Innate intelligence
Innate Intelligence is a chiropractic term to describe the organizing properties of living things. It was originally coined by Daniel David Palmer, the founder of chiropractic. This vitalistic concept states that all life contains Innate (inborn) Intelligence and that this force is responsible for the organization, maintenance and healing of the body. Historically, chiropractors believed that they removed the interference to the nervous system (by way of a spinal adjustment) and that when the spine is in correct alignment, Innate Intelligence can act, by way of the nervous system, to heal disease within the body.
It was presented by early chiropractic leaders as a part of chiropractic philosophy, that life is a triune of intelligence, force, and matter. Modern chiropractors study these principles in college and these ideas are seen as historical references to early chiropractic philosophy and science. Chiropractors  in common with all other healthcare professionals  recognize that the body has intrinsic healing abilities.  Describing this healing ability as an "Innate Intelligence" is unique to chiropractic. Because of this early metaphysical construct, the terminology of innate intelligence is considered potentially detrimental to the profession's development and reputation as it seeks acceptance in the greater scientific community.

# History
The concept of innate intelligence was expanded upon by BJ Palmer in the numerous books he wrote. Originally, it was taught as the "law of life", comparable to the subconscious or the "non-conscious brain", or what causes homeostasis. "However, by not later than 1906 the father of chiropractic had converted these adjectives into nouns, more precisely, proper names" :

# Different interpretations
The concept of innate intelligence can have different meanings to different people for what it describes. 
- Innate as synonym for homeostasis - "This is considered the most common interpretation by chiropractors".
- Innate as a label for our ignorance - There is much that is unknown about human physiology, hence, unexplained phenomena are sometimes attributed to "Mother Nature", or  "viz medicatrix naturae" (Latin for the healing power of nature).
- Innate as vitalistic explanation - If using a vitalistic philosophy, innate can be used to give a name to that which creates the vital force, often a "part" of God.
- Innate as metaphysical premise - "When used as an a priori assumption, rather than as a hypothetical construct".

# Current usage
The term "innate intelligence" (sometimes abbreviated "II") is still used by certain chiropractors. At Palmer College of Chiropractic the definition of Chiropractic states, "Chiropractic philosophy begins with the principle that the human organism has an innate power to maintain its own health" and includes "This unique health care approach views the body as having an innate, natural ability to adapt to changes in its internal and external environments and maintain itself in a state of health." 
Similarly at Life University, they have "embraced the idea that humans are spiritual beings whose lives are directed by universal laws including the natural, vitalistic, innate ability to develop, heal and adapt as long as the body is kept free of interferences."
One of the most notable groups placing the most emphasis on the body's innate intelligence is the Foundation for the Advancement of Chiropractic Education (F.A.C.E.). They practice what is known as Objective Straight Chiropractic, and do not attempt to treat disease, but only to correct vertebral subluxations.
In his book on the philosophy, art, and science of chiropractic, Virgil Strang, D.C., chiropractic philosopher and the seventh President of Palmer College of Chiropractic, discusses his thoughts on homeostasis:

# A controversial concept
The use of the "innate intelligence" concept is controversial within the chiropractic profession, and is seen by many in the profession as antiquated metaphysical jargon which has no reference to reality. It is also a part of the "straight" vs. "mixing" battle that has been going on since the inception of chiropractic.
Chiropractic historian, Joseph C. Keating, Jr., PhD., puts it this way:
Lon Morgan, DC, a reform chiropractor, expressed his criticism in this way: