Final answer:
The term that best describes the chiropractic belief in the body's innate capacity to heal itself is Vitalism. It suggests that living organisms operate under unique principles, such as an internal healing ability, which is a core concept in chiropractic practice. This form of healing is central to chiropractic care and is enhanced by correcting subluxations to allow the nervous system to facilitate natural healing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that best applies to the first philosophical principle of chiropractic, which states that the body is self-healing and has the innate capacity to heal itself, is B. Vitalism. Vitalism refers to the belief that living organisms are fundamentally different from non-living entities because they contain some non-physical element or are governed by different principles than are inanimate things. In chiropractic, this principle aligns with the idea that the body can heal itself without the need for drugs or surgery, provided that the nervous system is allowed to function optimally, often achieved by correcting subluxations through spinal adjustments.
Herbert Benson and William Proctor, in their book 'Beyond the Relaxation Response: How to Harness the Healing Power of Your Personal Beliefs', discuss the impact of personal beliefs on healing, which aligns with the chiropractic philosophy of the power of innate healing. Although chiropractic care is predominantly associated with the physical manipulation of the spine, it is rooted in the concept of vitalism, where belief in the body's natural healing abilities plays a critical role.