What Is True Health? A Deeper Look

When you think about health, what comes to mind? Is it the absence of pain? No fevers, aches, or illnesses? Many of us might define health simply as “not feeling sick,” but this view falls far short of what true health actually means. So, let’s explore this concept more deeply and look at the critical role your nervous system plays in achieving it.

Let’s start with a few thought-provoking questions.

Is Illness Caused by a Lack of Medication?

Have you ever wondered if common symptoms are truly resolved by over-the-counter medications? For example:

• Is a headache due to a deficiency in aspirin or ibuprofen?

• Are nausea, heartburn, or indigestion signs of a Pepto-Bismol deficiency?

Of course, the answer is no. These medications might mask the symptoms temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying issue causing the symptoms in the first place. While medication can be helpful in certain cases, it often only covers up the root problem, rather than resolving it.

Is Health Simply the Absence of Pain or Illness?

The idea that health is merely the absence of symptoms is quite limited. By this definition, a person who has no pain or illness is considered “healthy.” But in reality, health goes much deeper. Many serious health issues don’t even present with obvious symptoms until they’re advanced.

Take heart disease, for example. A person may feel completely fine until they experience a heart attack, often with little warning. Does this mean they were healthy right up until that moment? Not necessarily.

I can even share from my own health journey as an example. Years ago, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Interestingly, the only sign that something was amiss with my thyroid was its enlargement—my labs were completely normal, and I felt good. Yet, underneath that healthy appearance, my body was signaling a deeper issue. My experience is a powerful reminder that

health isn’t always about feeling fine or having normal test results; it’s about truly understanding and supporting the body’s systems to function at their highest level.

Defining True Health

According to Dorland’s Medical Dictionary, health is defined as a state of “optimal physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Similarly, Webster’s Dictionary defines health as a condition of “wholeness.” True health, therefore, goes beyond not feeling sick; it involves every system of your body functioning at its best.

Consider your body as an intricate, interconnected machine, each part working to support the whole. When all parts function harmoniously, you feel great, and your body operates optimally. If even one part starts to break down, however, it can affect your entire system over time.

The Central Role of the Nervous System

So, what exactly controls this whole, interconnected system? Your nervous system. The brain, spinal cord, and a complex network of nerves serve as your body’s control center. Every single cell, organ, and system in your body depends on communication from your brain to function properly.

According to the renowned medical text Gray’s Anatomy, the purpose of the brain and nervous system is to “control and coordinate the functions of all the tissues, organs, and systems in the body and to adapt the organism (your body) to its surrounding environment.” In other words, your nervous system is like the main circuit board for your body, ensuring every part is doing its job and adapting to changes in your environment.

The Importance of Maintaining Nervous System Health

If your nervous system controls every function in your body, then maintaining its health becomes essential for true well-being. Imagine if a connection in your home’s electrical system started to fail. Some appliances might work, but others might flicker on and off, and eventually, the whole system could break down. This is similar to what happens when there are misalignments or disruptions in your nervous system.

How Subluxations Affect Health

Misalignments in the spine, known as vertebral subluxations, interfere with nervous system function. When one or more vertebrae in your spine are out of alignment, they can put pressure on nerves, disrupting the communication pathways between your brain and body. This interference can lead to a range of health issues, even if you aren’t feeling immediate pain or discomfort.

Many people believe that if they “feel fine,” they must be healthy. But subluxations and nervous system interference can go unnoticed for years. In fact, only about 6-10% of our body’s nerves

detect pain, which means that issues can be silently affecting your health without your awareness. By the time pain shows up, the underlying problem could be quite advanced.

Chiropractic: Supporting Your Body’s Natural Healing Potential

This is where chiropractic care comes in. Contrary to popular belief, chiropractic isn’t about “cracking your back” to alleviate temporary pain. Chiropractic care focuses on detecting and correcting subluxations in the spine to support optimal nervous system function. When your nervous system is functioning well, your body can more effectively heal and maintain itself.

True Health: Optimal Function, Not Just the Absence of Symptoms

Real health isn’t simply about ‘not feeling sick.’ True health means that your body’s systems are in constant, clear communication, adapting smoothly to changes, and functioning at their best. In fact, symptoms like pain or discomfort are often the last indicators of underlying dysfunction—much like the final warning light before a car engine stalls. But sometimes, symptoms are actually a sign of your body’s healthy response to an issue. For example, a fever is the body’s way of fighting infection, and nausea or vomiting can be the body’s effort to rid itself of harmful substances, like when you have food poisoning. So why wait for severe warning lights to take action? Supporting your body consistently, even when you feel fine, is the key to long-term health and resilience.

Steps Toward True Health

If you’re interested in living a life of true health—optimal physical, mental, and social well-being—it starts with maintaining a healthy nervous system. Here are a few steps to consider:

• Make lifestyle choices that support overall health: nutrition, movement, rest, and stress management.
• Focus on preventative care—not just treating symptoms as they arise.
• Get regular chiropractic checkups to ensure your nervous system is free from interference and your body is functioning at its highest potential.

Take the First Step Toward True Health

If you’re ready to explore what true health can feel like, consider getting checked by a chiropractor. Supporting your nervous system through chiropractic care can help you achieve a state of balance, resilience, and vitality, allowing you to live life to its fullest.

Ready to begin your journey toward true health? Contact our office today to schedule a connection consultation and discover how chiropractic can help you unlock your body’s

natural potential for wellness. Let’s start building a healthier, more vibrant future—one adjustment at a time!