The Business Side of Healing

There is something a little different about the business of healing. The main objective of most businesses is to increase their owners’ wealth (hopefully coupled with offering something of value to society). Healing professions also concern themselves with a beautiful bottom line.
But individuals who endeavor to alleviate suffering through a form of healing work are usually drawn to this by some siren’s song within. Perhaps they possess a great love for people, extraordinary compassion, a sense of the divinity of life, or a tremendous innate gift. Maybe they choose to do this work because they are fascinated by the mechanisms of the body; they long to solve some great biological puzzle; or they are honoring their family profession. A few may actually choose a medical career with the primary goal of attaining wealth and status.
As interesting and varied as the reasons why people choose to do healing work is the work itself. This applies to more than just physicians and nurses. There are those that offer healing through homeopathic or ayurvedic treatments. Naturopaths and herbalists, chiropractors and massage therapists, acupuncturists and energy workers, physical therapists and paramedics – all of these people offer their unique approach to the healing process. Then there are those in support positions such as medical technicians, hospital administrators and professional caregivers that are also involved with the care and treatment of those in pain. And we should not neglect to mention veterinarians who treat our animal friends, counselors and others in psychology who nurture mental health, and the people who concern themselves with spiritual well being. There are so many ways to heal, and many who need healing.