In our medically oriented
society there is confusion about what chiropractic care is intended to
accomplish and why. In the next two posts I will attempt to clarify our
understanding of the purpose of chiropractic care. Much of this information was
distilled from Essential Principles of Chiropractic by Virgil V. Strang, D.C.,
H.C.D. (Hon.), and Chiropractic Philosophy classes taught by Dr. Strang at
Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport,
IA.
Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary defines ‘health’ as “a state of optimal physical,
mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and
infirmity” (underline emphasis added). The medical model teaches that
disease is caused by ‘germs’ which must be actively attacked by the doctor,
placing the patient in the role of passive victim. While this approach has some
effectiveness, even casual observation reveals that a person cured of illness
is not necessarily healthy.
A large percentage of the
population believes (encouraged by the medical profession) that medical doctors
are the only scientific healthcare providers. Allopathy (medicine), as
chiropractic, is not a pure, but rather an applied, science. This science is
clinical in nature, meaning that decisions are made based on statistical
analyses of scientific data.
To define chiropractic
properly, it is first necessary to understand the meaning of certain terms:
LAWS - Proven facts of science, or often the principles of
science.
THEORIES - The generally accepted knowledge of science with
data tending toward proof, none seriously challenging.
HYPOTHESES - A statement made, presumed leading to a conclusion;
often called the working tools of science, or questions in a data-gathering
mode. A hypothesis cannot be agreed or disagreed with, it can only be
investigated.
PREMISES or CONJECTURES - A statement made from
qualification regarding an occurrence in nature. In other words, an educated
guess by one who is qualified to make it.
In the next post, I will
explain how chiropractic care assists our bodies in being as healthy, and
pain-free, as they can be.
Getting rid of your pain,
Dr. Steven Ray, Chiropractor
Val Vista Chiropractic
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