Natural Health Blogging and Sex

Today I was looking through my natural health blog posts over the last years to see which ones have had the most visitors.
Unsurprisingly 'premature ejaculation' was popular. This post (on Valentines day!) talked about serotonin, a relaxing neurotransmitter in the brain,
"Scientists have found that premature ejaculation has something to do with a chemical in the brain called serotonin. Having low levels of serotonin somebody ejaculates too soon, before he wants to, causing some distress. On the contrary, higher serotonin levels help prevent premature ejaculation."
  The post than advocated the use of certain herbs such as ginkgo, and griffonia, and even stinging nettles that are claimed to increase serotonin.
 However, the main recommendation was not to worry about it too much, as research showed men with the condition lasted nearly 3 mins on average, compared to healthy volunteers who lasted  3 minutes - hardly statistically significant - maybe some men base their diagnosis on watching porn videos where the men go on for 45 mins or more (probably faked for the cameras)...
Most of the comments for this post are from viagra salesmen!

On the subject of Erectile Dysfunction another post advocated something simple - exercise.
"Any exercise is generally good for erectile dysfunction because it improves blood circulation and cholesterol, crucial to both sexual and cardiovascular health. Data from the large Health Professionals Follow-Up Study found that men who exercised vigorously at least three hours a week had a 30 percent lower risk of erectile dysfunction compared to men who rarely or never exercised."

and finally another post mentioned  the use of a chiropractic technique called KST (Koren Specific Technique) , and quoted a chiropractor posting on a forum (not me by the way)

"I am a chiropractor who went thru a pretty nasty divorce a few years ago. Since then
I've had a roller coaster ride with being able to obtain/maintain an erection. I
have tried many different chiropractic techniques. acupuncture, meditation, EFT,
supplements, hypnosis, ED meds. All of these provided mixed, inconsistent, temporary
results. After one KST adjustment my body released the emotional blockage that had
lead to my "issue." I feel like myself again! I highly recommend every chiropractor
find out more about KST." 

fibromyalgia, chiropractic

Can My Bellevue Chiropractor Help With Fibromyalgia?
Posted on February 26, 2012 by Dr. Michael Weir


Do you wake up feeling tired, washed out, and dragged down? Do you have generalized pain throughout your body that doesn’t seem to respond to anything you’ve tried? Do you wake up multiple times a night and fight getting back to sleep? These are classic symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM). However, when caught early and treated appropriately, FM can resolve or at least be controlled. As a Bellevue chiropractor I have found that chiropractic care and management of fibromyalgia is very effective and is becoming increasingly popular among FM sufferers. The goal of managing FM is to return you to a productive, enjoyable lifestyle allowing you to function and perform all of your desired activities.

Did you know that chiropractic is one of the most popular forms of alternative care, and 20% of American men and women utilize chiropractic at one point or another in their lives. Did you also know that chiropractic has been found to have an 80% satisfaction rate with people reporting significant pain relief, their function and overall increased sense of well-being. With all this being said I like to share with you some of the science behind chiropractic, and what it is exactly that chiropractors do.

As a chiropractor my main is to bring balance to the musculoskeletal system and reduce stress on the nervous system. This balance helps the body achieve a pain-free environment and may also help with many of your other symptoms. I achieve balance within each of my patients by the use of the pro-adjuster system, and it’s computerized technology to allow me to diagnose and treat the specific problems that my patients come to my office with. I also retrain each my patients muscle system through exercises rehabilitation and soft tissue work including massage. Some of my patients may also need nutritional and diet counseling.

Many of my patients who come to see me with fibromyalgia have pain or tender spots that travel throughout their entire body many times in their back in their neck, or arms and legs. They may also have headaches as a result of these tender spots. Chiropractic is a great way to reduce the pain that many fibromyalgia sufferers have by bringing alignment back to their spines, bringing relaxation to their muscles, and restoring normal posture. Many fibromyalgia sufferers also find that diet and nutritional counseling are also very beneficial. Research shows that chiropractic care for patients suffering from fibromyalgia is very supportive.

