The interference of interference
by Leon R. Coelho, D.C., FICA
Chiropractic was one of the initial holistic health care systems introduced to the
United States during the latter part of the 19th century. It was during this era that we
saw a re-awakening of a vitalistic consciousness. Practitioners who contributed to this
movement included Phineas P. Quimby, Paul Caster, Andrew Taylor Still, the father of
osteopathy and D.D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic.
Regardless of the nature of the technology involved, one concept transversed all of
these new systems, namely, that disease was the result of an incomplete expression of
life, due to either a physical, emotional or mental interference to the expression of the
perfection, of the life force.
The concept of "interference" is one that has been the philosophical and
physiological basis of chiropractic's foundation since its inception. The concept of
interference could be described as a disorganizing factor that prevents, to whatever
extent, the expression of the 'life force' from its spiritual source to its cellular
level.
From this perspective, interference to the expression of the 'life force' then becomes
the primary cause of disease.
On the other hand, secondary factors in the manifestation of disease, because of their
variability and disposition of the host, are multi-factorial, resulting in an array of
symptoms and named conditions.
Palmer visualized this principle and dramatized it by the phrase "One Cause, One
Cure." The cause being interference, in which the context and adaptability of the
body is disturbed by the loss of neurological integration and coordination. Palmer called
this disturbance or malfunction, 'dis-ease.' And the cure being the removal of the
interference factor, thereby allowing full restoration of the expression of the 'life
force.'
The degree to which this concept is accepted, intellectualized and internalized depends
on the practitioner's personal belief and vision of the chiropractic principle. What the
practitioner sees in the adjustment, and the potential the practitioner sees in the
inherent recuperative powers of the body, is directly related to the depth and intensity
the practitioners presence has on the patient's total being.
The patient's recovery depends largely on the practitioner's vision and personal belief
system. The potential healing power of the practitioner's hands is the result of what is
in the practitioner's head and heart.
Sounds like poetic nonsense? It most definitely is, until one experiences it!
The mind, supreme and non-local, can move one to laughter or to tears. It can also
influence matter at the sub-atomic level, according to the authors of quantum mechanics.
Mind is what moves the chi, according to Eastern practices. Chi in turn, moves the
direction of the body's physiology, just as love, anger and meditation do. And love, anger
and meditation are governed by the mind. Ultimately, we govern the mind.
Not only does this principle apply to ourselves individually, but also to what we
extend to others. We can contribute to the presence or absence of interference within
another person. Our attitudes, moods, and personal dysfunctions can trigger interference
in another, if they so permit.
Fortunately, and powerfully so, the non-verbal expression of our innermost spiritual
love can also dissolve interference present in another. So when the adjustment is given,
it carries with it all of whom we are, at that moment. Our intentions, our motives and our
ethics bear the fruit of that which we pass on, by our presence and through our hands. For
whatever is in our heart, is ultimately expressed through our hands.
(Dr. Leon R. Coelho, is retired Palmer graduate Palmer graduate, with 39 years
experience and 30 years in the education of chiropractic students at Palmer, Life and
Parker Colleges. He estimates that, during his teaching career, he taught some 12,000
chiropractic students. He also lectured to about 13,000 field doctors in the U.S., Canada,
Australia and Europe.)
