So what happened in the interim between being called a quack to being recognized as an essential service provider? Several things happened. Thousands of young, passionate chiropractors graduated from credentialed, caring, committed universities across the country.
Through education and outreach, those chiropractors have shared with their communities their approach of focusing on the entire body and dealing with the root of illness, not just the symptoms. And lastly, the other key component of what has happened over these past decades, the traditional medical system has failed us all in a multitude of ways. Trust in our national public health experts and institutions has, for many, eroded to the point of no return.
The reality is that cancel culture has been around for a very long time, and “experts” and “scapegoats” change with the times. But, your body’s innate ability to heal, how it organizes around your lifestyle – the thoughts you think and the lifestyle choices you make – have nothing to do with smear campaigns or what the media chooses to report.
Chiropractors cannot prescribe medicine or do surgery, nor do they want to or need to. We are trained in, and in my case, have spent a lifetime working with the body to heal itself. We eliminate pain, prevent illness, and heal – all without pharmaceuticals or other invasive measures.
On October 1, 2021, I marked 35 years as a chiropractor. During that time I have treated thousands of patients, trained thousands of chiropractors, and spoken to thousands of young people considering a career in chiropractic. What has changed for me during that span of 3 1⁄2 decades? My enthusiasm has grown; my understanding of the body’s innate ability to heal has grown; and my appreciation for chiropractors who serve their community members, literally from birth through to the end of often very long and healthy lives, has grown.
During that time I have also seen the chiropractic professional assume their rightful place as health care leaders delivering holistic health and drug-free health care. Now it is common for chiropractors and medical colleagues to openly work together on behalf of their patients.
Other things I’ve learned? We cannot become complacent. While it is true that today the world is finally catching up with our ideas, the status quo doesn’t like it. Billions of dollars are being spent to try to buy your brain back to the same ideas that created the Committee on Quackery and the subsequent lawsuit. Also, it’s good to question the so called “experts.” It is never the right time to just believe that the majority knows best and that the government or it’s institutions – any institutions – have your best interest at heart.
I must admit that I am pleased that my profession has come out of the shadows cast by the Committee on Quackery. I am thrilled to be called “essential.” But for me, my profession, the services I provide, and the people I have helped over the years have always been essential. It may have taken some time, too much time, but now it’s common knowledge.
Interested in learning more about the topics touched on in this article? Read the links below.