What aspect of chiropractic did D.D. Palmer emphasize through his early theories?

D.D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, emphasized the significance of nerve flow in his early theories. He proposed that the body functions optimally when there is proper communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body. According to Palmer, misalignments of the spine, which he called "subluxations," can interfere with nerve flow, leading to various health issues. This idea was central to the chiropractic philosophy that the spine’s alignment directly affects the nervous system and, consequently, overall health. The emphasis on the nerve flow established chiropractic as a distinct discipline focused on the body’s innate ability to heal itself when nerve interference is removed.

While the physical alignment of the spine is crucial in chiropractic practice, the underlying principle revolves around the nerve flow's impact on health. Other aspects, such as patient education and community development, became more prominent in the evolution of chiropractic but were not the foundational focus in Palmer’s early theories.