After discussions with the Federation of Straight Chiropractic Organizations (FSCO) and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), the International Chiropractors Association (ICA) formally placed the adoption of the Association of Chiropractic Colleges' paradigm statement on chiropractic on the table for consideration by the governing council and assembly at next year's meeting of the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC). ICA expects other organizations will also submit this proposal.
Proponents of the paradigm statement believe it provides clarity and direction for the global development of chiropractic; that it addresses with power and dignity the uniqueness of chiropractic, the concepts of subluxation and innate intelligence.
The official request was communicated to the WFC by ICA President Dr. Robert Hoffman. Dr. Hoffman told the WFC leadership:"ICA's Board of Directors believes that the adoption of this statement by the WFC would assist in addressing the various concerns that large segments of the profession continue to have about the direction in which the WFC wishes to take chiropractic, as our profession develops around the globe.
"ICA is making this formal submission at this time to insure that it is received within the timetable required for notification for such proposals. We fully anticipate that a similar request will be forthcoming from the Federation of Straight Chiropractic Organizations (FSCO) and the American Chiropractic Association (ACA)."
The ACC Chiropractic Paradigm(Editor's note: The complete ACC Chiropractic Paradigm document is available at http://www.chirocolleges.org/Paradigm.htm.) The document states in part:
PurposeThe purpose of chiropractic is to optimize health.
PrincipleThe body's innate recuperative power is affected by and integrated through the nervous system.
Practice The practice of chiropractic includes:
- establishing a diagnosis;
- facilitating neurological and biomechanical integrity through appropriate chiropractic case management; and
- promoting health.
Foundation The foundation of chiropractic includes philosophy, science, art, knowledge, and clinical experience.
Impacts
The chiropractic paradigm directly influences the following:
- education;
- research;
- health care policy and leadership;
- relationships with other health care providers;
- professional stature;
- public awareness and perceptions; and
- patient health through quality care.
The Subluxation Chiropractic is concerned with the preservation and restoration of health, and focuses particular attention on the subluxation. A subluxation is a complex of functional and/or pathological articular changes that compromise the neural integrity and may influence organ system function and general health. A subluxation is evaluated, diagnosed, and managed through the use of chiropractic procedures based on the best available rational and empirical evidence.
A subluxation is a complex of functional/structural/pathological articular changes that compromise neural integrity, and may influence organ system function and general health. A subluxation is evaluated, diagnosed, and managed through the use of chiropractic procedures based on the best available rational and empirical evidence.
