What is a vitalist viewpoint regarding human health?

The vitalist viewpoint regarding human health asserts that an organism is a vital reactive entity, meaning that it encompasses more than just physical processes. This perspective recognizes the importance of the life force or vital energy that maintains health and supports an individual's overall well-being. Vitalism places emphasis on the holistic nature of health, considering not just physical symptoms but also mental, emotional, and spiritual factors that contribute to an individual’s state of health.

In this context, the vitalist approach suggests that health cannot be fully understood or achieved by focusing solely on physical aspects or symptoms. Instead, it advocates for a comprehensive understanding of the individual, where health is seen as a dynamic interplay between various internal and external factors. This viewpoint encourages practitioners, such as chiropractors, to consider the holistic nature of their patients, aiming to restore and maintain health by addressing the underlying vital forces rather than merely treating isolated symptoms or diseases.