Instructor: Simon Senzon, MA, DC

12 Credit Hours

Course Description & Objectives: The student will learn the relevant facts about the life of B.J. Palmer, the chiropractic pioneer. As the son of chiropractic’s founder, D.D. Palmer, B.J. Palmer’s career as a chiropractor spanned sixty years of the chiropractic professions early history. The student will demonstrate knowledge of Palmer’s life including his impact on the philosophy, science, art, and politics of chiropractic.

Students will also demonstrate knowledge in the early history of chiropractic, including the legal, social, and cultural circumstances surrounding the emergence of philosophy in chiropractic and the recognition of chiropractic as a separate and distinct profession. Further, the student will learn the Integral Framework as a way to more fully understand the traditional conflicts in the philosophy and politics of the chiropractic profession. This framework will also provide a more thorough way to interpret the principles of chiropractic as they relate to biological systems, dynamical systems theory, as well as health and wellness in relation to body, mind, and spirit.

Format: Online learning with audio and PowerPoint presentations.

Approved Provinces: NL, ON, QC

Approved PACE States: AK, KS, ME, NV

Approved States: CO, CT, DE, DC, GA**, ID, IL, IA, MD, MA, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, UT, VT, VA, VI, WA, WY
Approved Territory: PR

It is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that the program is approved in the state to which they would like to receive credit.

*Approval of this course is not acknowledgment or ruling by the Board that the methods taught in this course are recognized and approved by the Board as the appropriate practice of chiropractic as defined in Section 331.010, RSMo.

**Georgia has approved a maximum of 3 credit hours under the category of philosophy.

“Postgraduate programs sponsored, co-sponsored or hosted by Sherman College of Chiropractic may not always reflect the views of the college or its employees.”

Chiropractic Principles 124:
B.J. Palmer's Early Years                                                                                           
This lecture describes the impact of B.J. Palmer’s childhood and early years on the future of chiropractic. The first decade of chiropractic in the early 1900s shaped the profession in important ways. Some of the pivotal events from this era stemmed included conflicts between B.J. Palmer and his father D.D. Palmer, founder of chiropractic. Important elements during these early years included the legal challenges of early chiropractors. The early legal battles shaped chiropractic theory. These events are still described in the literature because they are still relevant to understanding modern chiropractic practice. The early years of chiropractic peaked in the 1920s, which were known as chiropractic’s Golden Years.

Chiropractic Principles 125:
B.J. Palmer's Middle Years                                                                             
B.J. Palmer pioneered instrumentation in chiropractic. His introduction of thermography was a turning point in the profession. Palmer also pioneered advertising in chiropractic in several ways. The most significant one was his use of radio. Many historians view this era of Palmer’s life as the peak of his leadership. Few historians have noted the importance of Palmer’s world travels and his research in the B.J. Palmer Research Clinic on the development of his theory. Many chiropractic practices and theories today have foundations in these aspects of Palmer’s work.

Chiropractic Principles 126:
B.J. Palmer’s Later Years                                                                                    
In B.J. Palmer’s final years he codified many of his previous theories on chiropractic and subluxation. He also developed some new philosophical approaches that would impact the profession in fascinating ways. Palmer’s ideas during this period pioneered concepts of human growth and human potential, ideas that would later become hallmarks of the wellness culture. Understanding his extensive final writings is important for all modern chiropractors as many of his ideas have yet to be systematically explored in the profession.

Chiropractic Principles 127:
B.J. Palmer on Growth and Success                                                                        
B.J. Palmer’s writings on marketing and sales integrated his philosophy of chiropractic with his unique approach to selling chiropractic. His classic text called “Selling Yourself” helped to define many of his core ideas. Central to this approach is a unique and intuitive style to personal management and business promotion. By understanding these ideas modern chiropractors may better understand how Palmer’s ideas are applicable to the profession’s challenges.

Chiropractic Principles 201:
The Need for Discourse in the Philosophy of Chiropractic                                         
This first lecture describes the professional debate in chiropractic about scope of practice and emphasizes the importance of intellectual rigor. The different paradigms within chiropractic are described. An introduction to the Integral Approach is discussed as a way to move chiropractic forward in four domains, which include theory, practice, science, and culture.

Chiropractic Principles 202:
An Integral Approach to Chiropractic Principles                                                            
Multiple approaches to chiropractic’s perspective on health, wellness, and personal growth are described. An Integral Theory to chiropractic principles and practice is discussed. Qualitative, quantitative, interpretive, social & economic ways to view chiropractic research is proposed. The lecture includes the importance of consciousness studies in chiropractic principles and B.J. Palmer's use of second-person perspectives as central to chiropractic theory and practice.

Chiropractic Principles 203:
Perspectives on Chiropractic Principles and Practice                                             
The philosophy of chiropractic is discussed in terms of exterior perspectives. A four-quadrant view of chiropractic principles is described. The Morikubo case is discussed in conjunction with the expansion of philosophy and emphasis of vertebral subluxation in the profession. Exploring the implications of the "legal ploy" argument against philosophy in chiropractic. How D.D. Palmer's life was shaped by legal struggles.

Chiropractic Principles 204:
The Impact of Social and Cultural Forces on Chiropractic                                  
Early philosophers of chiropractic are discussed. Understanding D.D. Palmer’s inclusion of morality and religion in his later writings on chiropractic is described including D.D. Palmer’s Traveling Library and the early influences on his ideas of chiropractic. Principles of chiropractic are examined in four-quadrants.

Chiropractic Principles 205: 
An Integral Biography of B.J. Palmer                                                                        
B.J. Palmer's personal evolution is described. B.J. Palmer's life is discussed in personal, behavioral, cultural, and social terms. Chiropractic principles are described in terms of social development. A developmental view of B.J. Palmer's life is undertaken. An emphasis on Palmer’s “uneven” development and its relevance for chiropractic today is central to this lecture.

Chiropractic Principles 206:
Perspectives on B.J. Palmer's spiritual writings                                                                      
States and stages of consciousness are described in relation to the philosophy of chiropractic. A framework to include chiropractic writings on psycho-spiritual development is established. B.J. Palmer's later writings on Innate Intelligence are interpreted. The principles of chiropractic are contextualized within cultural history. Chiropractic as a leading cultural movement is discussed.

Chiropractic Principles 207:
Chiropractic and Developmental Studies                                                                               
The postconventional worldview is defined. Dogmatic and Expert perspectives on chiropractic are discussed. Rational and mechanistic thinking in chiropractic is defined based on the developmental psychology literature. Pluralistic perspectives on chiropractic are interpreted. Vertebral Subluxation is defined from many perspectives.

Chiropractic Principles 208:
Philosophy of Chiropractic and Systems Thinking                                                      
D.D. Palmer is described as an early systems thinker. A short history of systems thinking for chiropractors is developed. Chiropractic’s use of systems theory in research and practice is defined. Three schools of thought on Innate Intelligence are introduced. Interior and exterior measures of health for chiropractic research is discussed.