Since the chiropractic profession first developed in the USA over 100 years ago, its treatment method has been based on the medicinally undisputed fact that the nervous system coordinates and controls all body functions, each and every cell, all organs and organ systems.
Whilst the brain is well-protected in its sturdy skull, the spinal chord which runs through 24 vertebrae is far less protected and much more susceptible to injury. When any of the vertebrae separated by inter-vertebral discs are moved away from their normal position, then the nervous system is irritated in a number of ways. The function of the organs or the organ systems are removed from the control and coordination of the nervous system which leads to a vertebral subluxation complex.
Chiropractic is able to recognise these malfunctions of the spinal chord system and by means of the art of adjustment/correction can promote the self healing powers of the body in the most natural way.
The science of chiropractic is based upon the following principles:
- The human body is a self-healing organism.
- The nervous system is superordinated to the other systems.
- Interference (subluxation) with the nervous system can occur in the spinal region.
- Such interference (subluxation) can lead to an impairment of the vital state.
The nervous system is the medium which transfers information essential to life through the human body. This “inner network” consists of the brain, the spinal chord, the spinal nerves and a great number of neurotransmitters. The scope of the nervous system is so vast that it is impossible to decide where the brain ends and the body starts.
Not only does the nervous system control every physical, emotional and mental function but it is also responsible for human creativity, (physical) performance, spiritual development and expression.
Nerve root compression model
A slight amount of pressure as low as 10mm Hg already produces a serious blockage in the transfer capability of nerve impulses. Within 15 minutes the performance capability falls to around 60% of its original value and after 30 minutes it will have dropped to 50%. As soon as this slight pressure is removed, the nerve root recovers within 15-30 minutes. If a higher pressure is exerted, tests show that even after several hours, recovery is incomplete. (Seth Sharpless Research Status of Spinal Manipulative Therapy. National Institutes of Health, 1975).
Every cell of our body that flows through lipid layers is in possession of a receptor protein. Nothing happens in the cell until instructions are received by this receptor protein and transmitted on into the cell.”
(Ph.D. Bruce Lipton, Life College West)
Life and with it vitality originates from within the human body. The body itself is a self-healing organism. The innate natural intelligence of the body is in constant communication with all individual areas of the body in order to optimise and maximise the vital state.
An unblocked flow of communication within the nervous system increases the capability of expressing life to the full. Vitality, well-being, a strengthened immune system, enhanced performance and emotional balance our natural by-products.