At Back in Action Chiropractic we know the importance of including chiropractic into your treatment plan and realize you have a choice of providers here in Bellevue. If you suffer from fibromyalgia, or have a friend or family member that requires care we appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward to serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Dr. Weir is a local bellevue chiropractor. You can contact his chiropractic chiropractic clinic at 425-635-0495.

India Chiropractic Mission

Bangalore Chiropractic was launched on the 25th August and, within 10 days, it’s at 90% capacity!

This is a combination of patients returning to care (since Dr. Sonya’s last visit), and online new patient marketing (the practice website and Choose Natural) which are producing incredible results.


Dr. Nick Beckwith recently relocated from the US to India and started at the clinic earlier this week.

Dr. Sonya and Dr. Nick are seeing a very wide cross-section of patients. Interestingly, traditional back pain and headaches admitting complaints are in the minority! Complaints like ADHD, colic, bed-wetting, breathing problems, dizziness, extremities pain, etc. are more popular.

Alongside paying patients (essential so that the ministry is financially sustainable) the doctors are seeing economically disadvantaged patients… India’s poor surviving on less than $2 per day.

"pain is a disease"

at Parsons Chiropractic we offer fast relief from back and neck pain so its interesting to see this article from the Times:

"Chronic pain needs to be recognised as a disease in its own right, experts say.

The hospital doctors and academics argue this would lead to more momentum for official strategies and funding to help patients.

Nearly 8m people in the UK are suffering ongoing problems with pain. But only 2% of them end up seeing specialists - and a quarter believe their doctors do not know how to treat their pain, research shows.

Prescriptions worth a total of £584m are written every year for painkillers. And pain - including back problems - is the second most common reason cited by incapacity benefit claimants for not working.

Dr Beverly Collett, a consultant in pain medicine from University Hospitals of Leicester and chairman of the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition campaign group , said: "This problem has huge ramifications for society as a whole. Pain is difficult to treat.

"Many patients are seeking reasons for what is behind the pain - but in the vast majority of cases, you can't find one. We are trying to get it taken more seriously - and there's a push, particularly in Europe, to say it is a disease in its own right."

Researchers are examining the idea that changes in the spinal cord and brain have the effect of maintaining pain in sufferers, making it an ongoing problem that can lead to depression or anxiety.

Experts believe more training would help GPs in assessing the severity of patients' pain.

Distraction

Non-medical interventions such as physiotherapy and encouraging patients to stay active can also play a role, with some work showing that distraction can help patients avoid feeling pain.

Professor Steve McMahon, from the Wolfson Centre of Age Related Diseases at King's College London, said the number of new drugs developed to treat pain in the past decade was "very small".

Another expert, Irene Tracey, Nuffield professor of anaesthetic science at Oxford University, said: "There is a cultural problem where it's thought that there is a benefit from suffering. We have to get over this. It's not acceptable for people to suffer significant pain in the 21st century."

By Jane Dreaper, Health correspondent, BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8543561.stm

science and chiropractic

Science Supports Chiropractic

Professor Scott Haldeman & Martin Underwoods report released on 25th Febuary 2010 says,"Chiropractors are extremely fortunate in these times of evidence based health care. There is little dispute amongst knowledgeable scientists that manipulation is of value in the management of back pain neck pain and headaches, that make up 90% or more of all patients that seek chiropractic care".

chiropractic and sports

England played Denmark last week and sitting on the Danish bench was Dr Johannes Breum, a chiropractor.
A large proportion of successful athletes have a chiropractor on their team. This is what some of them have to say about chiropractic:

“The team wasn’t just riders. It was the mechanics, masseurs, chefs, soigneurs, and doctors. But the most important man on the team may have been the chiropractor.” – Lance Armstrong, 7 time Tour de France Champion


