Vitalism:  A Wellness-Based Healthcare Approach

by Dr. Jeanne Ohm

As women- future mothers, expecting mothers, or mothers already raising children, it is important that we define our core values in life-those essential values from which all of our decisions could be made.  Once defined, we would be making a decision from a place of certainty and trust. 

Essentially, there are two perspectives about healing.  One is mechanistic-it defines life as a random series of events, devoid of an organized and intelligent purpose.  Sickness is to be treated, symptoms are to be eliminated, and the body needs expert opinions based on human knowledge to help it heal.  The other is vitalistic.  It recognizes, respects, and trusts in the intelligence of life and the interconnectedness of this wisdom among all life.  Processes of the body are to be trusted, not feared, and underlying confidence for healing and proper function is emphasized.  Hippocrates, the father of medicine, summed up the heart of this perspective well:  “Humans are created to be healthy as long as they are whole: body, mind, spirit.  People are characterized by self-healing properties that come from within-an innate healing force.  Perfect health and harmony is the normal state of all life.” 

It is imperative that we define our core values and consciously make our life and health choices from the perspective which resonates the best with those values.  It is also imperative that we choose practitioners who base their choices on the same foundation.

Pathways Magazine and Internetmom.org offer the perspective of vitalism-the confidence of an inherent intelligence that sustains our very existence.  Our articles and resources introduce principles built on this foundation, in the hope that parents will recognize and resonate with it.  Shifting to this paradigm is sometimes challenging, since the majority of the healthcare industry, news media, laws, and regulations do not support this perspective.  It is hard to go against the grain, and we are often met with resistance, opposition, and outright criticism, laced with fear and even intimidation.

Our appeal to all parents when making life and health choices for their families is to do the same.  First, gather the information available in regard to the decision at hand.  Then, put all of it aside and recognize the core of your own beliefs.  Once you’ve identified these life principles, weigh your choices from this place of knowing.  Choose from a state of trust and conviction consistent with these essential values.  They are the connection to your strength. From this place of certainty, you will always choose correctly.

We thank Dr. Jeanne Ohm for her great efforts in educating parents on natural approaches to family wellness. To read more articles written by Dr. Jeanne Ohm, please visit the  International Chiropractic Pediatric Association website,  Why Chiropractic Care For Children? by the ICPA, or visit Makin Miracles.  Internetmom.org also recommends the article by Dr. Ohm entitled Chiropractic and Children which discusses that parents are bringing their children to chiropractors for many common health concerns such as colds, sore throats, ear infections, fevers, colic, asthma, allergies, bed-wetting, infections, pains, and stomach aches. The purpose and benefits of chiropractic are explored.

InternetMom.org is here to support those of you who resonate with the values that come with choosing the vitalistic model and for those of you who are making the shift for your family into a wellness-based healthcare approach.

Dr. Ohm is an International lecturer on the topic "Chiropractic Care in Pregnancy and Infancy" to practicing Chiropractors and affiliated Care Providers, Executive Coordinator of the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association), author, Founder of Makin' Miracles, Editor of Pathways to Family Wellness Magazine, and a mother of six children.

Dr. Jeanne Ohm

  Internet Mom  B L O G

InternetMom.org is designed for informational,educational, and personal purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you suspect you have a health problem, contact your chiropracor, midwife, or holistic pediatrician.