Chiropractic Philosophy

Going dark

2010-03-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

Dear all,

I am currently working on a new and exciting package of chiropractic philosophy material. I will post more soon!

The Chasm

2009-11-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

While speaking at Life University's Lyceum last month, I had the opportunity to listen to Dr. Guy Riekeman give his presentation at opening ceremonies. During a few of his presentations, he will sometime mention the different types of health care. They consist of:

1. Do nothing
2. Treatment of diseases with drugs and surgeries.
3. Treatment of diseases with everything but drugs and surgeries.
4. True chiropractic (ADIO)

I feel sad to have to put any type of prefix or suffix on chiropractic, but it is getting necessary to qualify your position more and more. As a professor at a chiropractic college, my students will have the health care philosophy of numbers 2, 3, and 4. This is generally why we have such lively debates in class because some think health needs to come from the outside, others from within.

The similarity between #2 and #3 is a mechanistic philosophy. The body is weak, susceptible to outside forces and it needs help to heal. The manifestations in the chiropractic profession include the outrageous bill in New Mexico to include prescriptive rights in chiropractic http://www.individual.com/story.php?story=109949199 to treating different ailments with vitamins, herbs, exercise, rehab and other outside influences.

Numbers 3 and 4 have a natural philosophy in similar but have one key difference. The shy away from artificial or man-made products with high side effects and focus on working with things provided by nature.

But a key difference is that the fourth model centers around the body as a self-healing and self-regulating system via proper mental impulse communication. If 100% communication exists through the application of chiropractic care, the body can express itself without the help from the outside. Health flows from Above-Down, Inside-Out guided by Innate Intelligence.

Every chiropractic student needs to answer this dilemma for themselves. Straddling the fence of chiropractic philosophy will only lead to problems down the road.

Report from the War Front

2009-07-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

Editors note: This is another post by some of the lost greats in the chiropracTIC profession here in Texas. Dr. Seymour Fischer submitted this article to me right before his passing several years ago. I am amazed at the certainty these chiropracTOR's possessed. More to come! - Eric

“Disease is not an entity, but a fluctuating condition of the patient’s body, a battle between the substance of disease and the natural self-healing tendency of the body.” Hippocrates

Since its inception more than 100 years ago, the chiropractic profession has been engaged in a war for survival against powerful enemies. Recently, more and more cracks have appeared in the enemy camp. Vitalist philosophy is making significant gains against materialist mechanism.

I quote from an article in a new magazine, “Integrative Medicine”. The article was written by Sidney Macdonald Baker, M.D. He states:

The concept that diseases are entities and can cause symptoms is entirely without scientific support. IT is a linguistical error that forges a false map in the imagination of professionals and lay people.
The ideas that each patient’s diagnostic and treatment options can be based on determinations of averages is a misuse of statistics when it serves as a diagnostic and therapeutic guide for all individuals.
The maxim that assumptions to explain an event should not be multiplied beyond necessity (Occam’s razor) is the logical partner of the one-disease, one treatment approach of mainstream medicine, particularly in the framework of chronic illness. Medicine is the only field claiming a scientific basis in which general systems theory-ie, that everything is interconnected—has not become the acknowledged basis for inquiry. Linear causality remains the accepted basis for etiology.

Dr. Baker further discusses cause and effect with his “Two Tacks Laws”

If you are sitting on a tack, it takes a lot of aspirin to make it feel good. (The proper treatment for tack sitting is tack removal.)
If you are sitting on 2 tacks, removing one does not result in 50% improvement. (Chronic illness is, or becomes, multi-factorial.)

Chiropractic philosophy has a parallel terminology using the term subluxation correction rather than tack removal. Chiropractic teaches that getting down to brass tacks requires the removal of cause, not the temporary alleviation of symptoms.

Dr. Baker concludes with his opinion on the importance of individuality contrasted with the concept of group therapy based on statistics of averages. He states,

“This approach is based on the recognition that individuality is spiritual as well as a biological foundation in the sense that each of us is a unique creature. Hence our patients are denied dignity when given a group identity (diagnosis) and a group treatment (the treatment of choice for that diagnosis).

Inside Out or Outside In?

Those among us who are tempted to tread the discredited road of diagnosis and treatment will find themselves being passed by medical practitioners in the opposite direction.

