Andrew Fell is the founder of Mind & Body Chiropractic, a thriving practice on the Gold Coast of Queensland. I interview him, typically over Skype. We just talk. I then take the gist of this conversation and turn it into the piece of communication.
The Power of Mind
When we first set up Mind & Body Chiropractic, the name was inspired by a sense of purpose: we would treat the mental side of health and wellbeing as much as the physical. Back then, many people shied away from the idea of needing help mentally – almost as if it was an admission of being crazy! So there was a stigma attached to admitting you might need help in those areas.
Now, our world has changed dramatically. There is a much wider acceptance that many people are suffering from stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia – all symptoms of a mental imbalance. We have also come to understand more about how these negative mental and emotional states have an impact on our physical wellbeing.
So now, as a natural extension of our original philosophy, we are introducing the practice of meditation into the clinic. We want to encourage patients to learn these techniques while they are with us. We also have these amazing massage chairs that we use to help patients relax so they can gain the maximum benefit from the treatments. It’s a great way to introduce you to the healing potential of simple meditation. Heal the mind and the body will follow.
The Resilience Of Body
For over 20 years, I have practiced as a qualified chiropractor here in Australia. During this time, I have witnessed countless transformations. People come into the practice with grimaces of pain, under a cloud of stress stemming from their conditions and walk out with smiles on their faces. And this is not just a temporary alleviation, these people are on their way to a pain-free existence with increased vigour and mobility.
Then, out of the blue, I experienced the devastating effects of a life-threatening illness myself. At one point, I was told I’d never be able to work again. This was one of the lowest points of my entire life. Happily, thanks to some excellent medical treatments and a long period of recovery, I have regained my physical health. Consequently, I have been able to get back to work – not working all the hours God sends, but happy to be back in the practice and able to make a difference. My personal experiences also reinforced another important element in the Mind & Body approach: to recommend other health professionals as and when appropriate.
At Mind & Body, we are completely clear about our position in the world of health professionals. We focus on musculoskeletal problems and the pain and debilitation they can cause. We work closely with other professionals in a variety of disciplines. We have a network of like-minded practitioners to whom we refer our patients as appropriate. Chiropractic is complementary to traditional medical science not competitive. Working with the natural resilience of the human body, we can work wonders.
The Joy Of Healing
I’d like to take this opportunity to say I am overjoyed that my health has improved to such a degree that I can come back to work. I am also overjoyed that I can help people and make a difference. My brush with a life-threatening illness has definitely made me more understanding, more engaged, more willing to work with other health professionals. It’s also given me a deeper appreciation of the mind/body equation. So now I’m interested in sharing the wisdom I’ve acquired on the journey back to good health.
I want to apply these insights and experiences to being a better chiropractor and helping patients in the future. It’s about understanding the work/life balance which previously I had wrong; it’s about appreciating the importance of prevention over cure. I have a fresh perspective from experiencing very serious problems like the one I had. I was told I’d never be able to work again. And then with the right medical attention and help, we were able to get a positive result.
I want you to experience the joy of healing: to be free from pain and to regain good health. I am living proof that it’s possible. So please get in touch with the practice and let us help you on your journey.