In Section 5 of the IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of the most transformative concepts introduced by Dr. B.J. Palmer: holding the adjustment.

This episode examines how Dr. B.J. Palmer shifted chiropractic philosophy away from repeated adjusting and toward the idea that the true objective of chiropractic is not simply delivering an adjustment, but helping the body stabilize and maintain the correction over time.

Dr. Joe discusses the neurological significance of “holding,” the relationship between adaptation and stress, and why Dr. B.J. Palmer became increasingly focused on specificity, timing, restraint, and upper cervical chiropractic. The episode also explores how the nervous system adapts following a specific adjustment and why chiropractic philosophy emphasizes function and adaptability rather than symptom chasing alone.

Topics include neurological stabilization, Innate Intelligence, stress adaptation, upper cervical philosophy, the body’s healing capacity, specificity versus force, and the evolving role of the chiropractor as a facilitator of improved neurological function.

A foundational episode for chiropractors, students, patients, and anyone interested in the deeper philosophy behind specific chiropractic care and the body’s remarkable ability to adapt and heal.

In Section 4 of the IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of the most foundational and controversial concepts in chiropractic philosophy: vertebral subluxation.

This episode examines how Dr. B.J. Palmer viewed vertebral subluxation not simply as a bone “out of place,” but as altered neurological communication affecting the body’s ability to adapt and function properly. Dr. Joe discusses the relationship between the spine, nervous system, posture, movement, and adaptability, while explaining why Dr. B.J. Palmer believed specificity and precise correction were central to chiropractic care.

Topics include neurological interference, stress adaptation, mechanoreceptor input, posture and brain-body communication, upper cervical philosophy, and why chiropractic focuses on function rather than symptom chasing alone.

This episode also explores how vertebral subluxation shaped the identity of chiropractic and why the concept continues to influence modern discussions surrounding nervous system function, spinal mechanics, and specific chiropractic care.

A foundational discussion for chiropractors, students, patients, and anyone interested in the deeper philosophical principles behind chiropractic and neurological adaptability.

In Section 3 of the IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of the most foundational and debated concepts in chiropractic philosophy: Innate Intelligence.

This episode examines how Dr. B.J. Palmer viewed the body as an organized, self-regulating system constantly adapting, healing, and coordinating through the nervous system. Dr. Joe discusses the meaning behind the famous chiropractic principle, “The power that made the body heals the body,” and explains how chiropractic philosophy emphasizes reducing interference rather than simply chasing symptoms.

Topics include neurological communication, adaptation, stress, healing capacity, vertebral subluxation, the body’s organizational intelligence, and why specificity and nervous system function became central to chiropractic philosophy.

This episode also explores the relationship between Innate Intelligence, modern neurophysiology, and the chiropractor’s role in facilitating better function through specific adjustments.

A thought-provoking discussion for chiropractors, students, patients, and anyone interested in the philosophical foundations of chiropractic and the body’s remarkable ability to adapt and heal.

Stay specific. Stay connected. And think from above-down, inside-out.