Pain Pressure or purpose? A s chiropractors, most people who come to see us are, at least initially, in pain. They’re not at their best and they may, or may not, want to know why. They want relief and, perhaps, answers. This places pressure on us to assess their needs not only physically, but to fill in the blanks emotionally and mentally as well. And this is a growth opportunity. Enlightening patients’ minds, and empowering them emotionally, can be almost as healing as the physical adjust- ments we provide. Imagine if your patients understood just the basic premise of chiropractic as written in Stevenson’s The Chiropractic Textbook, “There is a universal intelligence within all matter giving to it all of its properties and actions, thus maintaining it in existence.” Enlightening patients’ minds, and empowering them emotionally, can be almost as healing as the physical adjustments we provide. The English word intelligence is derived from Latin, en telios, meaning purposeful being. Since there is intelligence in all matter, everything has a purpose. That includes you and your practice members. Springing from this intelligence is the drive to learn and grow. Do you know anyone who has said, “I would love to be, do or have less than five years ago”? We innately desire growth. But growth also brings challenges that sometimes seem overwhelming, leaving us feeling stressed and, for those of us who use the term, subluxated. Dr. Paul Rosch of the American Institute of Stress has estimated that 75 to 90 per cent of all doctor visits are stress- related, and stress has been shown to be more predictive of heart disease and cancer than cigarette smoking. While we banish smokers outside to light up, how are we helping people with the perceptions that are stressing them? More often than not, our state of health reflects our inner struggle to integrate, heal and grow in the face of our challenges. Saunders’ Dictionary of Allied Health defines high-level wellness as “a dynamic process in which the individual is actively engaged in moving towards the fulfilment of his or her potential.” So every symptom is feedback from an innately Continued on Page 43 Dr. Stephen LaFay practises in Stratford, Ontario. He is also a coach, public speaker and the author of How Your Body Speaks and Your Magnificent Life: 7 Keys to a Life You’ll Love (due out, this winter), available at www.lafaylifelegacies.com. To register for any of these seminars, contact The Orthotic Group at 1-800-551-3008. 2008 SEMINARS THE ORTHOTIC GROUP seminars are an excellent way for healthcare professionals to gain a deeper understanding of custom orthotic therapy, lower limb biomechanics and gait analysis. In celebration of TOG’s 20th ever SUPER SEMINAR in Markham in September 2006. This seminar was a resounding success! Don’t miss your opportunity to hear NEW INFORMATION presented by Dr. Kim Ross and Dr. Alan Lustig, D.P.M, two recognized speakers in their Now offered in various cities across Canada, these events promise to offer tremendous value for your orthotic practice! Dr. Alan Lustig, D.P.M. 2008 ADVANCED FOOT BIOMECHANICS & CUSTOM ORTHOTIC 2008 SUPER SEMINARS April 12 – Edmonton, AB May 3 – Halifax, NS September 13 – Markham, ON 2008 FOOT BIOMECHANICES & CUSTOM ORTHOTIC THERAPY– Level 1 February 23 - Markham, ON March 29 – Ottawa, ON May 2 – Halifax, NS May 24 – Markham, ON May 31 - Vancouver, BC September 20 – Calgary, AB Nov 1 – Markham, ON 160 Markland Street Markham ON L6C 0C6 Canada www.canadianchiropractor.ca Dr. Kim Ross B. SC., M.Sc., D.C., Ph.D. Biomechanics THERAPY – Level 2 March 14 – Markham, ON March 30 – Ottawa, ON April 13 - Edmonton, AB May 4 – Halifax, NS June 1 – Vancouver, BC June 13 – Markham, ON September 21 – Calgary, AB November 14 – Markham, ON 2008 GAIT ANALYSIS February 24 – Markham, ON March 28 - Ottawa, ON April 11 – Edmonton, AB May 25 – Markham, ON May 30 – Vancouver, BC September 19 – Calgary, AB Nov 2 – Markham, ON t. 800.551.3008 f. 877.551.3001 www.theorthoticgroup.com CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | DECEMBER 2007 • 37 Stephen LaFay, DC
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