by 
Dr. John P. Huntington, D.C.
A “principle” is defined as a “comprehensive or fundamental law.” Gravity is a good example. If you jump off the roof, be prepared to hit the ground, as the “principle” of gravity is constant and can be dangerous to ignore!
Principle-Centered Healthcare refers to learning and then aligning with the laws of nature – and man’s history – to help us take actions that can improve health and happiness.
This is what Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, was referring to when he said “Illnesses do not come upon us out of the blue. They are developed from small daily sins against nature. When enough sins have accumulated illness will suddenly appear.”
Extreme examples of this are easy to see. Without water we die. Without sleep we suffer. Without movement the body wastes away.
What can be harder to recognize is how more subtle shifts in our food and water quality, our movement and rest habits, or a lessening of our time spent outdoors can destroy health and happiness.
We begin a new life when our actions of eating, moving, thinking and relating are guided by principles. We are already performing these actions – they are essential to living. The question is: are they guided by thoughtful reflection or are they guided by thoughtless conformity to convention and habit?
We have a choice. There is another way. In ancient China this other way was termed “The Great Way.”
This “Way” consisted of six disciplines: self-reflection, eating, exercise, rest and recreation, healing relationships and right livelihood (i.e. contribution). Dedicating daily time to these disciplines has been the core of all great systems of healing throughout history.
We will explore these six areas in future columns.
Dr. Huntington practices Chiropractic and Biomedical Acupuncture in Oracle, AZ. He is in his 25th year of practice, and has a Masters Certification in Whiplash Traumatology. For more information or to make an appointment please call 520-896-9844 or email huntingtonchiro@hotmail.com.
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