Innate Intelligence, Learned Ignorance

By Dennis Da Ponte

All of us in the Chiropractic program here at Life are familiar with the premise of Innate Intelligence. For years, "mainstream science" has refused to acknowledge this anciently accepted principle of Vitalism. Although other schools of Chiropractic have slowly began to give in to the pressures of the "Other Philosophy" we here at Life are not willing to sacrifice the principle that our profession was built upon. Many Chiropractors and Chiropractic students have a hard time coping with the overwhelming pressures of having to defend our principles against the "scientific" medical field as well as the brainwashed people of society. Surely, it is not an easy task to fight an uphill battle. But everyday, despite the controversies that lie ahead, many dedicated Chiropractic Warriors choose to take on the challenge.

As "future Doctors of Chiropractic", we can be proud to be a part of this growing consciousness. Dr's. D.D. and B.J. Palmer were so far ahead of their time with "The Big Idea", yet still they drew the support of hundreds of doctors and thousands of patients. The time is now catching up with the idea. Major doctors and scientists around the world are beginning to share the amazing story of this "Life Force" that resides in each and every one of us, and the undiscovered potentials that exist within human beings. People like Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer and Tony Robbins are getting paid thousands of dollars for a single ticket to hear about the promise. It sounds like, finally, Chiropractic will get the respect of the scientific community that we deserve...Right??? Not Exactly!!!

There is an ENORMOUS problem within our profession that begins right here in school... Learned Ignorance!!! Learned Ignorance is best described as the way we use our academic mind to build walls around the kingdom of our beliefs. The way we take the knowledge we have acquired and then place it on the almighty throne of our ego. If you step out of our little world here on campus and consider the real world...They don't really care if you think the percussion of an A/O adjustment will be 1/1000th of a degree more effective than a Gonstead Cervical Chair adjustment. They just need to know that WE HAVE FOUND A WAY TO AID THEM IN BETTER EXPRESSING THEIR INNATE. We bash each other about Chiropractic techniques that we don't even understand, when there are millions of people that don't even know what Chiropractic IS. We need to center our thoughts and focus more on perfecting our own Chiropractic rather than insulting the Chiropractic of others.

Even on the hot topic of medicine. We spend more time focusing on them rather than improving on us. It is a REAL SHAME that just one of the major pharmaceutical companies in this country employs more researchers than our WHOLE profession. Does that sound like we are really trying to get our message out. Are we caught in a whirlwind of inferiority and trying to prove to ourselves that we are legit??? Why??? The people want what we have. They need what we have. Their lives will never be what it could be until they receive our service. It's not about being right anymore. History has proven that to us, now it's our job to prove it to the rest of the world. They need to see a strong, organized, driven and focused advancement of Chiropractic.

Let's try less competing and more compassion. If someone chooses an art form of Chiropractic that is different than yours... don't judge him, that's not your job. Embrace him because he has chosen to fight for Chiropractic just as you have. You are both on the same team!!! Besides, we all have something to contribute to Chiropractic. Let's be sure that what we contribute is positive. Respect the Innate's of your fellow peers and let's start unifying this GREAT PROFESSION instead of continuing to tear it apart. Just because we're right doesn't mean we'll survive!!! God Bless!!

Are You Sick, Or Just "Expressing Health?"

By Terry Demeter

Expressing health is a term that I have heard some chiropractors often use when talking to their patients about the symptoms that they are experiencing during the cold and flu season. The patient hearing this may be saying to him/her self, "wait a minute, I'm congested, I have a fever, I'm nauseous, and I'm certainly going to be expressing something real soon! Only I don't know if I'd call it health!" As we know, the body is a self-healing organism, capable of optimal health when innate intelligence is allowed uninterrupted flow through out the nervous system.

So, why do we, at times, not feel well, even though we are taking care of ourselves and having our spines checked and adjusted on a regular basis? How can we tell when we are truly sick, and not simply manifesting the outward signs that our bodies are engaged in a natural, healthy combat with a foreign invader?