Retracting vs. Reacting

2009-06-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: This is the last post by Dr. Sanford Black. Dr. Black was a great chiropractor and an even better friend. I miss his gentle nature and sage advice. I tell all of my chiropractic students that they are a beautiful painting that is always being worked on. Your loved ones, friends, mentors and colleagues continually get an opportunity to put brush strokes on your painting. Some put more colors and bigger brush strokes than others, but everyone you come in contact with have an opportunity to paint on your life. I appreciate Dr. Black's contributions to my chiropractic understanding. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share his message with the chiropractic world.

Reaction vs. Retracing

In Chiropractic Philosophy these two terms are not the same and should never be used interchangeably.

Early clinical observations noted that a patient often seemed to pass through each phase that they had passed through in getting to the point of their first Chiropractic care. Usually it was determined to be a t a lesser degree of severity and for a shorter term of time.

Explanation of this to the new patient prior to the start of the patient’s care was helpful in the education of the patient. This was a noticeable occurrence that the patient could see, and gave the patient positive knowledge that his Chiropractic care was to be successful. This retracting, noted by the Chiropractor, and also instilled confidence that the patient is responding in the desired way.

On the other hand, the term “Reaction” often has the connotation of adverse reaction as commonly referred to as “side effects”. In many cases it will indicate to the Chiropractor that his analysis and delivery of the vertebral adjustment are not correcting the vertebral subluxation and need to be re-studied. An example, one of many, could be when the patient experiences vertigo right after receiving the adjustic thrust. This has been clinically noted in those cases that fail to respond and obtain the expected improvement.

Disorders of function respond so predictably and so readily to Vertebral Adjustment that many Chiropractors seek this type of patient primarily and, thus, avoid the “pain abatement” type of practice. They have found that the results of correct analysis and precision vertebral adjusting result in the conclusion, “IT WORKS”; just like when the brown cow eats green grass and gives white milk.

Diagnosis vs. Analysis

2009-06-11T09:12:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: This is the eighth installment of a series of chiropractic philosophy short essays by Dr. Sanford Black. Dr. Black was a 1947 graduate of the Palmer School of Chiropractic and practiced in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Chiropractic Philosophy

Diagnosis or Chiropractic Analysis? Which is usually used to determine that the new patient is to be accepted for care in the Chiropractic Office? Which is actually so very important in the initial process of determining the case management and the eventual successful care of the Chiropractic Patient?

In Diagnosis, the various and sundry test findings, the observation of the patient, the consultation where initial complaints are noted and added to the other findings. Theses all indicate to the physician that a certain diagnosis may be listed as the “Initial Diagnosis” with the reservation that further into the treatment that diagnosis may be amended or changed entirely.

In Chiropractic Analysis, the Chiropractor initially records a history, including patient’s initial complaints. To determine if there is a Vertebral Subluxation present there are various tests and observations necessary. When it is determined that Vertebral Subluxations are indicated it is then that the location within the spine must be decided. Measurements of the heat differentials in the tissues over the posterior spinal nerves usually give information as to the general location of the Vertebral Subluxation. Palpation and X-Ray Spinographs then give the Chiropractor the knowledge to make the corrective adjustment.

Results of unlimited tests of body fluids will not indicate in any way the location of the Vertebral Subluxation. Results obtained from various chemical stimuli will not indicate the proper way to achieve a correction of a Vertebral Subluxation.

There are no compelling reasons for the Doctor of Chiropractic to even attempt a diagnosis. There are a great number of reasons for him to be absolutely sure that all factors involved in the correction of the subluxation have been correctly determined. The successful results of patient care are dependant on all the things that were observed in the Chiropractic Analysis being correct to the point of perfection. Results then occur naturally, just like when the brown cow eats green grass and gives white milk.

Get the Idea

2009-05-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: This week's post is the seventh of nine short articles by the late Dr. Sanford Black.

Chiropractic Philosophy

Chiropractic Philosophy covers discussions of many different subjects. Many “How Comes”, “Whys?” and “Maybes”. One would think that after sixty years of direct Chiropractic and having been in active practice over fifty-four years this writer would be free of those unanswerable questions.

There has always been one question paramount in my mind. It has been asked of others many times and never seems to be taken seriously or given any important thought. The question can be stated very simply; “Why does the Innate response to different adjustments of different vertebra in different areas of the spine often result in a patient’s response being almost the same?”

