What are the two types of vitalism described in chiropractic philosophy?

In chiropractic philosophy, the two types of vitalism recognized are extreme/naive vitalism and moderate/critical vitalism. Extreme or naive vitalism describes a perspective that attributes all healing processes and life functions solely to a vital force without considering the influence of the physical body or the environment. This viewpoint often overlooks scientific understanding of biological processes and tends to rely on the idea that the vital force alone is responsible for health.

On the other hand, moderate or critical vitalism takes a more balanced approach. It acknowledges the existence of a vital force but places it within the context of the physical body and its interactions with the environment. This perspective allows for a more integrated understanding of health that incorporates both vitalistic principles and scientific knowledge about physiology and healing.

This distinction is crucial within chiropractic philosophy as it informs practitioners’ approaches to patient care, guiding how they incorporate both vitalistic concepts and evidence-based practices. The understanding of these two types sets the foundation for how chiropractic care is conceptualized and delivered.