In Section 2 of 8 of the IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard continues the journey through Dr. B.J. Palmer's The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art by exploring one of the foundational concepts of traditional chiropractic philosophy:

This episode examines the Major Premise as the philosophical foundation upon which early chiropractic thinking was built. Rather than simply memorizing the words, we explore what Dr. B.J. and early chiropractic philosophers were attempting to describe through the concepts of Universal Intelligence and Innate Intelligence—the order found in nature and the remarkable organization, regulation, healing, and adaptation expressed within living organisms.

At the center of the discussion is a shift in perspective. Instead of asking only:

“What is wrong with this person?”

Chiropractic philosophy encourages us to also ask:

“What is this person's body attempting to do?”

We explore the body's extraordinary ability to respond and adapt, the meaning of Above-Down, Inside-Out (ADIO), and why the chiropractor does not create healing or supply the body's intelligence. The chiropractor provides an intervention—the living body responds.

We also discuss why respecting the body's natural capacity for adaptation doesn't mean ignoring pathology, disease, or the need for other healthcare. True clinical responsibility requires recognizing both the body's remarkable resilience and its limitations.

Ultimately, the Major Premise isn't presented as the end of the conversation.

• What a premise is and why premises matter
• The traditional chiropractic Major Premise
• The philosophical concept of Universal Intelligence
• Universal Intelligence versus Innate Intelligence
• Order and organization within nature
• The living body as a dynamic, adaptive organism
• Self-regulation, healing, and physiological adaptation
• Why the chiropractor does not manufacture healing
• The meaning of Above-Down, Inside-Out
• Looking beyond symptoms toward function and adaptation
• Respecting both the body's resilience and its limitations
• Why pathology, red flags, and appropriate referral still matter
• How philosophy can generate scientific questions
• Why chiropractors should continue reading, studying, observing, and questioning

In the opening episode of our newest IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard begins an eight-part journey through Dr. B.J. Palmer's The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art by exploring the three pillars that form the foundation of chiropractic: Philosophy, Science, and Art.

After completing our journey through The Science of Chiropractic, we're taking the next step by asking a deceptively simple question:

Chiropractic is more than performing an adjustment. It's more than treating back or neck pain, and it's certainly more than producing an audible "crack."

From its earliest days, chiropractic attempted to understand the relationship between structure, nervous-system function, adaptation, and health. To understand and apply those ideas requires all three pillars.

• What makes chiropractic distinctly chiropractic
• The three pillars of Philosophy, Science, and Art
• Why philosophy provides direction
• Why science should test and refine our understanding
• Why chiropractic should welcome scientific investigation
• Modern neuroscience and chiropractic
• The art of applying knowledge to the individual patient
• Why technique should serve the patient
• Dr. B.J. Palmer's pursuit of specificity
• Knowing when to adjust—and when not to
• Why chiropractors should remain lifelong students
• Preserving chiropractic's history while continuing to advance the profession

In the eighth and final section of the IN8 THOTS journey through Dr. B.J. Palmer's The Science of Chiropractic, Dr. Joe Sheppard brings the entire series together with a question that every generation of chiropractors must answer:

How do we preserve chiropractic's foundational principles while continuing to advance the profession?

This episode reflects on the major concepts explored throughout the series—from the Major Premise, Universal Intelligence, and Innate Intelligence to vertebral subluxation, tone, adaptation, and the specific chiropractic adjustment—and considers what these ideas mean for chiropractic today.

At the center of the discussion is an important distinction: preserving the Principle does not mean preserving the past unchanged.

Dr. B.J. Palmer himself continually questioned, experimented, observed, and refined his ideas. Dr. Joe challenges today's chiropractors to carry forward that same spirit of curiosity by studying the Green Books while also engaging with contemporary anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, biomechanics, pain science, and research.

The episode explores how philosophy and science can complement rather than oppose one another. Philosophy helps us formulate meaningful questions; science gives us methods for investigating them. Respecting chiropractic's history should never require us to fear questions, and embracing modern research does not require abandoning the principles that gave the profession its identity.

A major focus is Dr. B.J. Palmer's lifelong emphasis on the nervous system and the pursuit of specificity. Dr. Joe examines how Dr. B.J.'s later upper cervical work and the development of Hole-In-One (HIO) helped influence generations of specific upper cervical approaches.

One question captures this philosophy particularly well:

That question represents more than technique. It represents observation, patience, restraint, and respect for the patient's ability to respond and adapt.

Sometimes the appropriate clinical decision is to adjust.

Sometimes it is to observe.

And sometimes the greatest demonstration of specificity is knowing when not to adjust.

The episode also addresses one of the most important principles carried throughout the series:

The human body possesses extraordinary biological capacities for regulation, repair, and adaptation. Chiropractic can influence musculoskeletal and neurological function, but respect for the body's self-regulating ability should be accompanied by humility, appropriate clinical boundaries, and claims supported by evidence.