The analysis and listing for a vertebral subluxation in the Atlanto-Occipital area will result in the Chiropractor adjusting and correcting the cause of many different subjective symptoms. The patient will be very pleased with the responses and be happy they were lucky to “Find a Good Chiropractor”.

Again this same patient may, at a different time and place, contact a different Chiropractor. Analysis and listings may cause this Chiropractor to decide that the first Thoracic Vertebra is subluxated and causing symptoms described in the initial consultation, and incidentally they are a group of symptoms very similar to the ones that the former Chiropractor dealt with successfully.

Why is success gained by both Chiropractors? Is it true that there is only one cause and one correction? Conversely, the question could be, “Why does a patient not respond to Vertebral Adjustments regardless of the analysis and listings? Does this mean that some patients have become “Hopeless Cases?”

An early days Chiropractor has often been quoted, “Get the Idea and All Else Follows”. Does this mean for a Chiropractor to find the vertebral subluxation, correctly adjust same and gorge ahead? Just like when the brown cow eats green grass and gives white milk?

Life and the Brown Cow

2009-04-29T08:05:00.000-07:00

Editor's note: This is the sixth installment of the Brown Cow and Chiropractic Philosophy Series by Dr. Sanford Black. Dr. Black was a 1947 graduate of the Palmer School of Chiropractic and practiced in Mineral Wells, Texas. As a longstanding secretary and parliamentarian of the Chiropractic Society of Texas, his influence in advancing the Principles of Chiropractic in Texas will always be appreciated.

Chiropractic Philosophy

In the Chiropractic profession Chiropractors have long known that “Life” within the human body is always functioning at full, one hundred percent, efficiency at all times to maintain a normal, healthy body that is capable of performing all the functions that are part of normal living. They know failure in a bodily function or abnormality in an organ is often found to be the result of a Vertebral Subluxation. Chiropractic analysis can locate these and their correction results in the return to normal function of that “Life” force within the body.

Many scientists are researching the broad term referred to as “Life”. Much has been written about what we know and what we believe about “Life”. In all this, no one has been able to produce “Life” in an inanimate object. The idea that “Life” can be created has many adherents, but no real hopes of achieving now life in anything animal or vegetable has a valid basis.

Thousands of ways of adapting or changing life that already exists are available to the scientific community and new achievements are being announced very often.

Chiropractic adjustment of vertebral subluxations is always the basis and prime duty of the Chiropractor. All other procedures are merely ancillary to this. The skill of a Chiropractor in these other fields, such as patient education, will be effective only when the Chiropractic Adjustment has been accomplished.

Much has been learned and written about the phenomenon that we call “Life”. Chiropractors have a very special term to refer to it. Innate has always been in Chiropractic Philosophy since the very early history of Chiropractic.

The return to normal function within the body is almost a foregone conclusion as the interfering vertebral subluxation is corrected. The rate of recovery depends upon the extent of tissue damage and the resulting degeneration of tissue cells. Sometimes there is less than desire recovery and absolute full recovery cannot be accomplished. In Chiropractic Philosophy this is described as “Limitation of Matter”.

Often, in a busy Chiropractic Practice, one notes cases that recover to a much greater degree and in much less time than had been expected. This, then, can be compared to the way that a brown cow eats green grass and gives white milk.

The Vertebral Subluxation and the Brown Cow

2009-04-22T08:10:00.000-07:00

Editor's note. This is the fifth installment of eight essays provided to me by Sanford Black, DC. Dr. Black was a 1947 graduate of the Palmer School of Chiropractic. He was a WWII Veteran and a Blair practitioner in Mineral Wells, Texas.

Chiropractic Philosophy

The modern Chiropractor that has a practice that is based one hundred percent on the Subluxation Complex has the most satisfying and also the very easiest of all categories of Chiropractic Practice. This statement is made without reservations or exceptions. There is one major objective; one supreme requirement; and also one absolute resultant. All else falls within the categories of Practice Management, Patient Management, Office Management, accounting procedure, practice growth procedures and Patient Education. These important procedures are taught in our Chiropractic Colleges and also in the many existent Seminars, but all are secondary to the three major concerns mentioned above.

The Primary or Major Objective in a Chiropractic Practice is the absolutely accurate location, analysis and adjustment of the vertebral subluxations. Many methods of analysis are available. Most Chiropractors use the methods that give them the most accurate analysis and the one that they have the most confidence in. Many Chiropractors have developed a routine of using more than one method in order to have a system of checks and balances to insure that their analysis is nearly one hundred percent correct at all times.

