Ancient Times
There is some evidence that Chiropractic medicine can be traced back to ancient Egypt (4000 BC), China (2700BC) and Greece (1500 BC). There is some evidence that’s, Hippocrates who is known as the “father” of modern medicine may have practiced this ancient form of medicine.
Historians have used many Hippocratic quotes, namely; “Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases” as evidence for his involvement in Chiropractic care.
The Developer of Chiropractic
BJ Palmer, known as the Developer of Chiropractic, expanded on the work done by DD Palmer, he took over the reins of the Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1906. He did vast research; he enhanced and bettered the previous methods of spinal adjustments.
BJ battled many obstacles during his career on the legal and legislative sides to gain acceptance of chiropractic services, but well before his death his dream was realised and Chiropractic took its place among the health sciences.
BJ Palmer
14 September 1882 – 27 May 1961
David D Palmer
12 January 1906 – 24 May 1978
How Chiropractic Started in the Modern Age
American, DD Palmer, who is known as the Founder of Chiropractic, reasoned that the body had more than enough powers to heal itself through the body’s nervous system. If an organ was sick or not working at its optimum potential, then messages through the nervous system must be faulty or sent through properly.
DD Palmer realised this could be due to spinal misalignment/subluxation and therefore needed to be adjusted or re-aligned. DD performed the first adjustments in 1895 and he helped one man who was deaf hear again. He founded the Palmer School and Cure in 1897 which later became known as the Palmer School of Chiropractic.
DD Palmer
7 March 1845 - 20 October 1913
The First Lady of Chiropractic
BJ Palmer’s wife Mabel, The first lady of chiropractic, was instrumental in helping and advising her husband to gain recognition for chiropractic services.
She herself was one of the first women to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. For over 3 decades Mabel taught at the Palmer School of Chiropractic.
Mabel Heath Palmer
5 June 1881- 30 March 1949
The Educator Era
David Palmer, known as The Educator, was the grandson of BJ Palmer and took over as head of the school in 1961. He changed the name and modernised the school by renovating the classrooms and bringing in modern teaching aids. The school became the Palmer College of Chiropractic.
After David’s death in 1978, the college was accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Modern Chiropractic Care
Over the years Chiropractic has evolved into the third biggest health care provider behind GP and dentists.
Chiropractic is the largest natural health care provider and helps millions of people each year to heal in a natural way. There is an increase in research being done on chiropractic and its effect on the body.