“ …as long as I see the chiropractor, I feel like I’m one step ahead of the game.” – Tom Brady, New England Patriots ~ 3 time Superbowl Champion and 2 time Superbowl MVP


“Those are the guys that put me on the field when I didn’t think I had a chance to be on the field. These are professionals.” – Terrell Owens, NFL Wide Receiver

“I believe in chiropractic, and I know it works. You probably know about my long and successful career in football. I’m flattered by the testimonials to my durability. Football is a very rough and vigorous sport. Chiropractic was the key to keeping me in the game.” – Jerry Rice, Wide Receiver ~ 3 time Superbowl Champion and Superbowl MVP

“..lifting weights and seeing a chiropractor on a regular basis has made me a better golfer. I’ve been going to chiropractors for as long as I can remember. It’s as important to my training as practicing my swing.” – Tiger Woods ~ 14 time PGA Championship Golfer

“Without chiropractic, I wouldn’t be able to play consistently throughout the season.” – Johnny Damon, MLB Center Fielder and two time World Series Champion.

“You obviously can’t compete at your fullest if you’re not in alignment. And your body can’t heal if your back is not in alignment. Every track and field athlete that I have ever met has seen a chiropractor at one time or another. In track and field, it is absolutely essential. Chiropractic care is one of the things I think that no one has denied or refuted”
- Dan O’Brian, Olympic Gold Medallist ~ Decathlon

About this Site (In Pain? call 0800 0197488 now)

A few Health Principles to begin with:

Your body is a self-healing system.

You can achieve a high level of health and wellness without expensive drugs or surgery

Your body is designed to self regulate and be healthy. We just have to remove interferences to this natural healing ability...


"When you shine a bright light in a dark corner you remove the darkness. You simply can't have light and darkness simultaneously. Similarly when you focus on health, disease dramatically disappears. Disease and health can't co-exist.
When you focus on choosing natural unprocessed foods, healthy water, air, appropriate sun exposure,keeping the body in alignment, exercise, proper rest, emotional balancing and avoidance of toxic chemicals and pollutants, you will shine the light on disease and allow health to replace it".

On the right are the postings over the past 2 years. Click on the ones that interest you - from Addictions to Zinc. There are many articles on back pain, cancer,cholestorol and the effects of statins, chiropractic, execise, obesity and weight loss, transcendental mediation...
My most visited articles are about the Salt Water Flush, and the PACE exercise program of Dr Al Sears.

MY RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:
Orthopedic pillows - keep your neck bones in the correct position while you sleep.
Ultra Herbs - recommended herbal products - see link on top right
Wheat grass – organic superfood
‘Woodlock’– the traditional Chinese remedy for joint and muscle pain
Light boxes and daylight bulbs (SAD)
Himalayan rock salt
Dead sea mud
Colon cleansing herbs
Alexander Barrie device to correct pelvic tilt and back pain
Emotional freedom technique (see www.emofree.com )
AMAZING VIDEO ON EFT www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nRY3UtTHvo
Tapas acupressure technique
Chiropractic - see below

all these products will be available soon from this site - in the meantime just google the names for more info..


Current state of health:
(These statistics are for USA, but you can make an educated guess for your country based on how far your country has taken up a USA diet and lifestyle)

50 percent of Americans will have some form of cancer in their lifetime.
•
One in six Americans is either pre-diabetic or diabetic.
•
Sixty-six percent of Americans are overweight.
•
Over ten million Americans are taking anti-depressants.
•
50 percent of people over 85 will have Alzheimer's Disease.
•
Someone dies of heart disease every 34 seconds.
•
One in six Americans suffers from an Anxiety Disorder.


