What role do vitalism and reductionism play in chiropractic philosophy?

Vitalism plays a significant role in chiropractic philosophy by emphasizing the innate healing power of the body. It suggests that living organisms possess a vital force or energy that enables self-healing and maintains health. Chiropractic philosophy often underscores the notion that the body's ability to heal itself is inherent, and this concept is foundational within the practice. Vitalism contrasts with purely mechanistic or materialistic views of health, proposing that health arises from a more complex interplay of physical, emotional, and spiritual factors.

In this context, reductionism, which typically focuses on breaking down health into individual components for analysis, does not align with the holistic perspective of chiropractic philosophy that vitalism supports. Instead, reductionism may overlook the interconnectedness and the overall integrity of the bodily systems. Thus, the emphasis on innate healing found in vitalism is a critical element in understanding chiropractic philosophy and practice.