The philosophy of chiropractic most dramatically distinguishes us from our allopathic (medical) colleagues. Our most fundamental concept is that the body knows more about healing itself than the doctor does. And, all healing comes from within. As an example, after the best surgeon puts the last suture in place, they wheel you off to heal because no else can do that for you–just YOU! Your body has all the information necessary to heal itself and it will do so, as long as there is no nerve interference. We refer to that inborn wisdom as the body’s Innate Intelligence.
Chiropractors have a holistic approach to health, that is, we consider the entire person, not only the part that is affected. Furthermore, this holistic (whole person) concept is why we also are concerned with diet/nutrition, rest habits, exercise and reducing emotional stress.
There will always be an important place for medical management, especially when emergency circumstances require immediate, life-saving procedures. But even someone recovering from a gunshot need to be clear of nerve interference to heal completely and properly. Drugs and surgery are not a better approach to long-term health and wellness. Chiropractors and their patients know that true health is not achieved through the ingestion of chemicals or the cutting away of diseased tissues. Health is something that comes from within.