What is Chiropractic, Really?
The Chiropractic Profession:
Unjustly On Front Lines of Skepticism
Chiropractic has been on the front lines of skepticism virtually since its birth in the late 19th century, and as with any new ‘science’ that is difficult to explain, it is readily deemed as “bad science” and condemned by many “authorities.”
Historically, there are many ideas that were adamantly condemned at first. For example, the concepts that the earth is round and not flat, that the sun revolves around the earth instead of the other way around, and more currently, the idea of quantum physics as it directly challenges and conflicts with Newtonian physics. Even religious beliefs face skepticism and challenge!
For some reason, whether religious-based, profit-based or more likely ego-based, we have a difficult time allowing for a change in a paradigm. To flow with the possibility that what we think we know as fact today, will more than likely be the myth of tomorrow.
Could this be the case with chiropractic?
Chiropractic has indeed made progress towards acceptance, however, the progress has been far too slow, and in some cases…it even has taken steps backward. Or rather pushed backward by those who harshly condemn it (IE. The Medical Profession).
Let’s pause for a moment, and talk a bit more about the beginning of chiropractic and its premise.
Chiropractic Premise
Although many believe that chiropractic was discovered in United States fairly recently, 1895, by Daniel David Palmer, the premise of removing stress off a nerve by correcting a misalignment of a spinal vertebrae joint actually dates back over 5,000 years in ancient China, Egypt and India. This practice of “manipulating joints”, helped with varies types of pain including those related to the internal organs.
Chiropractic emphasizes the assertion that the cause of many disease processes (if not all) begins with the body’s inability to adapt to its environment.
Chiropractic looks to address these diseases, not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting an area of the spine, which is functioning improperly: known as vertebral subluxation complex (a controversial term, even among chiropractors).
What a chiropractic doctor does, is locate and remove nerve stress (a condition that puts pressure on nerve(s), which causes pain, or a less than optimal function of the nerve involved), via the famous chiropractic “adjustment”. When such an imbalance within the body occurs, it is thought that a chain reaction of the imbalance consequentially lowers the body’s resistance, and thus weakens the individual, eventually resulting in a disease process.
I certainly believe that we can ALL agree, that no matter what disease or condition exists, there can only be benefit from a healthy spine!
Chiropractor’s feel that spinal health can be as important for the overall healing process as proper nutrition, stress-free lifestyle, exercise, and emotional health.
And with some people, having a healthy spine is a major factor! For them, it can make the difference between a life of health, strength, and vitality OR a life of disease, weakness, and disability.
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