In8 Thots

Dr. Joe Sheppard
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Medicine

 “Welcome to IN8 THOTS — the chiropractic podcast dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Palmer Green Books. I’m Dr. Joe Sheppard, and in each episode, I summarize, highlight and read from the original writings of B.J. Palmer and the pioneers of chiropractic philosophy, breaking down the principles, discussing the meaning behind the words, and highlighting the key concepts that shaped our profession. From the subluxation specific to innate intelligence, this podcast is about preserving the philosophy, understanding the science, and applying the art of chiropractic in today’s world. Let’s open the Green Books and think from Above-Down, Inside-Out.” 

  1. 4d ago

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series 5 — The Chiropractor's Adjuster, Section 2 of 8 The Foundation of Chiropractic Philosophy - Intelligence, Nerve Force, Health, Disease, and the Principles That Gave Birth to Chiropractic

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series 5 — The Chiropractor's Adjuster Section 2 of 8The Foundation of Chiropractic PhilosophyIntelligence, Nerve Force, Health, Disease, and the Principles That Gave Birth to Chiropractic In Section 2 of 8, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores the philosophical foundations of D.D. Palmer's chiropractic, examining the original ideas of intelligence, nerve force, tone, and the relationship between structure and function. Before chiropractic became a profession defined by the adjustment, Palmer sought to understand a much deeper question: What allows the human body to function, organize, and maintain health? D.D. Palmer believed that intelligence and nerve force played essential roles in coordinating bodily function and that disturbances involving the spine and nervous system could contribute to disease. These historical concepts helped establish chiropractic's philosophical identity and later influenced B.J. Palmer's development of Universal Intelligence, Innate Intelligence, and the Major Premise. This episode examines the distinction between historical chiropractic philosophy and modern scientific understanding. While contemporary neuroscience explains neural communication through electrical and chemical processes, Palmer's original theories invite discussion about the body's organization, regulation, and capacity to adapt. The chiropractor provides an intervention, but the patient's body produces the biological response. Ultimately, The Foundation of Chiropractic Philosophy reminds us that chiropractic began with questions—not simply techniques. Understanding D.D. Palmer's original thinking allows us to appreciate chiropractic's history while continuing to investigate its principles, advance its science, and refine its clinical art. Podcast HighlightsBefore the adjustment, there was an idea.D.D. Palmer's search to understand the relationship between health, disease, and bodily function.Intelligence as an organizing concept in early chiropractic philosophy.The historical concept of nerve force and its proposed relationship to the nervous system.Tone as a central element of D.D. Palmer's understanding of health and disease.The relationship between spinal structure, neurological function, and adaptation.The body is not a passive machine—it actively participates in its biological responses.The chiropractor provides the intervention; the patient produces the response.Health involves more than the absence of symptoms.The adjustment should follow examination, analysis, and clinical judgment.D.D. Palmer was the Founder; B.J. Palmer was the Developer.Understanding how D.D.'s original ideas influenced B.J.'s later philosophical framework.Philosophy asks WHY. Science asks WHAT CAN WE KNOW. Art asks HOW.Historical theories should be studied thoughtfully and distinguished from established scientific findings.The hands should never move faster than the mind.

  2. Oct 27

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series 5 — The Chiropractor's Adjuster Section 1 of 8 The Birth of Chiropractic The Discovery, the Philosophy, and the Beginning of a Profession

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series 5 — The Chiropractor's Adjuster Section 1 of 8 The Birth of ChiropracticThe Discovery, the Philosophy, and the Beginning of a Profession In Section 1 of 8, Dr. Joe Sheppard begins a new IN8 THOTS Green Book Series exploring Dr. D.D. Palmer's The Chiropractor's Adjuster, returning to the origins of chiropractic and the ideas that established an entirely new profession. From Dr. D.D. Palmer's early work in Davenport, Iowa, to the historic 1895 encounter with Harvey Lillard, we examine the observations, questions, and theories that shaped chiropractic's beginning. Dr. D.D. Palmer believed that disturbances involving the spine and nervous system could influence the body's function and contribute to disease. His developing concepts of vertebral subluxation, nerve force, tone, and the chiropractic adjustment established a philosophical framework that would influence generations of chiropractors, including his son, Dr. B.J. Palmer. This episode explores the important distinction between observation and explanation, examining how Palmer's early theories developed and why chiropractic must continue investigating its historical claims through modern science. The founding story reminds us that an observation can inspire a new approach, but scientific investigation is necessary to establish why something occurs. Ultimately, The Birth of Chiropractic is more than the story of one man and one adjustment. It's the beginning of a profession built around questions concerning the relationship between structure, function, the nervous system, and health. Understanding Dr. D.D. Palmer's original thinking allows us to better appreciate chiropractic's history while continuing to advance its philosophy, science, and art. Podcast HighlightsDr. D.D. Palmer: The Founder of Chiropractic.September 18, 1895 — the traditional beginning of chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.Harvey Lillard and the historical account of the first chiropractic adjustment.The distinction between observing a result and establishing its cause.The relationship between spinal structure, nervous system function, and health.How Dr. D.D. Palmer's early theories helped establish the concept of vertebral subluxation.The chiropractic adjustment was intended to be more than simply moving a joint.The founding of the Palmer School of Chiropractic in 1897.Dr. D.D. Palmer, the Founder — Dr. B.J. Palmer, the Developer.The early philosophical concepts of nerve force, tone, and intelligence.Chiropractic began as more than a technique—it developed as a philosophy, science, and art.Respecting chiropractic's history while examining its claims through modern scientific understanding.Observation begins the investigation. It doesn't complete it.The importance of questioning, studying, and continually refining chiropractic knowledge.

