The Deaf Janitor…NOT
Sunday, Sept. 18th marks the 116th birthday of the unique, colourful and amazing profession of chiropractic. In Davenport, Iowa in 1895, D.D. Palmer – from Port Perry, Ontario – delivered the first chiropractic adjustment to Harvey Lillard.
Mr. Lillard who was the deaf janitor in the building Palmer had his magnetic healing practice housed, told him he lost his hearing many years earlier after he had stooped and felt a pop in his upper back. Upon examination, D.D. found a misalignment in Lillard’s spine and adjusted it. Shortly after the adjustment, Mr. Lillard’s hearing was restored! A profession was born. Interestingly enough, when I was very early in practice I had a patient who had been deaf in one ear for about 45 years have full hearing restored after 2 visits.
Naturally enough, Palmer thought he had found the cure for deafness (he didn’t) and over time developed his philosophy relating the spine to nervous system function and human health and expression. Today, chiropractic is the second largest non medical healing profession in North America.
A Profession Misunderstood
Chiropractic is perhaps the most misunderstood of all of the healthcare professions. Much of this is because it comes from vitalistic principles in what is predominantly a mechanistic world. Because chiropractors work with the spine, the assumption is that we are back and neck pain doctors. While many chiropractors choose to practice in this model, there is so much more to it.
Back Pain, Neck Pain, DNA Repair
In addition to helping people in pain, chiropractors help people to heal more effectively, which helps the person regardless of their diagnosis. Research has demonstrated that people receiving regular long term NSA care have better physical and emotional health, adapt to stress more effectively and show greater and greater degrees of quality of life. Another study of long-term chiropractic patients indicated that they had an enhanced ability to repair DNA!
Our Time is Now
The chiropractic profession has had a very interesting and sometimes troubled history. It is no secret that we have entered some troubled times in our society. It is my belief that in all areas of culture we will require and seek solutions that are honouring, sustainable and long-lasting. In some ways, chiropractic has been ahead of its’ time for the past 116 years. Perhaps it is just what the world needs in a big way starting now. Time will tell.
I am so grateful to be a part of this amazing profession. Living and working slightly outside of the popular culture is a small price to pay for the miracles – small and big – every single day.
Chiropractic IS health insurance – premiums small, dividends LARGE.
– B.J. Palmer, Developer of Chiropractic
We have confirmed our next Clear Day (our 14th) will be held on Sat. Oct. 15th in Martintown. To join us on this day of breakthroughs and transformation, see Adele or Cindy for an application. More info to come soon.