In my opinion, the Supreme Requirement in a Chiropractic Practice is, and must be, knowledge that Chiropractic Works in all patients at all times! Correction, by Chiropractic Adjustment, of the observed Vertebral Subluxations gives the Chiropractor faith, confidence and belief in himself, in his abilities, and , most important, in the Principles of Chiropractic.

The Absolute Resultant occurs with the successful vertebral adjustment. When the occlusion is no longer present the Innate can begin the recovery of the normal functions of the tissues affected. With his test results to tell him that the adjustment was successful, the Chiropractor is free to begin Case Management and Patient Management and to monitor the process of recovery. The absolute ideal would be that there was no further need for adjustments so that the Chiropractor could concentrate on patient care. Patients must be taught that further care and continued monitoring is absolutely essential for their maximum recovery. Patients should be also taught to be referral patients to their friends and family.

As the Chiropractor moves into the success mode, expecting and obtaining excellent results, he begins to realize and understand just how easy that his practice has become. Just like when the brown cow eats green grass and gives white milk.

Chiropractic Philosophy?

2009-04-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

Editor's note. This is the third essay in a series of five from Dr. Sanford Black.

By Dr. Sanford Black

Today’s remarks are not about you and me – just the other feller. Practice mistakes are seldom ever heard about. NO one enjoys telling about their own errors but we can all learn from them. For example, if your patient does not respond properly, as expected, after being adjusted several times over a considerable length of time. A very careful and complete re-Analysis and evaluation is definitely indicated. Once you have discovered your mistake and have been properly horrified by it, your efforts will be rewarded by the patient’s favorable response.

A common mistake that is often made by the Chiropractors is the lack of understanding that we have about the Innate power within the patient’s body. When we make a preliminary consultation we often decide that the patient’s ability to recover is very, very poor. Sometimes we even refer that patient because we fail to have confidence in that particular area of human dysfunction – another mistake.

On occasion the Chiropractor is only considering a “new” acute problem. Research into the patient’s history would have revealed the long standing chronic problem underlying the initial complaint. This is very often a result of hurry and pressure of waiting patients so that enough time was not available for that particular patient.

Each Chiropractic Practice is unique and different. Each has routine procedures that often become locked in concrete. To change even a small detail in an area such as patient traffic within the Clinic is almost impossible – Another mistake!

Another common mistake made by many Chiropractors is their failure to recognize their own professional needs. Sometimes, if the truth were known, the last thin new that the Chiropractor learned was in the last period just before his graduation and award of the D.C. degree. Resistance to change and condemnation of new procedures and other new knowledge is found particularly in the mature Chiropractor in the middle of an advanced successful practice.

Enough of this subject. Philosophy can turn into meddlesome questions unless one is very careful. Just like when the brown cow eats green grass and gives white milk.

The Brown Cow and Chiropractic Philosophy

2009-04-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

Editors Note: This is the second article in a series of small essays given to me by Dr. Sanford Black. Dr. Black was a 1947 graduate from the Palmer School of Chiropractic and practiced Blair Upper Cervical work in Mineral Wells, Texas until he graduated from the physical plane.

Chiropractic Philosophy By Dr. Sanford Black

In philosophical discussions between Doctors of Chiropractic, we often hear statements that really have no true basis in scientific fact. The statements are not based on measurable repeatable data but are based on observations that have been derived from clinical results. Many times the statements describe unexpected results that have resulted from Chiropractic Adjustments of Vertebral Subluxations; Often the Chiropractor will continue by saying that he was adjusting to achieve a completely different result!

A procedure, such as Chiropractic Adjustment of a vertebral subluxation, should always be a repeatable, no-varying process. It should have foreseeable results that are observable and measurable. Its only objective is, or should be, the moving of a Subluxation Complex in such a way that occluded foramina and compressed nerves are corrected to the extent that there no longer is a subluxated vertebra or a Subluxation Complex.

A philosophical discussion and its resulting thoughts often cover a very wide range when it is between like-thinking Chiropractors. We know that a normally functioning system within the human body seems to function automatically and without supervision or outside direction. For instance, food is ingested, processed through the digestive system and waste products form the assimilation process are eliminated. The body has used what it needed and, in some cases, has stored such some of the excess amounts as a hedge against future needs. We also know that the functional control of these processes is within the nervous system. Observation has taught us that a Vertebral Subluxation that is affecting a vital nerve often results in too much or not enough control and often the result is an evidence of malfunction in the digestive system that needs immediate attention. Location and correction of the interference results in a return to normal digestive function. Just like when the brown cow eats green grass and gives white milk.

