Tyler Baron

ID: 117495

Chiropractic Principles: Ancient foundations of manual

medicine, metaphysics and science
Chiropractic care has been resourcefully used as a method of healing for many decades in the
Eastern culture for treating spinal fractures and luxations. Texts of these specific practices were
identified in China in the Shiyi dexiao fang. In other Eastern locations, Chiropractic treatments
were delivered from bath attendants, not just practitioners. The concept at the time was not
identified as a medicinal practice, but for hygienic purposes.1
Hippocrates practice of spinal manipulative techniques is widely referenced during the
sixteenth century. Hippocrates was one of the first physicians to describe the techniques of
spinal manipulation, even developing methods of adjusting the spine through use of
Tractioning. This practice was recognized as foundational approach towards methods of
healing, alongside medicine and surgery. He brought attention to the importance of the health of
the spine for its relationship towards the nervous system and the overall functioning of the
human body. It is quoted by Hippocrates himself; Look well to the spine for the cause of
disease. 1
Bone setting was originally considered as an undignified method of practice, and, for a long
time, was only practiced by unlicensed care givers. Later into the nineteen century, its art was
recognized by medical doctors and included in their practices. It was the early phases of
manipulation being used in a professional practice. However, by end of the nineteenth century,
physicians were still conflicted with the practice on an ethical stand point.1 This dilemma
regarding bonesetting/chiropractic care as an acceptable form of treatment had gone up to the
20th century. Physicians still felt the practice was considered irregular and took many years to
receive legal acceptance in the field of health care2. Bonesetting was pickup by many doctors
during its era, and its techniques were utilized and documented which supported its ability to
grow and develop over the years.1
Andrew Stills was a doctor who embraced the practice of bone setting in his list of medicinal
talents. He, and many other practitioners, uncovered the effective use of spinal manipulation due
to a neglect of other orthodox treatments. Still eventually evolved his skill of bonesetting by
adding substantial speed to the mechanisms of the treatment. He furthered his knowledge from
his chiropractic background to developing a new practice called Osteopathy. The practice of
osteopathy depicted the idea of the body being a machine and the physician being the mechanic.
In present day, the use of manipulative techniques has become apparent in the osteopath scope of
practice.1
In the earliest development, the technique of manipulation was utilized by physical
therapists. Spinal manipulation eventually became a practice of its own in the nineteenth century.
Over time the art of manipulation has proven itself as a beneficial treatment method for physical
therapists to treat joint pain or soft tissue restraints.1
Chiropractic care was adapted in an era where many hazardous and painful medicinal
practices were being performed (i.e Bloodletting). The art of chiropractic care was seen as a less
invasive method of spiritual healing. D.D Palmer, the founder of Chiropractic, advertised the

Tyler Baron
ID: 117495

practice as a method of restoring the bodys natural expression of healing. This theory was the
root of what Chiropractic care grew from and became the profession it is today.1

References

Tyler Baron
ID: 117495

1. Haldeman, S. Principles and practice of chiropractic. 3rd ed. 2005. McGraw-Hill Medical
Publishing. c1980
2. Claire J. The chiropractic professions philosophical path. Journal of Chiropractic
Humanities. 2010; 7(1):1-5