Dr. Joe also explores the meaning of Above-Down, Inside-Out (ADIO) as more than a chiropractic slogan. It represents an appreciation of the human being as an integrated living organism—continually processing information, responding to the environment, and adapting from within.

Finally, the episode speaks directly to the next generation of chiropractors and chiropractic students.

Don't simply memorize chiropractic philosophy.

Understand it.

Know its history.

Read the original Green Books.

Study modern science.

Listen to opposing viewpoints.

Ask difficult questions.

And never be afraid to say:

“I don't know yet.”

Because great chiropractors are never finished learning.

• Preserving chiropractic principles without becoming trapped in the past
• Dr. B.J. Palmer's willingness to question and refine his own ideas
• The relationship between science, art, and philosophy
• Why chiropractic should never be afraid of scientific questions
• The nervous system as a central theme throughout B.J.'s work
• Modern neuroscience and the importance of distinguishing evidence from historical claims
• Dr. B.J. Palmer's pursuit of specificity
• The influence of HIO and upper cervical chiropractic
• The importance of asking “Did the adjustment hold?”
• Knowing when to adjust—and when not to
• Why the chiropractor is not the healer
• The deeper meaning of Above-Down, Inside-Out
• Reading the Green Books while continuing to study contemporary science
• The responsibility of today's chiropractors to the next generation

In Section 7 of 8 of the IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of the most important developments in Dr. B.J. Palmer's chiropractic philosophy—the evolution from simply adjusting the spine to adjusting specifically, purposefully, and only when indicated.

Building upon the previous discussions of Universal Intelligence, Innate Intelligence, vertebral subluxation, tone, and adaptation, this episode brings those principles together through the art and science of the chiropractic adjustment.

At the center of the discussion is an important idea: the adjustment itself is not the ultimate goal—improved function is.

Within Dr. B.J. Palmer's philosophical framework, the chiropractor does not create healing or supply the body's intelligence. Instead, the chiropractor analyzes the patient, determines when an adjustment is appropriate, delivers that adjustment as specifically as possible, and then allows the body the opportunity to respond and adapt.

Dr. Joe explores the traditional chiropractic relationship between science, art, and philosophy. Science helps determine what can be observed and measured. Art guides the skillful application of the adjustment. Philosophy answers the deeper question: Why are we doing it?

The episode also examines Dr. B.J. Palmer's increasing emphasis on specificity and his belief that more adjusting does not necessarily mean better chiropractic. This leads to one of the most important clinical questions associated with his later work:

"Did the adjustment hold?"

Rather than repeatedly adjusting simply because a patient returned to the office, Dr. B.J.'s evolving approach emphasized analyzing, adjusting when indicated, re-evaluating, and then allowing the body time to adapt.

Dr. Joe discusses how this pursuit of precision eventually directed Dr. B.J.'s attention toward the upper cervical spine and contributed to the development of the Hole-In-One, or HIO, approach. The episode examines how this philosophy influenced generations of upper cervical techniques and reinforced the principle of doing what is necessary—and no more than necessary.

The discussion also connects Dr. B.J.'s historical ideas with modern concepts such as neuroplasticity, proprioception, sensorimotor integration, and nervous-system adaptation, while emphasizing that contemporary research should be distinguished from proof of historical chiropractic claims.

Another important misconception is addressed:

The sound is not the adjustment.

A louder cavitation doesn't necessarily indicate a better clinical result. Specific chiropractic is about analysis, intention, appropriate force, clinical judgment, and re-evaluation—not simply producing a "crack."

Ultimately, this episode presents specificity as more than a technique. It is a way of thinking.

Be specific in your examination.

Be specific in your clinical reasoning.

Be specific in your communication.

Be specific in your adjustment.

And be specific in your re-evaluation.

• The difference between adjusting and specific adjusting
• Why the adjustment is an intervention—not the source of healing
• Chiropractic's relationship between science, art, and philosophy
• Why Dr. B.J. Palmer believed more adjustments were not necessarily better
• The importance of asking, "Did the adjustment hold?"
• Knowing when not to adjust
• The development of Hole-In-One (HIO) and upper cervical chiropractic
• Why the audible "pop" is not the objective of an adjustment
• Neuroplasticity, proprioception, and sensorimotor integration
• Adapting technique to the individual patient
• The importance of clinical judgment and appropriate referral
• Why specificity extends beyond technique into the chiropractor's entire way of thinking
• The responsibility to preserve chiropractic philosophy while continuing to study modern science

In Section 6 of the IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of Dr. B.J. Palmer's most profound and often misunderstood concepts—tone. Drawing from The Science of Chiropractic, this episode examines how Dr. B.J. Palmer viewed tone as far more than muscle tension. Instead, he described tone as the normal expression of life, vitality, organization, and the body's continual ability to communicate, regulate, and adapt.

