June 2008

Where did the spirit go?

By Dr. Kevin Pallis and Dr. Ed Plentz

Is it just us, or are we missing something in many chiropractic offices? Visiting hundreds of offices in the US and Canada, we notice that much of the spirit of chiropractic has disappeared. The pride, the uniqueness of being a subluxation- based DC is becoming more and more of a rare event.

Replacing the spirit is a bewildering array of machines, modalities, and blending in with what society expects to find in a "doctor's" office. What if you could be ultra-successful without watering down your vision? We invite you to stand out instead of blend in.

Once upon a time there were DCs who had a conviction, a belief that there was an internal wisdom within the body that when awakened would propel people to previously unknown levels of health, expression and achievement. Once upon a time there were DCs who had a conviction, a belief that removing interference to the nerve system set this innate process in motion. As a result of this process being set in motion, individuals became relieved of the dominant belief that science, substances, tinctures and the mind of man are more powerful than the creative essence and intelligence of the universe.

"The power that made the body is the power of perfection," our late, great mentor Dr. Joe Flesia used to say. We still say it and believe it. You see, the healing to which so many DCs limit themselves is only a fraction of the power of perfection.

What are some of the other functions of this power of perfection? Compassion, love, the ability to get along with others of different beliefs and values, success, parenting of the next generation… the list goes on and on. These are the qualities that make for a world worth living in. Many DCs today fall back on the socially accepted concept of being a healer only. Does that mean that for a person to be seen by you they have to already be sick? That would be akin to addressing weight loss only after a person becomes overweight. This is where our spirit of being a teacher, an educator comes in.

Do you have the spirit of compassion for all people? Do you feel an interconnectedness with people? Do you get excited when someone "gets it" and can pass this along to their family and friends? Or do you only view your practice members as low back sprain in room #2? Carpal tunnel with excellent insurance coverage in room #3? When you have chiropractic spirit, your office takes on a decidedly different look. You have happy, referring practice members who gladly follow your recommendations -- and energetic, dedicated, team-oriented CAs who genuinely serve your people. Imagine people paying cash or insurance for your care, it doesn't matter as long as you have spirit.

Upon graduation, many DCs lose their spirit when they attempt to educate people who don't seem interested in what they have to say. The spirit further recedes when everything seems to be controlled by what an insurance company will or won't pay for. Right then and there new graduates have to make a decision, a choice that will shape the rest of their life. Do they stand up for what they know in their heart to be true, or do they sacrifice their spirit and blend in with what "other" DCs around them are doing?

When you have spirit for chiropractic, you have the highest good of your practice members foremost in your heart. You will be successful financially and live a life full of purpose. Many DCs mistakenly equate low levels of financial success with spirit. It's just the opposite! With spirit you attract practice members with spirit. They want to see you successful. They willingly refer others to you because they know you care. You inspire others to greatness. You stir belief in others. You make a difference in your community.

The beautiful thing about spirit and passion for chiropractic is that you earned it. Nobody else in the world has invested so much time and effort into how the nerve system adapts in health and disease. It's our unique area of expertise. What could be more vital or important to society than the master system that expresses health? Be proud of this. Don't keep searching for adjuncts, additions, supplements, etc. Develop the spirit of chiropractic and you will live a successful, purposeful life of educating people about chiropractic's wonders.

(The New Renaissance is a movement of passionate chiropractors dedicated to changing the world. The leader in patient education since 1977, the Mentor IV Coaching Program is a step-by-step navigational guide that embodies the very essence of The New Renaissance vision of healthier people creating a healthier world. Without patient education, your patients won't "get it." To learn more about The New Renaissance, contact world headquarters at 800-525-3879.)