Chiropractic and Energy Medicine: A Shared History

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ABSTRACT

Background

The history and philosophy of chiropractic shares similarities with contemporary research into subtle energies and the theoretical models of energy medicine.

Objective

To illustrate the similarities and provide examples in order to advance the understanding of the philosophy of chiropractic and contribute in a meaningful way toward a new approach to chiropractic research.

Discussion

Three bodies of evidence are discussed in order to plainly show the similarities. The examples are: the body of research into subtle energies and energy medicine, the original studies and writings of DD Palmer, and the research conducted in the BJ Palmer Research Clinic in the 1930s and 1940s. It is argued that these three examples are compelling in their interconnections and point the way toward a new vision of research and philosophy in chiropractic.

Conclusion

The philosophy of chiropractic and chiropractic scientific research can best be understood by first understanding the latest research within energy medicine and how this relates to chiropractic's history.

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