The Brown Cow Eats Green Grass and Gives White Milk.

2009-03-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

Editor's note. Dr. Sanford Black was a 1947 graduate of the Palmer School of Chiropractic. As a longstanding practicing Blair practitioner, Dr. Black was one of those "gentle" giants in chiropractic. The type that had an unshakable certainty about chiropractic and left a lengthened shadow on our profession. My favorite memory of Dr. Black is when I checked him one day and he had lost his adjustment. Just at the moment I was setting up on him, he said I was the 5th chiropractor to ever adjust him. Drs. B.J. Palmer, Sterling Pruitt Sr., Mary Ann Pruitt, and Bill Blair were the other four. I have never been more honored and nervous at the same time. Dr. Black has passed away, but he left me with about eight small essays on chiropractic philosophy. Today's post is the first and it is my honor to keep a small part of his legacy alive.

Chiropractic Philosophy

By Dr. Sanford Black

In Chiropractic Philosophy we understand that there are no separate and independent major systems within the human body. No separate or isolated actions or function can occur without affecting all other systems of the body.

In a patient that is critically ill, when one major system begins to fail, it will affect all other systems to the extent that measurable responses can foretell the failure of the body to respond.

As a student in Chiropractic Philosophy class, I asked a question, “When should you stop adjusting a critically ill patient?” The professor responded by asking me the question, “How young a patient can a Chiropractor adjust?” To both questions his answer was: “It always helps if the patient is breathing.”

Yes, it is always indicated to adjust Vertebral Subluxations whenever THEY ARE DETECTED. The Innate response must be allowed to occur. Sometimes that response can be so very intense and strong so as to startle the Chiropractor.

So many times we find that we tend to adjust a patient with only one result in mind. For instance, to get rid of a headache or relieve muscle spasm. We have all seen patients that have been under the care of a Chiropractor for a very long time and have been adjusted symptomatically for the relief of the acute system that may have been present. The patient feels bad, goes in to their Chiropractor and feels better after an adjustment and then only returns when another symptom or the same one shows up.

Regardless of the new patient’s initial complaint, the modern Chiropractor must be looking at the patient as a whole – as a complete functioning organism. The patient’s initial complaint is quite often only the visible tip of the traditional iceberg. In taking the history, constant attention must be paid to the chronicity of each complaint. The presence of Vertebral Subluxation must be noted, verified and considered to be affecting the whole organism. Careful case management during the process of recovery will educate the patient to know what is occurring within all their body systems and will help them to realize that their return to health is a direct result of the correction of their Vertebral Subluxation. The patient will then realize that their return to health is an expected natural result, just like when the brown cow eats green grass and give white milk.

Principle #32 and the Chiropractor

2009-03-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

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!

The Typo in the 33 Principles

2009-03-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

It is my opinion that the 33 Principles are perhaps the most scrutinized writings in Chiropractic history. However, they have stood the test of time and are as true today as they when they were first formulated by Dr. B.J. Palmer and written down in 1927 by Dr. R.W. Stephenson in "The Chiropractic Textbook".

However, I think there is one problem with them. Principle #30 (The Causes of Dis-ease) states on page xxxiii, "Interference with the transmission of Innate forces causes incoordination of (emphasis mine) dis-ease."

Later in the Senior Text portion of the book, each of the 33 Principles are discussed in great detail. On page 301, Article 364, it states that the definition of the Cause of Dis-ease is, "Interference with the transmission of Innate forces causes incoordination or (empahsis mine) dis-ease.

It is my opinion that this is the correct definition of Principle #30 and one typo that has gone unnoticed throughout chiropractic history. In fact, it was Dr. Rob Sinnott that first brought my attention to this matter and it makes total sense to me. Interference with Innate forces causes either incoordination or dis-ease.

The first definition brings about the question of cause and effect. Do you need to have dis-ease to cause incoordination. Are they mutually exclusive as the word "or" would indicate or is there a possessive relationship as "of" would indicate?

To me the correct wording should be "or" and I think about all the websites, posters, books, and other Chiropractic material that have carried on this typo for 82 years. I don't know about you, but I am making the correction in my Stephenson's Text Book today.

