The Art of Chiropractic
Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 12:40PM Here are some thoughts on the definition of "Art" from Wikipedia:
- Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way that appeals to the sense or emotions.
- Generally, art is made with the intention of stimulating thoughts and emotions.
- Leo Tolstoy identified art as a use of indirect means to communicate from one person to another.
I believe that chiropractic is a perfect blend of science, philosophy and art. However, for the most part, the artistic aspect of my profession is cast by the wayside.
The art of chiropractic is not more important than the science or the philosophy, but it is not less important.
To me, a perfect adjustment is analogous to a dance between doctor and patient. A harmony of effort and effortlessness/give and take/stillness and motion.
A dance rooted in trust, faith, passion and expression.
A dance of healing. The adjustment should go far beyond the physiological-- the best adjustments touch the emotions and the spirit.
Most times the Art gets lost in the technical: the set up, the contact point, the line of drive, the timing of thrust, etc.
Most times, we chiropractors transform ourselves into spinal technicians.
No heart. No creativity. No imagination!
When, in fact, we should embrace our artist identity. Let the adjustment-dance flow as we balance it all out with the mind of science and the heart of philosophy.
Reader Comments (1)
How eloquently expressed, my friend!!! Not only have you captured the essence of chiropractic but also that of "good medicine". Today's medical profession, in my not so humble opinion, has relinquished it's are and philosophy. Targeting entirely on "science".
This has, unfortunately, had a two-fold effect;
1. given unlimited authority to those who "research" without practice and;
2. de-valuated the patient to mere numbers.
While the science must be there, so too must the philosophy and of course the art.
It is the delicate balance that is called practice! One, without the others would be an injustice to the patient at best and a violation of one's oath, at the extreme.