In 2005, the World Health Organisation published guidelines on basic training and safety in chiropractic. These make interesting reading – a variety of methods and levels of training and education, listings of contraindications, sample educational programmes etc. Representatives inlcuded Mrs Margaret Coats from the GCC and Mr Tony Metcalf wearing his WFC hat.
Here’s a sample from the Philosphy section:
"1.2 Philosophy and basic theories of chiropractic
Chiropractic is a health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. There is an emphasis on manual techniques, including joint adjustment and/or manipulation, with a particular focus on the subluxation.
The concepts and principles that distinguish and differentiate the philosophy of chiropractic from other health care professions are of major significance to most chiropractors and strongly influence their attitude and approach towards health care.
A majority of practitioners within the profession would maintain that the philosophy of chiropractic includes, but is not limited to, concepts of holism, vitalism, naturalism, conservatism, critical rationalism, humanism and ethics (9).
The relationship between structure, especially the spine and musculoskeletal system, and function, especially as coordinated by the nervous system, is central to chiropractic and its approach to the restoration and preservation of health (9, 10:167).
It is hypothesized that significant neurophysiological consequences may occur as a result of mechanical spinal functional disturbances, described by chiropractors as subluxation and the vertebral subluxation complex (9, 10:169‐170, 11).
Chiropractic practice emphasizes the conservative management of the neuromusculoskeletal system, without the use of medicines and surgery (10:169‐170, 11). Biopsychosocial causes and consequences are also significant factors in management of the patient.
As primary‐contact health care practitioners, chiropractors recognize the importance of referring to other health care providers when it is in the best interests of the patient (10)."
