The Rationale and History of the Basic Treatment Guidelines

By Christie Winkelman, MA, ND candidate

The Basic Treatment Guidelines (BTGs) are a list of recommended actions and supplements that have been in continual development by Dr. Dick Thom, DDS, N.D. over the past 20 years. Dr. Thom conceived of each guideline within the BTGs by systematically using different treatment recommendations with his patients over 190,000 patient contacts, and observing the outcomes. The BTGs are a culmination of this research into why certain patients heal and maintain health, and others do not.

Each guideline was added only after Dr. Thom had accumulated sufficient evidence that this action was integral to the health of the human organism, and could contribute to the healing in persons with chronic disease, and the maintenance and improvement of health in people without identified health challenges.

We always have the potential for achieving the ideal terrain, or foundation of health, that is our birthright. The importance of terrain is evidenced by the fact that each of us responds differently to stressors such as bacteria, viruses, or emotional strain: Why are some people so much more resilient than others, both on a physical and an emotional level? The human body is perfectly designed to maintain health and equilibrium, given the proper maintenance and support. This health and equilibrium can be disrupted if we introduce endogenous or exogenous toxins into our system without having a way to properly eliminate them. Each BTG acts on one or more organs or systems of the body to achieve or maintain cellular homeostasis. The cell is the basic metabolic unit of the human organism, so we must start there in understanding why disruptions in physiology occur that result in less-than-optimal health.

Taken as a whole, the BTGs provide a framework in which we can structure the maintenance and care of ourselves on many levels-they literally provide an oasis from our busy lives and an opportunity to invest in our well-being several times a day. It is this intention, action, and care that provide a solid foundation, which can buffer us against adverse reactions to occasional stressors and difficulties.

Most impressively, the BTGs were developed with health in mind, instead of disease. Because of this orientation, the implementation of them can better the health of any person, regardless of their current state of health or wellness.

The ultimate value of the Basic Treatment Guidelines is that the theory underpinning them focuses not on pathology, but on constantly improving our physiology so that we may be not only free of health concerns, but function on a level that truly allows us to focus on our true purpose and most important life priorities with joy, ease, and inspiration.