The Typical Client

1. The Typical Client

The typical client who consults with a Hygienic practitioner will most likely have had recourse to various “therapies” and will have plied him or herself well with a variety of chemicals which may well have ranged from all manner of prescribed drugs to over-the-counter concoctions; to vitamins, herbs, and a variety of assorted supplements. Many will also have sought a magic release from their many ailments from practitioners of diverse disciplines. Almost without exception, they will be lacking in hope and seek out the Hygienist as a last recourse, lacking any real faith that this time they will be successful in their quest, the finding of a “cure” for whatever ails them.

It will be rare, indeed, to find clients who will appreciate the fact that, so long as sufficient vital force exists to power the effort, the erstwhile dream of attaining a higher level of health can become an accomplished reality and this through something they had all along: the healing power within. And, too, they will fail to realize that the magic solution they have sought for so long will require effort on their part; that the attainment of better health requires a planned transition, a gradual organized rebuilding which will, when adhered to in all particulars, take them from their present here of sickness and suffering to the there of dreams fulfilled and euphoric joy in living.

1.1 Fred—Case Study

Fred was typical. In his late 70s, Fred came to us suffering from digestive trouble and a prostate enlargement which caused him to urinate frequently, especially at night, and was the source of much discomfort. For several days prior to his first visit, he had been unable to retain any food, vomiting, as he said, “even a poached egg.”

A widower for some ten years, Fred was lonely. He recounted a sad tale of how he and his wife had travelled many miles and counseled with many “specialists” in search of a cure for his wife’s cancer, but to no avail.

Sadly, he told us that it has “cost me well over $70,000.00 to bury my angel.”

It was obvious that Fred was still grieving and living in the past. Like so many others, following his wife’s death he, too, had begun to fail and, like so many others, too, he had begun yet another, so far unsuccessful, search for a better life. He recounted how he had consulted with several medical men, including a specialist in internal medicine how, almost in desperation, he had finally gone to see naturopath and a nutripathist; all without, of course, a noticeable improvement.

Fred told how he had taken the pills, the enemas (low and high), the various drugs, herbs and vitamins. In fact he said that he had a whole box of vitamin bottles and with a gesture, indicated a box large enough to house a food processor! Fred sadly shook his head. He knew that he had foolishly spent a fortune on yet another fruitless pursuit. And now, said he, “I am here to see what you have to offer.”

Fred’s predicament is not at all unusual or rare. Unfortunately, his case, while not wholly typical in all particulars, does demonstrate the emotional valley it which so many of our new clients find themselves. The practitioner must be ready to respond in a constructive way to this kind of negativity. Perhaps the most valuable service the Hygienist can offer in the initial stages of transition is to supply the missing ingredient of hope.

1.1.1 Our First Move

To instill an element of Positivity into Fred’s thinking we invited him to one of our potluck parties. At that particular meeting, we had 13 guests besides him. He was surrounded by people in various way stations along the transition road. All had achieved some measure of success some amazingly so. Fred had to take notice!

We watched and listened as Fred asked questions received positive input and encouragement. One couple, in particular, cornered him and we heard the give and take One little child, age eight, a recovered asthmatic, climbed up on his knee and asked, “Do you like fruit, too?”

The table was spread with all manner of salad makings. The washed fruit filled a number of plates. There were steamed potatoes for Fred and some steamed green beans, and he wisely ate very little. But, his eyes darted hither and wonder watching what other guests chose for their meal.

Fred asked for his second appointment before the evening was over. We asked him to keep a record of his food intake and set a time for our next meeting. Fred was ready to begin his own transition into better living. The meeting together with friends had successfully supplied the missing elements in Fred’s life: faith and hope.