Chiropractic is based on the principle that there is an innate wisdom in the body, which promotes health and healing. Chiropractic’s founder and developer, BJ Palmer, describes it this way: “The master maker of the human body did not create you and then run off and leave you masterless. He stayed on the job as the fellow within, as nerve transmission, controlling every function of life.
The goal of the chiropractor is to correct misalignments in the body, so the inner intelligence can work better. This is done by examining the musculoskeletal system for improper function and alignment and then manipulating the spinal column to correct subluxations (vertebrae that are out of correct position). This is called a chiropractic adjustment, which brings the structure of the body back into alignment, thus, enabling proper neurological communications between your brain and the cells, tissues and organs of the body. This, in turn, can promote self-healing on a myriad of levels for numerous afflictions. There are over 120 different chiropractic techniques used for adjusting the body. The doctor selects one or more that fits the needs of each individual patient.
ND’s start their training with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and pre-med classes. They then attend Naturopathic Medical School, an intensive four-year Doctoral program with the first two years studying anatomy, physiology and pathology – similar to the classes in regular medical school. The latter half of the program focuses on pharmacology and minor surgery as well as alternative and natural healing modalities such as botanical medicine, manipulation, clinical nutrition, homeopathic medicine, Chinese medicine and nutritional supplements. The last year also requires students to log clinical hours in a medical office with licensed physicians overseeing their work. Finally, they must pass all board exams before receiving their license.
Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago and is presently used as a primary health care system throughout the world. It is a method of balancing and building the body’s life force energy known as Qi.Acupuncturists recognize particular pathways called “meridians” in which energy circulates. Traditional Chinese medicine views disease as the result of an imbalance or blockage in the body’s natural energy flow. Such imbalances manifest in physical, emotional and psychosomatic stress-related disorders.
Acupuncturists insert very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into specific points along meridians in order to disperse the blockage and mobilize the body’s natural immune response. Needling is one of a number of energy balancing techniques used during Acupuncture treatments. Also included in traditional therapies are dietary counseling, various Oriental massage techniques (including TuiNa), herbal remedies and moxibustion (technique of stimulating acupuncture points with heat).
Traditional Chinese acupuncture recognizes that aches, pains and other discomforts are often only symptoms of a deeper, underlying health problem. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis is compiled, which takes into account the individual’s body, mind and spirit, rather than simply categorizing them into a one-sided symptom picture. The basis of acupuncture is to build the body’s immune system, so disease will not penetrate.The acupuncturist at The Wellness Center in Denver spends time with each client explaining how acupuncture can play an important role in achieving a higher sense of wellness.