The first thing we need to understand is that the reason someone feels ill is because their body is trying to make itself an unpleasant as possible of an environment for any virus or bacteria it sees as a threat to its well being. Innate intelligence does this in several ways. The first way I like to call "spring cleaning." This is when innate, opens up all the doors and windows, and starts throwing junk out. When this happens, people may find themselves frequently blowing their nose, sweating or even vomiting. This is nature's way of saying, "all this clutter (germs) is making me uncomfortable, so let's clean house" (express some health)!

The next line of defense nature has is the body's equivalent to turning up the thermostat and causing a small earthquake. We know them as producing a cough and a fever. Sometimes the junk clogging up our bodies (much like your buddy from high school who is still crashing on the sofa) is simply too heavy, or nasty, to just pick up and throw away. So what's a body to do? (Maybe you've even tried this one yourself on that deadbeat asleep on your couch.) You turn up the heat (fever) and cause a small earthquake to happen, (coughing) just trying to rouse him and get him the heck out of the house.

As you can see, it's this house cleaning (expressing health), and not the germs, which is causing you to feel bad. So, from now on, you can tell everyone (except maybe your boss) that the real reason you've been gone is that you needed to take off a few well days. But to get back to our first question of how to tell true sickness from the body expressing wellness, often there is no simple answer.

A good way to think of any dis-ease goes like this; If you were to go to your favorite restaurant and order yourself up a bad batch of clams, which in turn gave you food poisoning, what you'd feel, and soon be expressing would just be your body cleaning house,-- getting rid of the junk so to speak. You would feel bad for a little while, but in "no time" be back to your old self again. However, if this house cleaning were to last, for say, more than a day or two, and was accompanied by a very high fever, seizures or a loss of consciousness, this would indicate that something had gone very wrong with your body, and innate intelligence is no longer able to do its job. In other words, you're no longer expressing health. You are sick!

Now is the time (actually, it's a little too late) to see your chiropractor and get yourself checked, and adjusted, if you need to be. Remember, as was said earlier, your body is self-healing. It does not need any outside help (drugs).

All you need to do to make sure that you express health this winter is to keep your nervous system free from interference, get plenty of rest, remember to eat your veggies, and let the power that made your body, (and runs it every second that you're alive) flow. From ABOVE-DOWN, INSIDE OUT!

Life's Transitions

By Matthew Eisen

As the old saying goes, "Change is the only constant thing in life." As I complete my last quarter here at Life University and transition from being a student into a Doctor of Chiropractic, I am faced with this incredible transition. This feeling is not fear-based, since I am confident in my skills that I have learned here at Life University. Rather, this feeling of change makes me reflect upon some key points in my life, where I had to make a decision and alter my destiny.

One key transition was the death of my father at an early adolescent age. My father is the one who taught me how to be a gentleman, how family and God are important in one's life, and how to throw a curveball – one key asset that helped me excel as a pitcher. But most importantly he taught me how to value myself and too never give up – especially when the only constant thing in life is change. People were amazed at how I handled his death at an early age, as I never showed signs of sadness or weakness. This was simple; I knew he was in heaven taking care of others and I would see him again, someday. Also, I learned what a blessing life was, as I started to appreciate every day on this planet. One change.

Another key transition in my life was the decision to come to Life University. A few years after my father passed away and I was attending my undergraduate school. I started to experience very bad stomach pains and headaches. My cousin and hero, Dr. Peter Lawrence turned me on to Chiropractic. Shortly thereafter I began to see incredible results with my own body, so much so, that I again had to forego a promising career in my studies as I won several scholarships and awards – all to devote my life to help others like I was helped by Chiropractic. Second change.

Now this decision was not an easy one, as I lost many of my friends from home because of either distance or because they were ignorant of Chiropractic. One close friend explained that Chiropractic was a cult and I should be careful. How ludicrous was this statement. There is a lot of excitement in our profession, but that is because miracles are happening daily! With Chiropractic care, people are becoming healthier as their bodies fight off the various ailments without drugs or surgery. Besides, a cult infers a faddish devotion to religion. Here there is no religion, only truth. Yes, I believe Chiropractic can help re-unite a man with his maker, by reconnecting him by being subluxation-free and making his mind more clairvoyants for studies, including in faith. But, at the same time we are not taught Chiropractic principles by the Pope. In my 26 years of life, I have discovered that where there is fear and unknowingness, ignorance sets itself up as an explanation for the simple-minded. These people will hopefully see the light in the future and come under care.

