It is a strange paradox of modern life that, despite our obsession with curing disease and prolonging life, as a society we still have no framework for achieving true health and maximizing human performance and potential. Even the complementary and alternative medicine approaches that have grown so greatly in use still focus largely on symptom reduction and disease treatment. Yet, for more than one hundred years, chiropractic has been built on a unique philosophy that recognizes living organisms as possessing a profound, inborn drive toward health and that has as its goal unleashing the body's ability to fully express its inborn potential.

The profession as a whole, however, has to date been only partially successful in sharing that profound philosophy clearly and succinctly with other healing professions and the public. The wholesale change in health care approaches that our chiropractic colleges and practitioners envision has yet to become reality-in part, I believe, because we have not yet adequately articulated our philosophy of health. Although the use and acceptance of chiropractic is at an all-time high, its advancement has been hampered by the lack of published works that clearly espouse the tenets and purposes of the profession and illuminate its far-reaching impact for the lay audience.

They say that without the printed word there can be no revolution. Perhaps this thoughtful and balanced work will provide the treatise needed to fuel such a revolution in public thought regarding true health and the contribution chiropractic can make in helping individuals achieve it. One of the things that impressed me most as I read the book was the comprehensive and straightforward manner in which it is presented.

The author clearly has no hidden personal or political agenda he is working to further and so provides a refreshing, candid and complete explanation of the complex chiropractic profession and its practitioners. He explores such key topics as the differences between a mechanistic (traditional medicine) and vitalistic (chiropractic philosophy) approach to health; the history of chiropractic; how the brain and spinal cord work together to coordinate body function; the impact of vertebral subluxation on body function; how to select a doctor of chiropractic and what to expect from chiropractic care.

Most important, he accepts readers where they are-from skeptics to devoted patients-and provides them with valuable information that empowers them to make their own decisions regarding their health and health care.

Dr. Lenarz utilizes a no-nonsense approach and real-life case studies the reader can relate to. He answers common questions and addresses frequent misconceptions without preaching or becoming defensive. He covers the specific issues an individual considering chiropractic care might raise, yet consistently brings in the bigger picture of total health maximization. He clearly captures the chiropractic philosophy and lifestyle. As president of the Palmer Chiropractic Colleges (a system that includes the world's first and largest chiropractic college and the "Fountainhead of Chiropractic"), I am committed to working with individuals such as Dr. Lenarz to bring a health care revolution into being in our lifetimes.

Chiropractic has a singular philosophy of human function and health that makes us uniquely positioned and qualified to open, lead and advance public discourse regarding a vitalistic approach to health. It is our responsibility to speak loudly and clearly to the issue. This book does so beautifully.

Guy F. Riekeman, D.C.
President of the Palmer Chiropractic Colleges