Chiropractors are not necessarily religious as a profession. However, it is true that the origins of chiropractic are intertwined with Western metaphysical religion.
The founder of chiropractic, Daniel David Palmer, had a background in mesmerism and spiritualism. Mesmerism was a practice that involved inducing a trance-like state in individuals to promote healing, while spiritualism involved communicating with spirits of the deceased. Palmer claimed that he received the knowledge and understanding of chiropractic through a communication with the spirit of a deceased physician.
This spiritualistic belief system was prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and Palmer’s ideas were influenced by these metaphysical concepts. In fact, in the early years of chiropractic, many practitioners saw themselves as healers with a spiritual mission.
However, it is important to note that not all chiropractors today hold religious beliefs or identify with the spiritualistic origins of the profession. Chiropractic has evolved over time and is now primarily considered a healthcare profession focused on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine.
While some individual chiropractors may incorporate their personal religious or spiritual beliefs into their practice, it is not a requirement or characteristic of the profession as a whole. Chiropractic education and licensing do not mandate or emphasize religious or spiritual aspects.
It is also worth noting that chiropractic is not exclusive to any particular religious group. Chiropractors come from diverse backgrounds and belief systems, just like any other healthcare profession.
While the founder of chiropractic, Daniel David Palmer, had spiritualistic beliefs and attributed the discovery of chiropractic to communication with a deceased physician’s spirit, chiropractic as a profession is not inherently religious. The practice has evolved over time, and chiropractors today come from diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds.