Which historical figures and philosophies influenced D.D. Palmer's development of chiropractic?

Which historical figures and philosophies influenced D.D. Palmer's development of chiropractic?

• A. Homeopathy and Ayurveda
• B. Mesmerism and Magnetic Healing
• C. Freudian Psychology
• D. Modern Medicine only

Answer: (B)

D.D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, was significantly influenced by the practices and concepts of Mesmerism and Magnetic Healing. This influence is rooted in the ideas of energy and the physical manipulation of the body to restore health, which parallels the fundamental principles of chiropractic care that focus on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall health. Mesmerism, developed by Franz Anton Mesmer, involved the use of "animal magnetism" to heal patients, whereby practitioners believed they could manipulate an energy force through their hands or other means. This approach laid the foundation for Palmer’s recognition of the vital force concept, which suggests that health is maintained through the free flow of energy in the body and that obstructions to this flow can lead to disease. Palmer incorporated these ideas into his chiropractic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of alignment in the spine and its effect on bodily functions and overall health. Thus, the elements of Mesmerism and Magnetic Healing were crucial in shaping his understanding and practices surrounding chiropractic. The other options, while they each represent significant fields, do not have the same direct connection to Palmer's foundational concepts. Homeopathy and Ayurveda primarily focus on natural remedies and balance within the body, Freudian Psychology pertains more to mental processes,

D.D. Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, was significantly influenced by the practices and concepts of Mesmerism and Magnetic Healing. This influence is rooted in the ideas of energy and the physical manipulation of the body to restore health, which parallels the fundamental principles of chiropractic care that focus on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall health.

Mesmerism, developed by Franz Anton Mesmer, involved the use of "animal magnetism" to heal patients, whereby practitioners believed they could manipulate an energy force through their hands or other means. This approach laid the foundation for Palmer’s recognition of the vital force concept, which suggests that health is maintained through the free flow of energy in the body and that obstructions to this flow can lead to disease.

Palmer incorporated these ideas into his chiropractic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of alignment in the spine and its effect on bodily functions and overall health. Thus, the elements of Mesmerism and Magnetic Healing were crucial in shaping his understanding and practices surrounding chiropractic.

The other options, while they each represent significant fields, do not have the same direct connection to Palmer's foundational concepts. Homeopathy and Ayurveda primarily focus on natural remedies and balance within the body, Freudian Psychology pertains more to mental processes,