My practice
www.parsons-chiro.co.uk

Chiropractic at Parsons Chiropractic
Dr Parsons has many years of experience adjusting all ages for all types of spinal and structural problems. Dr Parsons utilizes the Koren Specific Technique, a low force directional adjusting protocol. In simpler terms it means there are no heavy manipulations, no ‘cracking sounds’ and no discomfort whatsoever. This new method is ideal to work with all ages, from newborns to the elderly, even people with Osteoporosis or other degenerative spinal conditions. The key to successful use of the KST method is the Arthrostim adjusting tool. This hand held device delivers precise low force adjustments with a frequency of 12-14 light taps per second. Dr Parsons has been getting fantastic results working with patients with all types of different conditions using a very light, very safe and most importantly a very effective technique.

Conditions that respond well;
• All types of back and neck pain respond well. There is no rotation or ‘cracking’ of the neck
• Shoulder pain and arm pain respond very well
• Leg pain
• Headache, dizziness, sinus congestion, brain ‘fog’ and any other conditions that are caused by misalignments or restrictions in the cranial bones (the bones of the skull)
• Hump patterns at the base of the neck.
The hump pattern is extremely unhealthy, it is a lump of restricted swollen muscles and vertebrae, it is not only unsightly but can lead to health problems ranging from heart problems to breathing conditions.
• Fatigue
• Sleeplessness
• Some childhood health problems
• Some health problems in infants

It is also important to point out that getting regular chiropractic care does not just treat disorders and illnesses, regular chiropractic care ensures that the nervous system, the most important system in the body is working efficiently and to it’s highest potential. When the nervous system is healthy the body is healthy, natural immune system resistance is improved, digestion is more efficient and muscle is more toned and coordinated. In other words your body can be the best it can be with regular chiropractic care and chiropractic care has never been easier or more enjoyable. The Arthrostim adjusting instrument and Koren Specific Technique (KST) is truly a revolution in healing. If you live in the Preston and Warrington areas call 01772 431133 now (for Ormskirk call 01695 581529)
www.parsons-chiro.co.uk

Clash drummer now a chiropractor!

So, what do you do next after you've been in one of the most celebrated bands on the planet? Become a chiropractor, of course!

Terry Chimes, drummer with the Clash, played all of the biggest stadiums. He has had Bob Dylan, Jack Nicholson and Eddie Murphy coming backstage to pay him tribute. Rolling Stone magazine places his records in the top 10 of all time.

But now, Terry has become a chiropractor in Essex, England and his stage appearances are now limited to motivational seminars for doctors.

"I felt it was time to completely change - and over the time I'd been a musician, I'd already become a non-drinking, non-smoking, non-drug-taking vegetarian who does yoga."

And that's not mentioning the triathlons.

"People say how can you prefer treating patients to being on stage in front of 100,000 people? But if you can get someone healthy, there's a satisfaction in that which is much more profound."

Chiropractic is founded on "Tone"

Chiropractic is based on the principle of Tone.
What we do is allow normal tone to occur. To allow the restoration of the brain-body connection. To allow that nerve system, free of interference, to more fully express Life Energy, so that every cell can know and perform its task for the good of the whole. And as that person assimilates the lesson held within the energy and information stored as subluxation, they heal. They grow. They evolve. And their friends, families and aquaintences benefit from the change.
What we do is far more than put people's pain to sleep. We allow life to awaken. We bring forth in every individual that which will cause the world to heal. To move in a better direction. To allow the restoration of natural processes on the planet by making one more person less of a problem and more of a solution.

George Rhodes DC

hay fever

From Dr Eben Davis DC ;
"Allergies are very common. One of the most common allergies is hay fever, or Allergic Rhinitis. Hay fever is thought to effect over 30% of the population in one form or another.

Hay fever occurs when the body over produces histamine in response to pollen grasses, air-borne chemicals, and dust particles. This is why the treatment is usually anti-histamine.

The problem with anti-histamine is that the body makes more histamine in response to it...which is why you have to keep taking more of it. It's a viscous cycle.
The nervous system controls and regulates every function in your body...including histamine production by the white blood cells...this is part of your immune system.

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves...which exit from in between the bones of the spine. If these bones (vertebrae) are out of alignment, they can offend and irritate the same nerves they were designed to protect...this is called a vertebral subluxation.

