With its unique philosophy, science and art, it seems like Chiropractic is trying to be “alternative” on purpose. And there is some truth to that. For example, Chiropractic talks about adjusting the cause of DIS-EASE instead of treating the symptoms of disease. So what makes Chiropractic “alternative”?
The term alternative is sometimes used interchangeably with ‘replacement’ or ‘substitute’. Does that make Chiropractic a replacement or substitute for medicine? No.
Even though Chiropractic is alternative, it is wrong to label it as an ‘alternative medicine.’ Chiropractic is not a substitute for medicine. Chiropractic is no more an ‘alternative medicine’ than medicine is an ‘alternative chiropractic.’
The incorrect labeling of Chiropractic as ‘alternative medicine’ stems from the misconception that medicine is synonymous with health. With that pretense, anything outside the medical model is considered alternative medicine.
The medical model is called pathogenesis. The pathogenic model focuses on treating symptoms of disease. Pathogenesis means “that which gives birth to disease.”
Let’s look at the definition of the word alternative. Alternative means “offering or expressing a choice.” This is a better application of the word and how it relates to Chiropractic.
Chiropractic is alternative because it offers another choice in healthcare. What choice does it offer? Chiropractic provides a model other than pathogenesis to choose from.
Chiropractic implements a model called salutogenesis. With a salutogenic model, the focus is on health. Salutogenesis means “that which gives birth to health.”
Salutogenesis emphasizes improving adaptation, homeostasis and healing. Chiropractic adheres to this model because it supports the optimization of nerve function. Optimizing nerve function encourages the healing process.
While both models are separate and distinct, it doesn’t put them at odds. One model is not better than the other. Thinking of them in those terms is the wrong mindset. Health is more than the sum of its parts. We need a holistic approach to our healthcare.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition of health didn’t come from some “alternative practitioner” or a “hippy-dippy witch doctor”, but from the World Health Organization in 1946.
Chiropractic is not alternative out of spite but rather out of necessity. An alternative perspective on health is warranted in our country right now. A system that focuses on disease and sickness will never be healthy. Chiropractic wants to do its part in righting the ship and adjusting the sails so we can all strive for wellness.
- Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP
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Jarek Esarco, DC, CACCP is a pediatric, family wellness and upper cervical specific Chiropractor. He is an active member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Jarek has postgraduate certification in Pediatric Chiropractic through the ICPA. Dr. Jarek also has postgraduate certification in the HIO Specific Brain Stem technique through The TIC Institute. Dr. Jarek is happily married to his wife Regina. They live in Youngstown, Ohio with their daughter Ruby.
