Perhaps a quote by Thomas Edison best describes the theory and practice of the chiropractic techniques;

 “The Doctor of the future will give no medicine – but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame… and in the cause and prevention of disease…” It is this theory in short that chiropractic bases its beliefs on. It is a holistic practice of caring for the body in which its entirety is taken into consideration. It is also perhaps one of the eldest forms of non-invasive medicine; perhaps even more non-invasive than the practice of acupuncture, which began more than 5,000 years ago in different parts of Asia. 

The first recorded chiropractic manipulation was found in texts dating all the way back to 2650 BC in Kong Fu writings. Following that in 1500 BC the Greeks were recorded to have practiced chiropractic techniques care as well. In fact, most cultures that have writings based around back treatments have evidence of early chiropractic care. There are also South American Incas who were known for using bodily manipulation as a form of healing. In 500 B.C. Hippocrates produced writings on chiropractic, and his main point of advice was this; “Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite of many diseases.” Lastly, early in the second century a famous Greek physician by the name of Claudius Galen wrote, “Look to the nervous system as the key to maximum health.”
 

In more modern times, Daniel or D.D. Palmer began dabbling in chiropractic techniques and modalities. He began doing so September 18, 1895 following the move of his family back to the States when he was 11 in order to start fresh after the family grocery store business failed. Dr Palmer was a self taught man as was most back in those days, and opened his first practice of magnetic healing therapy in Burlington, Iowa in 1887; later moving to Davenport Iowa where he made the discovery that began to change the face of medicine ever more.