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. 1d ago

    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.

  2. 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.”

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. Sep 2

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 2 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art, The Major Premise and the Chiropractic Worldview

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 2 of 8, The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art The Major Premise and the Chiropractic Worldview The Foundation Upon Which the Philosophy Is BuiltIn 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. Key Topics CoveredWhat a premise is and why premises matterThe traditional chiropractic Major PremiseThe philosophical concept of Universal IntelligenceUniversal Intelligence versus Innate IntelligenceOrder and organization within natureThe living body as a dynamic, adaptive organismSelf-regulation, healing, and physiological adaptationWhy the chiropractor does not manufacture healingThe meaning of Above-Down, Inside-OutLooking beyond symptoms toward function and adaptationRespecting both the body's resilience and its limitationsWhy pathology, red flags, and appropriate referral still matterHow philosophy can generate scientific questionsWhy chiropractors should continue reading, studying, observing, and questioning

  6. Aug 25

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 1 of 8 The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and Art The Three Pillars: Philosophy, Science & Art

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 1 of 8 The Chiropractic Philosophy, Science and ArtThe Three Pillars: Philosophy, Science & ArtUnderstanding What Makes Chiropractic ChiropracticIn 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: What makes chiropractic… chiropractic?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. Key Topics CoveredWhat makes chiropractic distinctly chiropracticThe three pillars of Philosophy, Science, and ArtWhy philosophy provides directionWhy science should test and refine our understandingWhy chiropractic should welcome scientific investigationModern neuroscience and chiropracticThe art of applying knowledge to the individual patientWhy technique should serve the patientDr. B.J. Palmer's pursuit of specificityKnowing when to adjust—and when not toWhy chiropractors should remain lifelong studentsPreserving chiropractic's history while continuing to advance the profession

  7. Aug 18

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 8 of 8, The Science of Chiropractic The Future of Chiropractic Science

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 8 of 8, The Science of Chiropractic The Future of Chiropractic SciencePreserving the Principle While Advancing the ProfessionIn 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: “Did the adjustment hold?”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 chiropractor is not the healer.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. Key TopicsPreserving chiropractic principles without becoming trapped in the pastDr. B.J. Palmer's willingness to question and refine his own ideasThe relationship between science, art, and philosophyWhy chiropractic should never be afraid of scientific questionsThe nervous system as a central theme throughout B.J.'s workModern neuroscience and the importance of distinguishing evidence from historical claimsDr. B.J. Palmer's pursuit of specificityThe influence of HIO and upper cervical chiropracticThe importance of asking “Did the adjustment hold?”Knowing when to adjust—and when not toWhy the chiropractor is not the healerThe deeper meaning of Above-Down, Inside-OutReading the Green Books while continuing to study contemporary scienceThe responsibility of today's chiropractors to the next generation

  8. Aug 11

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 7 of 8, The Science of Chiropractic: Specific Chiropractic: The Art and Science of the Adjustment

    IN8 THOTS Green Book Series Section 7 of 8, The Science of Chiropractic Specific Chiropractic: The Art and Science of the AdjustmentIn 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. Key Topics CoveredThe difference between adjusting and specific adjustingWhy the adjustment is an intervention—not the source of healingChiropractic's relationship between science, art, and philosophyWhy Dr. B.J. Palmer believed more adjustments were not necessarily betterThe importance of asking, "Did the adjustment hold?"Knowing when not to adjustThe development of Hole-In-One (HIO) and upper cervical chiropracticWhy the audible "pop" is not the objective of an adjustmentNeuroplasticity, proprioception, and sensorimotor integrationAdapting technique to the individual patientThe importance of clinical judgment and appropriate referralWhy specificity extends beyond technique into the chiropractor's entire way of thinkingThe responsibility to preserve chiropractic philosophy while continuing to study modern science

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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
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 In8 Thots
  • Show Website
    In8 Thots