The next transition in my life was my marriage. I would have never guessed that I would be married as I graduate from Life, but I feel truly blessed to have for this change. It is because of my wife that I have found the pleasures of everyday life, spiritual life, and more. She has taught me how to shed any source of egotism and selfishness, in order to become a more humble servant of the people. She has connected me with God and family in ways I never imagined and I am eternally grateful to her for that. Another change.

We all are in a constant world of change, sometimes the changes appear good or bad, but either way as long as you learn more about yourself, you will always come out on top as the experience was worth having.

P.S. - I want to take a moment to thank all of the faculty, staff, and administration(s) at Life University for all of their tireless devotion to this institution and for making this school – the best darn Chiropractic College in the world. As a proud student and soon to be alumni – I appreciate all of your help as I truly feel confident in changing the world all from the education and experiences here in Marietta. I will see you all at Life Source! Be well.

Matthew is the Vice President of Student Council, President of the Student World Chiropractic Alliance, and a Student Ambassador.

It Ain't Innate; It's You

By Barney Roca

There were far to many philosophical problems with the article by Dr. James Will Tickel "It Ain't You; It's Innate" for me to sit hands folded in silence after reading his rant about Innate intelligence verse the role of the Chiropractic doctor. The title of his article clearly states his position, a position that I feel is detrimental to the overall success of the science I have dedicated my life too.

"To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men." Abraham Lincoln once said. A quote I hold close to my heart. Anyone that has met me knows when I think something needs to be said, I'll say it.

Dr. Tickel starts his article with what doesn't matter. The use of your finger tips, your hands, your touch; weather quick, slow, hard or soft, doesn't matter. He goes on to say, "Innate is able to use all naturally right, well-intentioned energies." He discredits technique and credits intent. In an effort to summate his thoughts, if you have the right intent, it doesn't matter what technique you use, as long as the innate within is contacted.

I wish this point was elaborated on more, because the technique is the form of contact. How can they separate? I see techniques as the tools Chiropractors use to implement their education. The impact of one technique on any given subluxation can and should be measured against other techniques. The problem we face as Chiropractors is the amazing diversity of subluxations. No two spines are exactly the same so no two subluxations are exactly the same. That means that no one technique can be labeled as being universally the best form of treatment for any given subluxation, or contacting the innate as Dr. Tickel calls it, but they can be measured against each other.

I would like to remind Dr. Tickel that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. The science of Chiropractic care goes far beyond the reaches of intent. In my opinion the intent of Chiropractic is universal, to remove the interference of a hard bone on the soft tissue of the nervous system. This is the universal intent that brings together technique, philosophy and science. All of which are critical to the success of the Chiropractor and Chiropractic care as a whole.

Pavlov never intended to study behavior, yet his work changed the face of psychology. Mendel intended to be a high school teacher but instead he became a monk and gave birth to the science of genetics. I'm sure Dr. Tickel had the best intentions when writing his article but that doesn't make him correct when he wrote, "Innate Adjusts". Make no mistake that it is you, the Doctor, who identifies and removes interfering subluxations, not innate. If Innate removed subluxations there would never be a need for an adjustment.

Dr. Tickel writes, "A Chiropractors INTENT is to remove interference's to allow the body to greater express the life flow of God [Innate] threw the entire being!" This is science not horse shoes and close does not count. I almost wanted to agree with Dr. Tickel on this point because he was very close to being correct however there is a philosophic problem with this type of thinking. First and foremost is if it is God flowing through you, than God is the creation of the subluxation. If God created you and God flows through you as the "housekeeper of every living being," to quote Dr. Tickel again, than the subluxation is give an adjustment would be to correct God, or an act of blasphemy. I believe that we effort to separate God from Chiropractic care and our philosophy. Chiropractic is a science with a strong philosophical base to preserve its history and keep the future in focus. It is not the function of our science to support or deny the existence of God or attempt to label what role God plays in our individual lives. I would like to see Chiropractic as a hole make a philosophic separation of God and Innate. Why does a new born baby hold its breath under water? Because it innately knows it is should. Why do trout run upstream returning to the same breeding grounds they spawned from? Because their innate tells them they must. We can see innate in action, we can label things as being innate, and innate is universal. There is no need for Chiropractic to equate innate to the will of God. To do so sets limits on our vision and adversely effects our ability to prove the effects of Chiropractic care. There is far more scientific support for Chiropractic care than there is for God as the creator or as a housekeeper.