Building upon the previous discussions of Universal Intelligence, Innate Intelligence, and vertebral subluxation, Dr. Joe explains how healthy tone reflects the body's remarkable capacity to respond to the ever-changing demands of life. Through examples from everyday physiology—including heart function, posture, breathing, healing, and neurological communication—listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the body's ongoing process of adaptation.

The episode also explores why adaptation is one of the greatest indicators of health. Rather than defining health as simply the absence of symptoms, Dr. B.J. Palmer believed health is demonstrated by the body's ability to continually respond to physical, chemical, emotional, and environmental challenges. Dr. Joe discusses the Three T's—Trauma, Thoughts, and Toxins—along with the modern addition of Technology, emphasizing how each places unique demands on the nervous system and requires continual adaptation.

Drawing connections to contemporary science, the discussion highlights concepts such as homeostasis, allostasis, neuroplasticity, physiological resilience, and autonomic regulation, demonstrating how modern research continues to reinforce the importance of communication and adaptability within living systems. Throughout the episode, Dr. Joe reminds listeners that chiropractic seeks not to create healing, but to support the body's remarkable ability to organize, regulate, and express life through clear neurological communication.

Ultimately, this episode challenges chiropractors, students, and patients to shift their perspective from chasing symptoms to appreciating the body's extraordinary intelligence and lifelong capacity for adaptation.

• Dr. B.J. Palmer's definition of tone
• Tone as the expression of vitality, organization, and life
• Why adaptation is essential to health and survival
• The relationship between tone, communication, and the nervous system
• The body's continual ability to regulate and adapt
• The Three T's (Trauma, Thoughts, and Toxins) and the modern addition of Technology
• Homeostasis, allostasis, neuroplasticity, and physiological resilience
• Supporting the body's innate ability to heal and adapt
• Chiropractic's focus on restoring function rather than chasing symptoms
• Appreciating the remarkable intelligence expressed through every living organism

As the Green Book series continues, this episode provides an important bridge between chiropractic philosophy and clinical application, preparing listeners for Section 7: "Specific Chiropractic: The Art and Science of the Adjustment," where Dr. Joe will explore why Dr. B.J. Palmer devoted his career to refining the chiropractic adjustment, how the pursuit of specificity transformed the profession, and why precision remains one of the defining principles of chiropractic care today.

In Section 5 of the IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of the most defining principles of chiropractic philosophy—the science of vertebral subluxation. Building on the concepts of Universal Intelligence and Innate Intelligence, this episode examines why Dr. B.J. Palmer believed the nervous system is the body's master communication network and why efficient neurological communication is essential for health, healing, and adaptation.

Dr. Joe explains how Dr. B.J. Palmer's concept of vertebral subluxation differs from the traditional medical definition. Rather than describing a simple structural misalignment, Dr. B.J. viewed vertebral subluxation as a functional disturbance that may interfere with the body's ability to communicate and adapt. The episode emphasizes that chiropractic is fundamentally concerned with improving function—not simply treating symptoms.

Listeners are guided through Dr. B.J. Palmer's philosophy that the chiropractor's role is not to create healing, but to identify and reduce interference so the body's own innate intelligence can more effectively coordinate growth, repair, regulation, and adaptation. Dr. Joe discusses why communication throughout the nervous system is central to every aspect of human function and how modern neuroscience continues to reveal the remarkable complexity of this communication through concepts such as neuroplasticity, proprioception, and sensorimotor integration.

The episode also explores one of Dr. B.J. Palmer's greatest clinical contributions—his pursuit of specificity. Rather than believing more adjustments automatically produce better outcomes, Dr. B.J. concluded that success depended upon delivering the right adjustment, in the right place, at the right time, and then allowing the body the opportunity to adapt. This philosophy eventually led to the development of the Hole-In-One (HIO) upper cervical approach and continues to influence specific chiropractic care around the world.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Joe encourages chiropractors and patients alike to appreciate the extraordinary intelligence already present within the human body. Rather than chasing symptoms alone, chiropractic seeks to restore efficient communication, improve function, and support the body's remarkable ability to express health.

• Dr. B.J. Palmer's definition of vertebral subluxation
• Vertebral subluxation as a functional disturbance affecting neurological communication
• The nervous system as the body's master communication network
• Communication, coordination, and adaptation as foundations of health
• Structure versus function in chiropractic philosophy
• The chiropractor's role in reducing interference—not creating healing
• Modern perspectives on neuroplasticity, proprioception, and sensorimotor integration
• The importance of specificity in chiropractic adjustments
• Why Dr. B.J. Palmer emphasized "Find it. Fix it. Leave it Alone."
• The development of the Hole-In-One (HIO) upper cervical technique
• Supporting the body's innate ability to heal, regulate, and adapt

In Section 4 of the IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of the most defining concepts in Dr. B.J. Palmer’s The Science of Chiropractic—Innate Intelligence. Building on the previous discussion of Universal Intelligence, this episode examines Dr. B.J. Palmer's belief that every living organism possesses an internal intelligence responsible for growth, organization, healing, regulation, and adaptation.

