Principle #32 and the Chiropractor

Editor’s note. This article is an edit/reprint from my article in the Summer 2003 edition of “The Spinal Column”, the official newsletter of the Chiropractic Society of Texas.

As one studies Chiropractic philosophy, the one thing that strikes you is how it applies to all aspects of life. One of these basic principles is that Chiropractic philosophy flows from above-down inside-out. Intelligence flows from the SOURCE to each individual and we can take this and apply it to the issue of why a Chiropractor should belong to a state, province or national association.

In R.W. Stephenson's 1927, "Chiropractic Textbook", the 33 Principles of Chiropractic were outlined for the profession. These principles start with a major premise and then flow from above-down in a deductive fashion. Principle number 32 deals with the principle of coordination. It is defined as, "Coordination is the principle of harmonious action of all the parts of an organism, in fulfilling their offices and purposes".

First, let us look at the organism of Chiropractic and evaluate the individual parts. Above all else, the Principles of Chiropractic come first. The reason why we must start here is because these principles are the premise on which Chiropractic is based. The tenets of Chiropractic are more important than any individual association, chiropractic college or individual practicing chiropractor. These principles are timeless and are perfect.

The next item in our discuss ion involves the state, province and national chiropractic associations. Belonging to an association is very important because it allows for a collective group of Chiropractors, with the same core values and beliefs, to come together and promote and protect their point of view. We use our membership and the resources it provides to advance Chiropractic and to keep our profession a separate and distinct healing art. We must also protect it from any interlopers, such as physical therapists trying to manipulate or treat subluxations.

The office holders of these associations also play a vital role in allowing proper communication of issues concerning the advancement of Chiropractic to flow to the general membership. If this flow is interfered with, then incoordination will result and the organism (in this case the association) will lose its proper function and experience a lack of ease. Therefore, it is vital that communication flows to and from the chiropractor and the association to ensure that all parts of the organism are in a state of harmonious action.

Finally, the individual chiropractor plays an important role in expressing Chiropractic philosophy and applying this true philosophy to the general public. If the Chiropractic principles are adhered to and expressed through both the association and the individual member, we have coordinated function and as a result, we are fulfilling our offices and purposes. The end result will have positive accumulative constructive survival values for Chiropractic. Get involved!