hundreds of methods that apply precisely direct and controlled forces to re-establish a more normal position and mobility of the vertebrae. With improved spinal function comes improved nervous system function (health). Chiropractors have many years of specialized training in the direction and amount of force they apply. Correction requires either a delicate, fast force or a slow, constant force. Chiropractic is really an art. 3. Philosophical: In addition to being scientific and artistic, chiropractic has a philosophical side. Chiropractors believe that no matter what doctor you consult, most heal the symptom or lesion and that true health is your body’s self-healing. So your chiropractor’s main goal is to get rid of the disorder that affects your innate ability to heal yourself. The philosophical nature of chiropractic medicine holds that perfect health depends on a perfectly normal nervous system, and a perfectly normal nervous system depends on a perfectly structured and functioning spine. Instead of limiting yourself to just getting rid of your symptoms, a chiropractor will correct the many hidden causes of disease in the spine that have developed due to interfering nerves. While chiropractors abroad undergo four years of post-graduate education, current chiropractors in China are trained very professionally in the “art” of chiropractic correction. The Nervous System Controls Everything Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of every cell, soft tissue, organ and system in your body. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and all the nerves in your body. Traditional Chinese medicine has always considered the Governor’s Vessel to be the head of all yang, and since the Governor’s Vessel is located exactly where the spine is, opening it up means good health. Embracing a Chiropractic Lifestyle Long-term regular chiropractic exams can help us identify and correct many spinal health problems in a timely manner, while keeping the spine and nervous system in good functional condition. Explore how chiropractic care combined with proper diet, exercise and other health and wellness practices can maintain your health and help you enjoy a perfect life. You can ask your chiropractor to develop a treatment plan for you based on your age, physical condition and lifestyle.