History of Chiropractic.
Chiropractic proudly boasts to be largest drug free profession in the world. Chiropractic is based on the premise that the body has an innate ability to heal itself providing there is no interferrence to normal function.
Where did Chiropractic begin?
In 1895 D.D. Palmer founded Chiropractic. His first patient was Harvey Lillard, a deaf janitor. During that era, a lack of health often brought about the use of harsh patent medicines that contained many substances some of which are banned today. Some of the ingredients were Alcohol, cocaine, mercury and arsenic.
Daniel David Palmer was a healer, experimenter and had the capacity to think outside the box. The question he asked himself was “I wish to find out why, people exposed to the same environment suffered different ailments, and some no ailments”.
He discovered it was smarter to focus on the person suffering the disease rather than put your focus on the disease.
D.D. Palmers’ son B.J. Palmer carried on from his father and is considered the developer of chiropractic. He did many experiments into the different behaviour of malfunctioning joints causing altered function.
Humanity starts with the assumption that health is normal. The second assumption is that anything less that normal, vibrant less than optimal health, something is interferring with the body’s innate ability to self heal and experience life to the fullest.
Unfortunately we have a tendencey to look outside ourselves and our lifestyle at some of the more common culprits of our bad experience.
Bad luck. Accidents are in this category. “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time”
Germs. Blaming a cold or the flu solely on germs overlooks one essential ingredient – being a hospitable host.
Genetic. The newest fad is having a “bad gene”. Yet, DNA expression is greatly impacted by the environment we live in.
We consider a much more significant influence to your health and that is the integrity of the systems that control the body are performing at less than optimal putting us in a state of dis-ease.
The Chiropractic Adjustment
The Chiropractic Adjustment is performed to relieve joint fixation thereby allowing the body to function more normal. With normal function the healing process is helped so that once again your body can return to its natural state and perform to its fullest potential.
How well educated is your chiropractor?
Today’s chiropractors are required to study around some 4,485 hours compared to only 4,248 hours for a medical degree. Chiropractors study more anatomy, pathology, microbiology, diagnosis, neurology, x-ray and orthopedics that the general medical practitioner. Today’s chiropractors also undertake specialised study in spinal adjustment, manipulation and advanced radiology.
In Australia and New Zealand, there are institutions that support tertiary chiropractic education programs.
The duration of study is a minimum of 5 years and can include additional or post graduate study. Internships are part of the education requirement and following the completion of the degree new chiropractors are requited to pass licensing exams in order to begin practising. Seminars and on-going education are likely components necessary in order to meet on going licensing obligations.
In Australia and New Zealand, contact these organisations for more information. For Chiropractic Colleges please go to the other links page for information.