I often receive strange comments from people once they find out I am a chiropractor. Every profession has its own version of “corny banter” used during moments of small talk. And because it is small talk, I do not delve into why I have this passionate devotion to the practice of chiropractic.

When I was a mental health counselor most comments went like this, “Oh that must be interesting.” It absolutely was interesting especially when I was invited to accompany a client on a personal journey toward confidence and independence. When I was a special education teacher in a youth treatment center, people often asked, “Aren't you afraid of them?” Understanding how people responded to their environments was intriguing to me, so fearing students never crossed my mind.

As a chiropractor, I awkwardly smile when someone says, “You crack backs, huh? I could use it right now!” Inside, it truly breaks my heart. There seems to be a tone insinuating I can manipulate someone's personal control as if I was Criss Angel's portage. But as I shy away from these conversations, I realize people are looking for manipulation of some sort. People are searching for change in their lives, yet have no plan of action. It could be an easy way out if someone else took charge and became the manipulator.

Chiropractic doesn't do that, but I can narrow the actual process down to three words: teach, touch and connect.

The most important thing I can do is teach someone how the spine and nervous system can affect the body's response to stress. Most people look at their bodies mechanically and pay attention to physical wear and tear. But now we can throw in the ever changing mental/chemical behaviors of neurotransmitters and receptor sites. It is important to learn how our human reactions are more than mechanical. Our thoughts, emotions and capacity to love play a great deal in how “life happens.” As my practice members learn about the physical and non-physical interactions of the spine and nervous system, they develop the awareness that a personal transformation can take place, going beyond healing.

Touch is also an important component of chiropractic care. It is another form of communication. The touch of the doctor's hand placed on someone's spine can interpret information from the nervous system. The body speaks a different language, and one way to translate it is to assess the tension of the spine and muscles. Humanity needs touch. Babies cannot survive without it. While our planet has a population in the billions, loneliness is a staggering problem. Along with a firm handshake or supportive hug, a chiropractic adjustment reaffirms that a person is not alone.

I hope to connect with my practice members as we seek to advance our collective human potential. Chiropractic touches the connection between innate intelligence and the healing response. These positive connections have a profound impact on our communities. No action is small or simple and that is the most important teaching point I can convey as a doctor of chiropractic.

How I teach, touch and connect affects how others will also go out into the world to teach, touch and connect.

Lisa Ann Homic, M.Ed. D.C., may be contacted at www.DrHomic.com