Western chiropractor in Shenzhen ‘saved my life’

"You could say that I didn't choose China, but rather China chose me," Dr. Stephen Chiarello---or Dr. Steve to most of his patients ---says. After working as a chiropractor in Las Vegas, Nevada, for over 25 years, Chiarello says he was ready for a change.

"I wanted to find something that was more meaningful and could change more people's lives," he says.

"Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, under the belief that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system," reads Wikipedia.

Even though chiropractic is not common in China, it is compatible with traditional Chinese medicine. "The philosophy of chiropractic is that the body can heal itself, without drugs or surgery," Chiarello says.

"We opened our chiropractic clinic in October 2014," he says. "Our practice is an equal blend of Chinese and Western patients. I am also teaching my staff of local Chinese doctors Western chiropractic techniques so that we are able to help more people. There are many choices for healthcare in China. And the Chinese style works very well for many people. But not everyone is able to get well with Chinese medicine."

"I really feel that Dr. Steve saved my life," says Leigh, an American. "My headaches were ruining my life. I took pain pills every day. I tried massages and acupuncture, but nothing worked. I just happened across Dr. Steve's office right after it opened and immediately became a regular patient. With a couple weeks of treatments, my headaches started going away. Today, I'm almost pain free — I just have to get monthly adjustments."

Chiarello says, "People here are generally in favor of natural healing. We have already had many miraculous outcomes for our patients, and more and more Chinese are beginning to understand the difference and benefit of chiropractic treatment. Over 100 years chiropractic has grown to be the leading alternative healthcare in America. This can only happen if we are able to help sick, hurting people get well."

After just over a year in China, Chiarello says he is adjusting well to his new life.