If the irritated nerves are involved with your immune response and histamine production, you may have abnormal reactions such as hay fever.

At my downtown San Francisco Chiropractic Center, I have patients that come to see me for allergies only. I don't treat the allergies...I treat the subluxations, which allows the nervous sytem to better balance body chemistry and immune response.

If you have hay fever it can be a real bummer. I would seriously consider visiting a good chiropractor to find out it he or she can help your allergies. I think you might be pleasantly surprised."

chiropractic for back pain on the NHS

this looks like a step in the right direction:

Patients with persistent low back pain should be offered chiropractic and acupuncture on the NHS, says NICE
It is the first time the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has explicitly backed the use of complementary therapies.
The rationing watchdog said evidence suggests they help and will be cost effective if doctors stop providing less proven back services like X-rays.
The move was welcomed by some charities and experts.
Patients whose pain is not improving should have access to a choice of different therapies including acupuncture, and chiropractic.
According to Professor Peter Littlejohns of NICE,
"Low back pain is a very common problem affecting one in three adults in the UK each year, with an estimated 2.5 million people seeking help from their GP.
For many people the pain goes away in days or weeks. But for some, the pain can persist for a long time and become debilitating."
NICE says anyone whose pain persists for more than six weeks and up to a year should be given a choice of several treatments, because the evidence about which works best is uncertain.
In addition to painkillers and regular advice to stay active and carry on with normal activities as much as possible, patients, together with their doctor, can decide to opt one of three complementary treatments.
This includes up to eight exercise sessions or 10 sessions of acupuncture over 12 weeks, or a course of manual therapy, which includes up to nine sessions of chiropractic.

The costs to the NHS would be minimal - in the order of £77,000 - because they are offset by the savings in terms of reducing future disability and healthcare needs and moving away from treatments with little supportive evidence.
The guidelines, which apply to England and Wales, say doctors should no longer offer spinal x-rays or MRI scans or injections of therapeutic substances into the back for non-specific low back pain.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy welcomed the guidelines, as did Dr Dries Hettinga of the charity BackCare.
He said: "This offers a real choice for patients.
"This guideline will help patients understand what treatment and care can help them with their back pain and shows that there can be a positive outlook for treating this condition."

CHIROPRACTIC -THEORY AND PRACTICE

SPINAL ADJUSTMENT

• Realigning Structure
We have over 200 bones in our body, which allow us to move. For example, if the backbone were really only one bone, we wouldn't be able to bend, sit down, or even walk! Instead, we have 26 moveable segments that enable us to move freely. The bones, called vertebrae, sacrum, and coccyx, weigh as little as a few ounces each, and can be easily misaligned. Obviously in a car accident, when thousands of pounds of force is transmitted to the neck and back, these bones frequently are pushed out of alignment. But they can be pulled out of place through exercise, or tight muscles, or even during the course of normal daily activities. Misalignments can even occur during sleep.

Sometimes it is obvious to recognize when you have misalignment of osseous segments, because you have pain. What people don't realize that the majority of your nerve fibers do not transmit pain sensations. So out of place bones and vertebrae may put pressure on nerves that do not warn you that something is amiss. We call that the silent subluxation, or silent misalignment. These misalignments can nevertheless be causing nerve interference with "motor" nerves, the ones that control the functioning of the organs of your body, and your muscles.

• Some Conditions Improved by Alignment
Many cases of urinary bladder incontinence, "overactive" bladder, and leakage have been improved or corrected through alignment of lower back vertebrae impinging on the nerves controlling the bladder. Bedwetting in some cases is also related to misalignments, although food allergies can also play a part. Some cases of high blood pressure, underactive thyroid (hypothyroid), goiter, sexual dysfunction, irregular or rapid heartbeat, stomach and digestive dysfunction,headache, neck pain, tingling and numbness or burning sensation into the arms, forearms, hands, fingers, legs, or feet, sinus congestion, and muscle weakness have dramatically responded to realignment of bones. The procedure is safe and the various methods we utilize include ones gentle enough for babies and infants. We have had numerous newly-born infants brought in by their parents to check their alignment which can be compromised by the birth process.

swine flu pandemic - fight it with chiropractic?

