Science

A definition of science given in Dorland's Medical Dictionary is "the systematic observation of natural phenomena for the purpose of discovering laws governing those phenomena."

Science is a means to search for truth. Science is not truth. Science is a means of evaluating, asking questions and testing theories to see if some form of cause and effect relationship exist.

Science is used to support a given philosophy. In chiropractic we use science to support the philosophy of chiropractic. It is the particular philosophy you start with which will determine what direction your scientific inquiries will take.

The main focus of scientific investigation of chiropractic is the Vertebral Subluxation Complex, or VSC, and how it impacts human health, or the expression of life. The following five components make up the VSC.

Kinesiopathology = Abnormal Biomechanics

Myopathology = Abnormal Muscle Function

Neuropathology = Abnormal Neurological Function

Histiopathology = Abnormal Soft Tissue Changes

Pathophysiology = Abnormal Physiology

Each of these components of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex have been studied scientifically throughout the history of chiropractic. There is also considerable research in the medical literature which supports the practice of chiropractic and how it relates to the VSC.

There have been a number of studies performed which demonstrate chiropractic care can improve particular conditions. There are other studies that have shown chiropractic care offers an overall improvement in health function, or improved expression of life in general.

The following two web sites represent two organizations in chiropractic who are dedicated to advancing the art of chiropractic through scientific research. There are many other organizations who are doing the same including more than 20 chiropractic colleges and universities throughout the world.

The Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research

International Chiropractic Pediatric Association

We express our life in more ways than just physical. Human life is also expressed mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. All of these components of life contribute to our health and well being.

Scientific investigation has been an important part of the development of chiropractic since the beginning of this profession in 1895 and it is still an important component of advancing this healing art today.

There are some people who will lead you to believe that no healing discipline, other than medicine, has scientific validation to support what it does. This simply isn't true and usually indicates the individual presenting this view is extremely biased and narrow minded in their thinking. You would be well advised to avoid individuals offering such advice.

Most medical doctors understand the role of science in health care more accurately. According to the editor of the British Medical Journal, Richard Smith (October 1994), only about 15% of medical interventions are supported by solid scientific evidence. According to Professor David Eddy, of Duke University, only 1% of the articles in medical journals are scientifically sound and many treatments have never been assessed at all.

The practice of all healing arts comes from a combination of philosophy, principles, science, theory, clinical experience, intuitive awareness, and developed skill. Part of the Declaration's charter adopted by the World Medical Organization, states the following:

"A physician must be free to use a new or unproven diagnosis or treatment if in his or her judgement it will result in the alleviation of suffering, the restoration of health, or saving of the life of the patient."

All health practitioners must have this freedom when dealing with an individual. There is no scientific study that can be applied to all individuals. Scientific studies are based on averages and nobody is average, we are all unique. As well, science has not studied all there is to know about human function.

There are many treatments used today which have provided tremendous clinical benefit which have never been studied in a scientific investigation. The reason why they are continued to be used is simple - they work.

Science helps us to refine our understandings and improve our outcomes. It is a valuable tool to be used with mastery. Many people mistakenly make science the master and live a life enslaved to it causing a tremendous hinderance to their growth.

The following quote sums up this idea quite nicely. It comes from a scientist you might be familiar with.

“The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.” 

- Albert Einstein -

\