My wife, Barbara, and three-year-old daughter, Kaitlin, eagerly packed their suitcases to accompany me to Toalmas, Hungary, an hour's drive south of Budapest (Buda-pesht), the capitol city of some two million people. My objective was to provide the highest quality chiropractic care possible in the village of Toalmas.
Before I began seeing patients, I met with one of the two medical doctors of the village, Dr. Sas, who spoke some English and was very cordial and interested in the type of treatment I would be providing. He and his wife (a senior medical school student) ended up spending over six hours observing my work and asking various questions.
I treated approximately 80 patients, ranging from five years of age to seniors, using diversified techniques.
The most common conditions treated were low back pain, cervical pain, headaches, and associated radicular dysfunction and complaints. I encountered and treated a large number of extremity joint problems, which I attributed to the years of hard manual labor these Hungarian patients experience. A contributing factor may be that these people either walk or bicycle everywhere.
Also, a number of scoliosis screenings were completed and a few visceral/organic problems were evaluated. Their diets are very high in saturated fats and their health reflects this.
Dr. Sas, the community MD, sent a number of his patients to see me. With few exceptions, the patients greatly appreciated the care that was rendered. I even had a few older ladies kiss my hand!
"Bonesmith," is the Hungarian term used to describe laymen who perform bone setting and body manipulations. An American "bonesmith" is the title given to me, a term the Hungarians could comprehend.
While in Budapest, I was privileged to have lunch with the only officially recognized chiropractor in Hungary. He related some very interesting stories concerning the practice of chiropractic in Hungary. He informed me that the Hungarian government has definite interest in chiropractic care.
The Hungarian people were terrific. Our affection and appreciation for them grew each day. They were able to experience the genuine compassion expressed so deftly and practically through chiropractic care.
A short-term mission also transforms the DC appreciation for the science and art of chiropractic and its ability to affect healing.
Our trip to Hungary was a fantastic experience and one we will never forget! We look forward to other short-term mission trips and to returning to Toalmas, Hungary.
Dr. David Eisenberg
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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