Which term best describes the philosophical underpinning of materialism in chiropractic?

The term that best describes the philosophical underpinning of materialism in chiropractic is physicalism. Physicalism asserts that everything that exists is ultimately physical or made up of matter. In the context of chiropractic practice, this philosophy emphasizes the importance of the physical body and its structures—such as the spine and nervous system—in relation to health and well-being.

Chiropractic care often focuses on the body's physical alignment and the mechanical functions of the spine to influence overall health, which aligns with the principles of physicalism. This perspective values tangible, observable phenomena as foundational to understanding health, wellness, and the effects of chiropractic interventions.

While other philosophical terms, such as mindfulness, realism, and existentialism, explore different aspects of human experience and consciousness, they do not center on a strictly material interpretation of existence and health as physicalism does. Therefore, physicalism is the most relevant term within the context of materialism in chiropractic philosophy.