Dr. Tickel writes, "True health is found when a persons educated lets go, stops trying to control and lets Innate run the show." I think Dr. Tickel let his educated mind go when he wrote this as it is grammatically incorrect, and that ironically proves my point. If you want to be taken seriously as a Doctor never let your education go, and never stop getting educated. D.D. Palmer and his family are credited with making huge advancements and contributions to Chiropractic and only 2 years after performing his first adjustment D.D started Palmer College of Chiropractic. He quickly realized the importance and need of Chiropractors to be educated. Chiropractic care must be taken seriously to be successful. If you want to be taken seriously, you need to take yourself and your education seriously. You need to be educated, and you must exemplify your education showing everyone the importance of your work.

I truly believe that Dr. Tickel's intentions are for the betterment of Chiropractic and not personal gain. It is this belief that led to the creation of this article. While our opinions may vary there is a commonality between them. We both believe strongly in Chiropractic. We both believe that the removal of interference will allow the body to function better. I hope that Dr. Tickel will reply to this article with the same intentions, and provide us, Life University, with a better understanding of his philosophy.

One Nation Under God

By Marcus Kampfe

In last months article, 'Inward Look', we saw that we are all works in progress and have areas in our lives that can work on and change for the better. This could mean becoming more righteous and holy in our personal lives or just being that person of conviction - the man/woman of your word.

We are blessed to live in a society that is free to express religion however we see fit. This is the society that we live in, a Free One. Where the fear of being killed or tortured for your beliefs isn't a present thought like it is in other countries around the world. But, like in all things there is a sacrifice to pay for those freedoms.

The Revolutionary War granted us with the freedoms that we have today. Those English men and women wanted to be free to practice and express their religion versus having a state run religion. They fought for that right and today we are fighting for that same right here at home and elsewhere in the world. Thomas Jefferson said, "The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty." Andrew Jackson said, "The Bible is the rock on which our Republic rests." The Bible says this in Hosea 4:1-6 (NKJ) "Hear the word of the Lord, You children of Israel, for the Lord brings charge against the inhabitants of the Lord. By swearing and lying, killing and stealing and committing adultery, they break all restraint, with bloodshed upon bloodshed. Therefore the land will morn and everyone who dwells there will waste away with the beast of the fields and the birds of the air; even the fish of the sea will be taken away. Now let NO man contend, or rebuke another, for your people are like those who contend with the priest therefore you shall stumble in the day, the prophet also shall stumble with you in the night. And I will destroy your mother - my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. I also will reject you from being priest for me; because you have forgotten the Law of your God, I also will forget your children."

We have an opportunity in this country that is very unique. You see from the above passage that the key is in "Lack of Knowledge." We as believers have failed to teach and share God's law. More than anything else we have failed to live it. You see we as believers have a calling here, a purpose, a charge to keep and that is to live out the word of God on a daily basis. We are at a point in history where the world will need God's comfort more than ever. There is going to be even more bloodshed to come, more heartbreak, and more death, more of everything evil in this world. Why is this? Because of the 'Lack of Knowledge' that we as Believers are living in. This hypocrisy has got to change! If it does not, as the Word says, God will spit you out of His mouth.

I pray that we live each day to its fullest by staying true to those convictions in which we hold dear to our hearts. We are called to live a holy life and to be a living testimony. If we do not we will be destroyed. So step up to the plate and assume those responsibilities. Live for the one that gave His life (Jesus Christ) so that you may have life, Eternal life.

This is a country that gives us the freedom to express our beliefs. Here is the call to LIVE them! We need to get back to the basics, which is under God's rule and authority. One thing is for sure whether or not you believe in God. When you are gone from here there will be no more godless rule. Tomorrow is never promised, so how are you living today?