Salutogenesis: The Birth of Health
- May 10
- 2 min read
This post is adapted from John Ohm's 2026 ICPA Chiropractic Newsletter article, “Salutogenesis: The Birth of Health.” The article explores how birth can become more than an outcome to manage. It can become an active, meaningful experience that helps a family generate health from within.
The Birth of Health Starts With Coherence
Salutogenesis means “the birth of health.” In this article, that idea is applied to pregnancy and birth: when families understand their own resourcefulness, they can meet birth with more confidence, adaptability, and connection.
Rather than seeing birth as something that simply happens to a mother or family, this perspective sees birth as an active relationship between the mother’s body, the baby’s body, and the family’s preparation. The article describes this as the dance of “Power, Passage, and Passenger,” encouraging parents to become engaged participants in the process.
“The truth for women living in a modern world is that they must take increasing responsibility for the skills they bring into birth.”
At Healing Wave Chiropractic, this message fits beautifully with a nervous-system-focused approach to pregnancy and family wellness. Gentle, connected care is about helping the body feel more organized, supported, and adaptable. Families preparing for birth can learn more about Pregnancy & Pediatric Chiropractic, and new practice members can begin with New Patient information.
A salutogenic birth is not defined by location—home, birth center, or hospital. It is rooted in the family’s “sense of coherence”: the inner steadiness that helps them understand, manage, and find meaning in the experience. When birth is honored this way, it can become a foundation for bonding, resilience, and lifelong well-being.
Ready to feel more supported through pregnancy, birth preparation, or family wellness? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shaun M Gallagher and discover gentle care for your nervous system, your body, and your growing family.
Helpful Resources
This article was inspired by an educational newsletter provided and published by the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association.
For more family wellness resources, visit Discover Kids Health.
For more articles on family well-being, visit Pathways to Family Wellness.
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