In ancient cultures, royalty had healing teams. Bodywork was an integral part of life from day one, and it took a village. Now, however, we seek care only when we’re suffering— and we’re addicted to fast cures.

A tree doesn’t grow strong and tall overnight, and it doesn’t choose sun, water or soil. If we only take care of ourselves retroactively, expecting one adjustment or one massage to fix us up, we will be a culture of twigs that can only grow with Viagra.

Even as we shift from the medical model toward a healing model, we’re still expecting healing to happen at unnatural speeds—and without the sun, water and soil we all need.

Here are some tips for success with natural healing:

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, nurture the process with weekly care for all nine months. You’ll have a far greater chance of the baby being optimally positioned and the birth process going smoothly and quickly.

When the doctor schedules you for surgery in two weeks, one option is to say, “Wait—give me a year with Dr. Suzanne, and then we’ll reevaluate.” Another option is that we have a consultation and decide that you’ll have the procedure and we’ll spend the next year regrowing your systems.

Recognize that your family is a unit. Engage in care together and grow as a healthy family. That’s why I have family plans, and I take care of children aged 12 and under for $25 a visit.

My mission is to work with people who want to be the best versions of themselves. My promise is to deliver affordable care so they can stick with it and grow. 

Suzanne McBride, DC, is founder of Connected Spine, 580 Broadway, Ste. 403. Contact her at 212.334.3395, [email protected] or visit ConnectedSpine.com.