  3. Oct 20

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 8 of 8— The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art — Final Episode Philosophy, Science & Art in the 21st Century: Where Do We Go From Here?

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 8 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art — Final EpisodePhilosophy, Science & Art in the 21st Century: Where Do We Go From Here?In Section 8 of 8, Dr. Joe Sheppard concludes our journey through Dr. B.J. Palmer's The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art by exploring the future of chiropractic and the responsibility of today's chiropractors to preserve the Principle, advance the science, and continually refine the art. Dr. B.J. Palmer's legacy was not simply about defending chiropractic's beginnings. It was also about questioning, investigating, and developing more specific approaches to care. As modern neuroscience, biomechanics, technology, and clinical research continue to evolve, chiropractic must embrace new knowledge without losing sight of its philosophical foundations. Philosophy inspires the questions, science investigates the claims, and art guides the application. The future of chiropractic depends upon specificity, clinical judgment, ethical responsibility, and patient-centered care. The chiropractor does not manufacture healing but provides an appropriate intervention to which the patient's body responds. Knowing when, where, and how to adjust—and when NOT to adjust—remains essential. More intervention does not automatically mean better care. Ultimately, the future of chiropractic is our responsibility. We must teach the next generation to think critically, question assumptions, study the Green Books, embrace scientific investigation, and continually improve their clinical skills. Preserving chiropractic's identity doesn't mean refusing to change. It means understanding our history well enough to carry forward what matters while advancing the profession for generations to come. Podcast HighlightsPreserve the Principle. Advance the Science. Refine the Art.Chiropractic must remember its history without becoming trapped by it.Philosophy inspires the questions. Science investigates the claims.Modern neuroscience provides opportunities to better understand spinal function, movement, and neurological responses.Vertebral subluxation requires clear definitions, reliable assessment, and continued scientific investigation.Technology and artificial intelligence should support clinical judgment—not replace it.The adjustment is an intervention. The biological response belongs to the patient.More adjustments don't automatically mean better chiropractic.Specificity means knowing when, where, how, and when NOT to adjust.The chiropractor's greatest responsibility is to the patient—not a technique or tradition.Patient education, independence, and improved function should remain important goals.Teach future chiropractors to think critically—not simply memorize techniques and quotations.Read the Green Books, study modern research, and never stop learning.Philosophy asks WHY. Science asks WHAT CAN WE KNOW. Art asks HOW.The Principle should guide our questions—not prevent us from asking them.We are not simply inheriting chiropractic's future. We are helping create it.

  4. Oct 13

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 7 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art The Chiropractor’s Responsibility: Guarding the Principle

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 7 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and ArtThe Chiropractor’s Responsibility: Guarding the PrincipleIn Section 7 of 8, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of the greatest responsibilities of every chiropractor: preserving chiropractic's philosophical foundation while advancing its science and refining its art. B.J. Palmer's legacy challenges us not simply to repeat the past, but to study, question, and understand the principles that helped shape our profession. Guarding the Principle means more than memorizing quotations or defending traditions. It requires understanding chiropractic's history, questioning assumptions, embracing scientific investigation, and applying sound clinical judgment. Philosophy provides direction, science demands accountability, and art brings knowledge into practice. The chiropractor's greatest responsibility is ultimately to the patient. We don't manufacture healing or supply the body's intelligence. We provide an appropriate intervention, and the patient's body responds. Knowing when to adjust, when NOT to adjust, and when to refer demonstrates the discipline, humility, and integrity required of a responsible chiropractor. Our responsibility also extends to the next generation. We must teach chiropractors not simply how to adjust, but how to think. Preserving chiropractic's identity doesn't mean refusing to change. It means carrying forward what remains valuable, challenging what needs refinement, and ensuring the philosophy, science, and art continue to develop together. Podcast HighlightsThe Principle is greater than the personality who teaches it.Preserving chiropractic doesn't mean preserving every historical assumption unchanged.Read the Green Books—don't just quote the Green Books.Chiropractic philosophy should stimulate thought, not become a collection of slogans.Science is not the enemy of philosophy.Confidence should give us the courage to ask difficult questions.The patient comes before the technique, tradition, or theory.The chiropractor provides the intervention; the patient produces the biological response.Knowing when NOT to adjust is an ethical responsibility.Philosophy asks WHY. Science asks WHAT CAN WE KNOW. Art asks HOW.Teach future chiropractors to think critically, not simply perform adjustments.Clinical experience matters, but experience alone doesn't prove cause and effect.The Principle is guarded through responsible practice, not words alone.We are not merely recipients of chiropractic's history—we are contributors to its future.

