What therapeutic approach did Willard Carver suggest that D.D. Palmer disagreed with?

Willard Carver proposed the use of suggestive therapeutics as a method of treatment, which involves the use of suggestion to affect the patient's psychological condition and physical health. This approach emphasizes the mind-body connection and relies on the patient's belief in the treatment's effectiveness to achieve healing outcomes.

D.D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, primarily focused on the physical adjustments of the spine to restore proper nerve function as the key to achieving health. He believed that manipulating the spine would directly influence the nervous system and improve overall health, while he was skeptical of therapies that relied heavily on psychological suggestions rather than physical interventions.

Thus, the disagreement between Carver and Palmer stemmed from differing philosophies on the effectiveness and methodology of treatment. Palmer maintained that direct physical adjustments were foundational for health, contrasting with Carver’s approach, which incorporated psychological elements into the healing process. This distinction highlights the broader philosophical differences within the chiropractic field during its formative years.