Ancient History

circa 2000BC to 1800AD

The earliest recordings of spinal corrections are depicted in ancient Chinese etchings on turtle shells, dating back over 4000 years. The ancient Indian practice of Yoga concentrated on keeping the spinal column flexible through various exercises, there is an old yogic saying that "a person is only as healthy as his spine".

In 1500 B.C. the Greeks were recording their successes in lower back treatments. Hippocrates, the 'Father of Medicine', also documented the key role of the spine and nervous system. He wrote - "Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases". Hippocrates' many writings included manuscripts such as 'Manipulation and Importance of Good Health' and another called 'Setting Joints By Leverage'. These works were written around 500 B.C.

Most cultures practicing some form of medicine have ancient writings dealing with the spine and its effects on the body. The evidence suggests that spinal care pre-dates medical-care and has been one of the favoured healing systems during most of mankind's civilised existence.

Following Hippocrates, another famous Greek Physician, Galen, wrote early in the second century - "Look to the nervous system as the key to maximum health". Galen was made famous for treating a Roman scholar. He adjusted Eudemus' neck which cured a paralysis of the scholar's hand and arm. Galen is also credited with the following wisdom - "Leaving the affected parts alone, you will reach the spine from which you will treat the disease".

Why were these great works ignored for centuries?

It can be traced back to the fall of the Roman Empire and the rampant destruction of the scholastic institutes of the time. Modern medicine was set back centuries by these acts. During the Dark Ages the spinal manipulative arts were forgotten by most physicians who preferred chemical concoctions along with bleeding by leeches. But all was not lost. Some of the techniques were handed down from generation to generation and there are many recorded cases of European "bone-setters" performing amazing acts of healing.

From the 11th through 15th centuries, "back walking" was practised in Asia and Europe. European gypsies used back walking as a cure for the sick. This crude form of spinal care known as 'trampling' or 'stamping' required the patient to lay on the ground while a woman was called to walk on his or her back. According to custom a virgin was preferred, or failing that, a mother of twins.

In Europe during the 1800's medical doctors shunned the art of "bone-setting" instead preferring to apply leeches and cauteries (hot irons) to the skin over tender spinal areas (Ouch!). But in 1867 a famous surgeon, Sir James Paget, recognised the evolving art with his article in the British Medical Journal entitled, 'Cases That Bone-Setting Cures'. In it he described the types of spinal manipulation known at the time. In the early part of the 20th century Germany enjoyed a thriving branch of manual medicine.

Click here to read about the discovery and development of modern chiropractic...