  5. Oct 6

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Section 6 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art Specificity: Knowing When, Where, and When NOT to Adjust

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Section 6 of 8 The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and ArtSpecificity: Knowing When, Where, and When NOT to AdjustIn Section 6 of 8, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of Dr. B.J. Palmer’s most important pursuits: specificity. Specific chiropractic isn't simply about knowing how to deliver a precise adjustment. It requires knowing why, where, when, and whether an adjustment is actually necessary. Dr. B.J. Palmer’s work increasingly emphasized careful analysis and, later, a more focused upper-cervical approach associated with Hole-In-One (HIO). The larger lesson is one that remains relevant regardless of technique: more intervention isn't automatically better intervention. Analyze the patient, identify meaningful findings, intervene when appropriate, and then re-evaluate. One of the most important questions becomes: “Did it hold?” If the previous adjustment produced the desired change and the findings remain improved, another adjustment shouldn't automatically be assumed necessary simply because the patient returned to the office. Sometimes the most specific decision is to say: “You're holding. I'm leaving it alone.” Specificity ultimately requires knowledge, confidence, restraint, and humility. The goal isn't always more care or less care—it's appropriate care. Don't adjust because you can. Adjust because you should. Podcast HighlightsSpecificity begins with analysis—not the adjustment.Don't adjust the calendar. Adjust the patient.Every visit should earn its own clinical decision.More adjustments don't automatically mean better chiropractic.Precision over power.Technique should serve the patient—not the patient serve the technique.Know why, where, how, and when you're adjusting.After the adjustment, ask: “What changed?”On the next visit, ask: “Did it hold?”If the patient is holding, respect the body's response.Knowing when NOT to adjust can be as important as knowing how to adjust.Specificity doesn't mean less care at all costs—it means necessary and appropriate care.Changing your clinical hypothesis when the evidence changes is a sign of maturity.The intervention belongs to the chiropractor. The biological response belongs to the patient.The hands should never move faster than the mind.Don't adjust because you can. Adjust because you should.

  6. Sep 29

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 5 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art, The Adjustment: Where Science Becomes Art

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 5 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art, The Adjustment: Where Science Becomes Art Dr. Joe Sheppard explores the chiropractic adjustment as the point where philosophy, science, and art come together. A specific adjustment is more than simply moving a joint or creating an audible “pop.” It begins before the chiropractor ever makes contact—with analysis, clinical reasoning, and the decision that an adjustment is actually indicated. The science helps us understand the patient, spinal function, movement, and the nervous system. The art determines contact, direction, force, speed, amplitude, positioning, technique, and timing. The goal isn't the loudest adjustment or the greatest amount of force. It's delivering the appropriate intervention, to the appropriate patient, at the appropriate time. Dr. B.J. Palmer's pursuit of specificity also raises an important question: “Did it hold?” If the patient is responding appropriately and the findings that led to the previous adjustment are no longer present, another adjustment shouldn't automatically be assumed necessary. Sometimes the art is knowing exactly how to adjust. Other times, it's having the judgment to not adjust at all. Ultimately, the adjustment may take only a fraction of a second, but everything leading to that moment gives it meaning. Philosophy provides the purpose. Science informs the decision. Art guides the delivery. The patient provides the biological response. The adjustment begins before the chiropractor makes contact.Analysis comes before intervention.Moving a joint—or hearing a “pop”—doesn't automatically define a specific adjustment.The adjustment isn't measured in decibels.Contact, direction, force, speed, amplitude, positioning, and timing all matter.Precision should replace unnecessary force whenever possible.Philosophy asks: Why am I adjusting?Science asks: What can I observe and measure?Art asks: How should I apply the adjustment to this patient?More adjustments don't automatically mean better chiropractic.Always re-evaluate and ask: “Did it hold?”Sometimes the art is knowing how to adjust. Sometimes it's knowing when NOT to adjust.Purpose guides the intervention. Evidence evaluates the result.The patient—not the chiropractor—produces the biological response.Specificity means the appropriate intervention, for the appropriate patient, at the appropriate time.“The hands should never move faster than the mind.”

