Chiropractic Healing at Ground Zero

Some history of Chiropractic Care

For the ancient Greeks and Romans, massage was one of the principle methods of healing and relieving pain. The word "Chiropractic" was derived from the Greek words chiro (cherios) meaning "hand" and praktos meaning "done by."

We can accredit the birth of Chiropractic to David Daniel Palmer, born 1845, Canada. On September 18, 1895, D.D. Palmer, performed the first adjustment placing his hands on the spine of Harvey Lillard and using a quick thrust which claimed to cure Harvey's deafness.

Today a chiropractor doctor will study physiology, pathology, anatomy, orthopedics, microbiology, nutrition, chiropractic procedures and other subjects in order to provide the ultimate in chiropractic care. The examination of the spine to evaluate structure and function is what makes chiropractic different from other health care procedures.

Your spinal column is a series of movable bones, which begin at the base of your skull and end in the center of your hips. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves extend down the spine from the brain and exit through a series of openings. The nerves leave the spine and form a complicated network that influences every living tissue in your body.

Accidents, falls, stress, tension, overexertion, and countless other factors can result in a displacements or derangements of the spinal column, causing irritation to spinal nerve roots. These irritations are often what cause malfunctions in the human body. Chiropractic teaches that reducing or eliminating this irritation to spinal nerves can cause your body to operate more efficiently and more comfortably.

Relief at Ground Zero

One of the many benefits of chiropractic care is the reduction of pain both physical and emotional from stress. Stress induced by physical injury or other physiological factors such as depression, anxiety, headaches, backaches, exhaustion and others. Many of these factors, especially exhaustion, were felt at ground zero.

Many fireman and other workers received relief from these types of symptoms from volunteer chiropractors from Connecticut and New York. Chiropractic care was performed with their hands and from their heart. Marc Peyser, DC, from CT, (Consultant for Oxford Health Plans) volunteered at Ground Zero shortly after September 11th, and recalls the day's events;

"Sometimes I find it difficult to explain my feelings following my first of volunteering at "ground zero." "I think that it's due to the fact that I felt like I was there for two reasons; one as a Chiropractor volunteering my professional services and the other as human being offering my sympathy, prayers, condolences, and any emotions imaginable."

"I was 2 blocks from the site that I would be working from, St. Paul's Chapel, wearing our way through wooden and cement blockades. This church, which stood amazingly untouched amid rubble and burnt out buildings that has surrounded the twin towers, served as the central volunteer location. It was filled with all kinds of volunteers and workers from Police, Fire, National Guard, Clergy, Psychiatrists, Message Therapists, Podiatrists and myself. People were sleeping on cots, floors and pews. Supplies from blankets, pillows, socks, gloves, boots, hats, toiletries and medical supplies lined the walls. The porch had food that was delivered from some of NYC's finest restaurant. The church was decorated with cards, letters, and banners of sympathies from all parts of the USA. But, the mood was of a funeral. No one spoke above a whisper".

"The chiropractic location was in a corner of the church. An old ripped adjusting table had been brought in. I brought a few of my own tools and supplies, rolled up my sleeves and proceeded to treat "my new patients" over the next 6 hours. Most had never experienced chiropractic care before, but they were in such a debilitating state from working anywhere from 12-24 continuous hours, they were thrilled to have any help with their aches and pains. Following treatment, which was limited by my lack of ability to take complete histories and examinations, most reported marked relief and profusely thanked me for my care and concern. At one pint I found myself adjusting a rescue worker who was from California while a mass was underway. This was quite a spiritual experience."

"I was amazed to hear the appreciation spoken to me by those I worked on as I felt it should have been the opposite. I felt that I should be thanking them for allowing me to help them continue to perform the chore that they had to carry out. I felt honored to have helped these courageous people when helping them was so easy for me."

"My wife told me that I barely spoke for 3 days following my "ground zero" experience. Sometimes you don't realize just how an experience might affect you, but you just let your emotions deal with it. My emotions were so strong following this experience that I returned 2 more times."

Chiropractic care has taken on a new level of healing and unity as a profession since the tragedy of September 11th. Everyone at ground zero has recognized with gratitude the healing power of professionals using their healing touch of hands with their hearts.

© 2001
Cathy Fritea, Author
Tiny Hands Change the World

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• Heart of the Matter
• Tea and Sisterhood
• Chiropractic Care at Ground Zero