Congratulations for taking the initiative to seek a natural solution to health care. Chiropractic proudly boasts to be largest drug free profession in the world. Chiropractic is based on the premise that the body has an innate ability to heal itself providing there is no interferrence to the function of the nervous system. Your Chiropractor can assist your body’s healing ability by correcting misalignments aka “vertebral subluxations” (interferrence to the normal function of the nervous system). Vertebral Subluxations are simply where your spine interferes with the nervous system’s communication to the rest of your body. If left unattended, these can permanently alter normal funtion and expression of well being.
Where did Chiropractic begin?
In 1895 Dr D.D Palmer performed a chiropractic adjustment on his deaf janitor, Harvey Lillard. Following this adjustment the janitors hearing was restored. Dr Palmer thought he had miraculously discovered a cure for deafness. He later discovered that other health problems responded to chiropractic care also. Problems such as colic in babies, menstrual pain, sciatica, migraine headaches, epilepsy and digestive problems. As the function of the nervous system was restored, so to was the patients health.
Why is chiropractic able to help so many people with so many different ailments?
The nervous system which is housed and protected by the spine is the direct communication channel from the brain, controlling all our functions and organs, so it stands to reason that pain or discomfort originating from the spine can interfere with our overall wellbeing and normal function.
The Chiropractic Adjustment
The Chiropractic Adjustment is performed to relieve these subluxations, which will help the healing process so that once again your body can return to its natural state and function to its fullest potential.
Complete health care should include a regular spinal checkup.
How well educated is your chiropractor?
Today’s chiropractors are required to study around some 4,485 hours compared to only 4,248 hours for a medical degree. Chiropractors study more anatomy, pathology, microbiology, diagnosis, neurology, x-ray and orthopedics that the general medical practitioner. Today’s chiropractors also undertake specialised study in spinal adjustments, manipulation and advanced radiology.
In Australia there are 2 institutions that support tertiary chiropractic education programs, Phillip Institute of Technology in Melbourne and Macquarie University in Sydney.
The duration of study is a minimum of 5 years and can include additional or post graduate study. Internships are part of the education requirement and following the completion of the degree new chiropractors are requited to pass licensing exams in order to begin practising. Seminars and on-going education are likely components necessary in order to meet on going licensing obligations.
In Australia, contact these organisations for more information. For information on overseas colleges please email us and we will provide you with the information.
