CHIROPRACTIC RESEARCH
Chiropractic philosophy does not naturally lend itself to research in the conventional scientific sense.
Chiropractic deals with the essence of life, innate intelligence, a vitalistic, wholistic energy force. Every individual expresses this energy differently based on their physical, biochemical and emotional states.
Conventional scientific research is the direct opposite. It is mechanistic and reductionistic in its basic approach. In medical research the scientist seeks to define the material parts of the body for which science has an understanding and study the effect/s of a particular drug or procedure on one part of a dynamic system.
However, cells, organs or systems do not function independently of one another. This principle alone is why prescription drugs have so many differing side-effects. A particular drug may be proven to beneficial in reducing joint inflammation but it has harmful effects on the lining of the stomach for instance.
The scientific model has limited capacity to evaluate a dynamic organism. Therefore when it comes to Chiropractic research the conventional model of analysis rarely does us justice. Thankfully leading research faculties in Australian and the USA are overcoming this problem by conducting quality research projects that strengthen Chiropractic within the world of Science.
The Australian Spinal Research Foundation (ASRF) is the premier funding organisation for Chiropractic research in Australia. Its mission is to "Fund research and disseminate knowledge that furthers the understanding, development and effectiveness of Chiropractic".
To find out more about the ASRF visit www.spinalresearch.com.au.