Dr. Joe explains the distinction between Innate Intelligence and the conscious or educated mind, emphasizing that Innate Intelligence is not intellect or awareness, but the body's inherent ability to coordinate the countless processes that sustain life. Through examples of embryonic development, tissue repair, homeostasis, and nervous system function, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the extraordinary intelligence expressed within every human being.

The episode also explores the central role of the nervous system as the body's primary communication network. Dr. Joe discusses why Dr. B.J. Palmer believed clear neurological communication is essential for optimal function and how the chiropractic adjustment seeks to reduce interference—not create healing—allowing the body's own adaptive abilities to function more efficiently. The discussion introduces the philosophical significance of vertebral subluxation as interference to communication and explains how these ideas eventually led Dr. B.J. Palmer toward the development of the Hole-In-One (HIO) upper cervical approach.

Drawing thoughtful connections to modern neuroscience, neuroplasticity, autonomic regulation, systems biology, and homeostasis, the episode demonstrates how today's scientific understanding continues to reveal the remarkable complexity and coordination of the human body while encouraging listeners to appreciate the body's innate capacity to adapt.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Joe reminds chiropractors, students, and patients that the role of the chiropractor is not to create healing, but to respect the body's wisdom, support normal function, and remove obstacles that may interfere with its natural ability to regulate and adapt.

• Understanding Innate Intelligence in chiropractic philosophy
• The difference between Innate Intelligence and the conscious mind
• The nervous system as the body's communication network
• Healing, adaptation, and the body's self-regulating capacity
• The chiropractor's role in reducing interference rather than creating healing
• Vertebral subluxation as interference to communication
• The foundation of the Hole-In-One (HIO) upper cervical concept
• Modern neuroscience, neuroplasticity, and systems biology parallels
• Respecting the body's remarkable intelligence and lifelong adaptability

This episode serves as the philosophical bridge between Universal Intelligence and the clinical application of chiropractic, preparing listeners for the next chapter in The Science of Chiropractic series, where Dr. Joe will explore The Science of Vertebral Subluxation and Dr. B.J. Palmer's pursuit of specificity in chiropractic care.

Stay specific. Stay connected. And keep thinking from Above-Down, Inside-Out.

In Section 3 of the IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of the most foundational concepts in Dr. B.J. Palmer’s The Science of Chiropractic—Universal Intelligence. This episode examines how Dr. B.J. Palmer viewed the universe as an orderly, organized system governed by consistent natural laws and why he believed recognizing those laws was essential to understanding chiropractic.

Dr. Joe explains the distinction between Universal Intelligence and Innate Intelligence, demonstrating how Dr. B.J. Palmer described Universal Intelligence as the organizing principle of the universe and Innate Intelligence as its expression within living organisms. Through historical context and thoughtful discussion, the episode explores how these ideas shaped chiropractic philosophy and laid the groundwork for understanding the body's remarkable ability to coordinate, regulate, and adapt.

Listeners will also discover how many of Dr. B.J. Palmer's observations parallel modern concepts in systems biology, neuroplasticity, homeostasis, and complex adaptive systems. While today's scientific language has evolved, the episode highlights the enduring relevance of viewing the human body as an integrated, communicating, and self-regulating organism rather than a collection of isolated parts.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Joe encourages chiropractors, students, and patients to approach the Green Books with curiosity, intellectual humility, and a lifelong commitment to learning. More than simply presenting philosophical concepts, this episode challenges listeners to develop a greater appreciation for the order, intelligence, and remarkable design expressed throughout nature and within every human body.

• Understanding Universal Intelligence in chiropractic philosophy
• The difference between Universal Intelligence and Innate Intelligence
• Natural law, organization, and order in the universe
• Historical context of Dr. B.J. Palmer's philosophy
• Systems biology, neuroplasticity, and modern scientific parallels
• The body as an integrated, adaptive system
• The importance of observation, curiosity, and lifelong learning
• Why Universal Intelligence remains relevant to chiropractic today

This episode builds upon the Major Premise introduced in Section 2 and prepares listeners for the next chapter in The Science of Chiropractic series, where Dr. Joe will explore Innate Intelligence—the intelligence within every living organism—and its central role in chiropractic philosophy.

Stay specific. Stay connected. And keep thinking from Above-Down, Inside-Out.