  7. Sep 16

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 4 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art The Vertebral Subluxation Finding the Cause, Not Chasing the Effect

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 4 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art-- The Vertebral Subluxation Finding the Cause, Not Chasing the Effect In Section 4 of 8, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores Dr. B.J. Palmer’s concept of the vertebral subluxation and the chiropractic philosophy of looking beyond symptoms to identify meaningful changes in spinal function. Pain matters, but the location of pain does not always identify its source. Dr. B.J.’s work increasingly emphasized specificity—analysis before intervention. The objective was not simply to adjust more, but to determine where, when, and whether an adjustment was indicated. His pursuit of specificity eventually contributed to his upper-cervical Hole-In-One (HIO) work. The clinical philosophy can be summarized simply: Find it. Adjust it when indicated. Re-evaluate. Then ask, “Did it hold?” If the previous correction is holding and the patient is functioning appropriately, another adjustment should not automatically be assumed necessary. Ultimately, specific chiropractic asks a question before every adjustment: Why am I adjusting this patient, at this location, today? The goal isn't the greatest number of adjustments—it's making every adjustment matter. Key TopicsThe historical chiropractic concept of vertebral subluxationChiropractic versus conventional medical uses of “subluxation”Looking beyond symptoms toward underlying functionStructure versus functionThe spine and nervous systemProprioception, neuroplasticity, and sensorimotor integrationDr. B.J. Palmer's pursuit of specificityThe development of the upper-cervical and HIO approachAnalysis before intervention“Did it hold?”Why more adjustments aren't necessarily betterKnowing when not to adjustThe importance of clear chiropractic terminologyWhy subluxation should be investigated rather than simply assumedBringing Philosophy, Science, and Art together

  8. Sep 8

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 3 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art, Innate Intelligence: The Intelligence of the Living Body The Power Within — Organization, Adaptation, and the Expession of Life

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 3 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art, Innate Intelligence: The Intelligence of the Living Body The Power Within — Organization, Adaptation, and the Expression of Life In Section 3 of 8 of the IN8 THOTS Green Book Series, Dr. Joe Sheppard explores one of the foundational concepts of chiropractic philosophy: Innate Intelligence. Early chiropractic philosophers used Innate Intelligence to describe the organizing principle expressed through the living body—its remarkable ability to regulate, adapt, respond, and heal. While modern science explains many of these processes through physiology and neuroscience, Innate Intelligence remains a philosophical concept rather than simply another name for the nervous system. At the heart of this episode is an important reminder: The chiropractor is not the healer. We don't give the patient intelligence or manufacture healing. We provide an appropriate intervention, and the living body responds. This philosophy also helps explain Dr. B.J. Palmer's pursuit of specificity. More adjusting isn't necessarily better. Analyze, adjust when indicated, re-evaluate, and ask: “Did it hold?” Sometimes the art is knowing when to adjust—and sometimes it's knowing when to leave the body alone. Ultimately, Innate Intelligence should inspire humility. The person on the adjusting table isn't simply a spine, symptom, X-ray, or diagnosis. They are a living, changing, adapting human being. Key Topics Universal Intelligence vs. Innate IntelligenceWhy Innate Intelligence is not simply another name for the nervous systemThe body's ability to regulate and adaptNeuroplasticity and modern neuroscienceTrauma, Thoughts, Toxins—and TechnologyThe chiropractor's role in the healing processWhy the adjustment is an intervention, not the body's responseSpecificity and “Did it hold?”Knowing when to adjust—and when not toThe limitations of the body's adaptive capacityClinical responsibility and appropriate referralWhy Innate Intelligence should inspire humility The Central Thought The intelligence isn't ours. The healing capacity isn't ours. The patient brought that with them. Our responsibility is to study the philosophy, understand the science, refine the art, recognize our limitations, and when an adjustment is appropriate—be as specific as possible.

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About

 “Welcome to IN8 THOTS — the chiropractic podcast dedicated to the timeless wisdom of the Palmer Green Books. I’m Dr. Joe Sheppard, and in each episode, I summarize, highlight and read from the original writings of B.J. Palmer and the pioneers of chiropractic philosophy, breaking down the principles, discussing the meaning behind the words, and highlighting the key concepts that shaped our profession. From the subluxation specific to innate intelligence, this podcast is about preserving the philosophy, understanding the science, and applying the art of chiropractic in today’s world. Let’s open the Green Books and think from Above-Down, Inside-Out.” 

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Joe Sheppard
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 In8 Thots
  • Show Website
    In8 Thots