The 33 Principles

2009-03-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

The 33 Chiropractic Principles
by Ralph W. Stephenson, DC

1. The Major Premise - A Universal Intelligence is in all matter and continually gives to it all its properties and actions, thus maintaining it in existence.

2. The Chiropractic Meaning of Life - The expression of this intelligence through matter is the Chiropractic meaning of life.

3. The Union of Intelligence and Matter - Life is necessarily the union of intelligence and matter.

4. The Triune of Life - Life is a triunity having three necessary united factors, namely: Intelligence, Force and Matter.

5. The Perfection of the Triune - In order to have 100% Life, there must be 100% Intelligence, 100% Force, 100% Matter.

6. The Principle of Time - There is no process that does not require time.

7. The Amount of Intelligence in Matter - The amount of intelligence for any given amount of matter is 100%, and is always proportional to its requirements.

8. The Function of Intelligence - The function of intelligence is to create force.

9. The Amount of Force Created by Intelligence - The amount of force created by intelligence is always 100%.

10. The Function of Force - The function of force is to unite intelligence and matter.

11. The Character of Universal Forces - The forces of Universal Intelligence are manifested by physical laws; are unswerving and unadapted, and have no solicitude for the structures in which they work.

12. Interference with Transmission of Universal Forces - There can be interference with transmission of universal forces.

13. The Function of Matter - The function of matter is to express force.

14. Universal Life - Force is manifested by motion in matter; all matter has motion, therefore there is universal life in all matter.

15. No Motion without the Effort of Force - Matter can have no motion without the application of force by intelligence.

16. Intelligence in both Organic and Inorganic Matter - Universal Intelligence gives force to both organic and inorganic matter.

17. Cause and Effect - Every effect has a cause and every cause has effects.

18. Evidence of Life - The signs of life are evidence of the intelligence of life.

19. Organic Matter - The material of the body of a "living thing" is organized matter.

20. Innate Intelligence - A "living thing" has an inborn intelligence within its body, called Innate Intelligence.

21. The Mission of Innate Intelligence - The mission of Innate Intelligence is to maintain the material of the body of a "living thing" in active organization.

22. The Amount of Innate intelligence - There is 100% of Innate Intelligence in every "living thing," the requisite amount, proportional to its organization.

23. The Function of Innate Intelligence - The function of Innate Intelligence is to adapt universal forces and matter for use in the body, so that all parts of the body will have co-ordinated action for mutual benefit.

24. The Limits of Adaptation - Innate Intelligence adapts forces and matter for the body as long as it can do so without breaking a universal law, or Innate Intelligence is limited by the limitations of matter.

25. The Character of Innate Forces - The forces of Innate Intelligence never injure or destroy the structures in which they work.

26. Comparison of Universal and Innate Forces - In order to carry on the universal cycle of life, Universal forces are destructive, and Innate forces constructive, as regards structural matter.

27. The Normality of Innate Intelligence - Innate Intelligence is always normal and its function is always normal.

28. The Conductors of Innate Forces - The forces of Innate Intelligence operate through or over the nervous system in animal bodies.

29. Interference with Transmission of Innate Forces - There can be interference with the transmission of Innate forces.

30. The Causes of Dis-ease - Interference with the transmission of Innate forces causes incoordination or dis-ease.

31. Subluxations - Interference with transmission in the body is always directly or indirectly due to subluxations in the spinal column.

32. The Principle of Coordination - Coordination is the principle of harmonious action of all the parts of an organism, in fulfilling their offices and purposes.

33. The Law of Demand and Supply - The Law of Demand and Supply is existent in the body in its ideal state; wherein the "clearing house," is the brain, Innate the virtuous "banker," brain cells "clerks," and nerve cells "messengers."

Chiropractic Philosophy

Going dark

The Chasm

Report from the War Front

Retracting vs. Reacting

Diagnosis vs. Analysis

Get the Idea

Life and the Brown Cow

The Vertebral Subluxation and the Brown Cow

Chiropractic Philosophy?

The Brown Cow and Chiropractic Philosophy

The Brown Cow Eats Green Grass and Gives White Milk.

Principle #32 and the Chiropractor

The Typo in the 33 Principles

The 33 Principles

The 33 Chiropractic Principles by Ralph W. Stephenson, DC

The 33 Chiropractic Principles
by Ralph W. Stephenson, DC