Vitalism: A Controversial Force in Chiropractic

Although the origins of vitalism can be found in ancient times, this controversial school of thought has endured into the present. Similarly, vitalism in chiropractic originated in the earliest days of the profession and survives in the profession today. This article provides an overview of the Greek origins of vitalism and its opposing school of thought atomism. Vitalism’s place in the foundations of chiropractic, its evolution in the profession, and the sharply opposed viewpoints about it in today’s profession today are explored. Recent research on the meaning and value of vitalism in chiropractic is discussed and the outcomes of that research presented. Vitalism remains contentious subject strongly supported in some sections of the profession in Australia and New Zealand and strongly rejected in others.