The 33 Principles of Chiropractic: Why Your Body Is Designed to Heal

Chiropractic isn’t just about backs, cracks, or pain relief. It’s a philosophy of life, health, and human potential. The 33 Principles, outlined by Dr. R.W. Stevenson, describe how life is organized, how the body functions, and what truly allows us to heal and thrive.

At their core, the principles say this: your body is intelligent, your body is self-healing, and your health depends on clear communication within your nervous system.

Below is a concise, modern explanation of these principles and how they shape your overall wellbeing.

1. The Universe Runs on Intelligence — and So Do You

Everything in the universe operates with order, purpose, and intelligence. Your body is no different. Every effect has a cause, every process takes time, and nothing functions without an intelligent force directing it. Chiropractic calls this force Innate Intelligence—your body’s built-in wisdom.

2. The Body Is a Living, Organized Miracle

Your body is not random. It grows, heals, adapts, eliminates waste, and creates new cells constantly. This coordination happens because Innate Intelligence keeps you organized and functioning—unless something interferes.

3. Your Nervous System: The Master Communicator

Innate Intelligence expresses itself through the nervous system. Every message between the brain and the body travels through your nerves. This communication drives healing, adaptation, balance, and everyday function. When communication is clear, you function at your best.

4. Interference Creates Stress, Dysfunction, and “Dis-Ease”

Stevenson described “dis-ease” as a lack of harmony within the body. The primary cause is interference in the nervous system, often from a subluxation—a misalignment or restriction in the spine that disrupts communication. When this occurs, the body struggles with sleep, energy, immunity, digestion, healing, and even emotional regulation. When interference is removed, the body doesn’t need help to heal—it simply needs no interference.

5. Chiropractic Adjustments Restore Communication

An adjustment doesn’t fix you; it reconnects you. By improving spinal motion and alignment, chiropractors restore the flow of communication so your Innate Intelligence can do what it was designed to do: heal tissues, calm inflammation, coordinate organ systems, adapt to stress, and improve overall wellbeing.

6. The 33 Principles in Daily Life

These principles show up in simple, everyday truths:

• Healing takes time.

• Your body is intelligent.

• Stress creates interference.

• Your spine is central to your health.

• True health is balance, not just the absence of symptoms.

• The nervous system leads everything.

• Chiropractic is proactive because health is better than recovery.

7. Why We Practice This Way at Huffer Chiropractic

We believe your body is designed to heal, grow, adapt, and thrive—and chiropractic helps unlock that potential. Our mission is to remove interference so your natural design can operate at 100% physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you’re seeking relief or pursuing long-term wellness, understanding these principles gives you the knowledge and confidence to take ownership of your health.

This is the foundation chiropractic stands on. This is the foundation we stand on. And this is the foundation that can change your life.