Regarding the threat of a global Flu pandemic The World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA) has recommended that people of all ages add chiropractic to their strategy for warding off and fighting flu and its effects.

Spinal adjustments can have a positive effect on immune function, the WCA asserts, citing a growing number of researchers who are exploring the common denominators in disease processes, and the role of the nervous, immune, and hormonal systems in development of immune related illnesses.


Chiropractors helping patients battle the flu is not a new occurrence:
During the 1917-18 influenza epidemic, which brought death and fear to many Americans, it has been estimated that 20 million people died throughout the world, including about 500,000 Americans. It was chiropractic’s success in caring for flu victims that led to the profession’s licensure in many states.

Researchers reported that in Davenport, Iowa, out of the 93,590 patients treated by medical doctors, there were 6,116 deaths -- a loss of one patient out of every 15. Chiropractors at the Palmer School of Chiropractic adjusted 1,635 cases, with only one death. Outside Davenport, chiropractors in Iowa cared for 4,735 cases with only six deaths -- one out of 866. During the same epidemic, in Oklahoma, out of 3,490 flu patients under chiropractic care, there were only seven deaths. Furthermore, chiropractors were called in 233 cases given up as lost after medical treatment, and reportedly saved all but 25. In another report covering 4,193 cases by 213 chiropractors 4,104 showed complete recovery.

“These results are not so surprising given what we now know about the interaction between the nervous system and the immune system” stated Dr. Matthew McCoy, WCA Board member and Editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. “Through research we know that chiropractic has beneficial effects on immunoglobulins, B-lymphocytes (white blood cells), pulmonary function and other immune system processes.”

Chiropractic corrects spinal abnormalities called vertebral subluxations that result in interference of the nervous system by placing pressure on nerves. Since the nervous system controls all functions of the body -- including the immune system -- chiropractic care can have a positive effect on immune function, WCA officials note.

“Contemporary research is beginning to shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms which may explain the outstanding clinical results chiropractors have experienced when managing patients with viral and infectious diseases,” stated Dr. Christopher Kent, WCA Vice President.

Dr. Kent explained: “A comprehensive review of the research literature reveals the current understanding that the brain and immune system are the two major adaptive systems in the body. During an immune response, the brain and the immune system 'talk to each other' and this process is essential for maintaining homeostasis or balance in the body."

Since its inception, chiropractic has asserted that viruses and microbes don't threaten us all equally and that a healthy immune system easily repels most invaders. The immune system protects us from the flu, as well as any other infectious disease, and strives to get us well again when we do fall ill. Our immune system, like every other system in the body, is coordinated and controlled by the nervous system.

funny bone

Why do they call it your funny bone if it hurts so badly?

The funny bone refers to the site where the ulnar nerve crosses the elbow. The name apparently came from a pun in the 1800's. It’s a play on the word “humorous” and the upper arm bone, the humerus. Try to contain your laughter!

The pain occurs when you bang the ulnar nerve against the bony prominence of the humerus, the medial condyle. There are some severe problems that can come from injuring this vulnerable nerve, including cubital tunnel syndrome, a condition also known as ulnar nerve entrapment neuropathy at the elbow. This is the second most common condition where a peripheral nerve gets compressed. The most common is carpal tunnel syndrome.

It typically causes numbness in the ring and littlefingers of the hand, elbow pain, and hand weakness. The symptoms are worsened by any activity that involves repeated flexing of the elbow.

Three times more common in men than women, it sometimes requires a surgical decompression to take pressure off the nerve. However, these conditions respond extremely well to Chiropractic, so why not try this approach first before surgery?.

Asthma Study on Benefits of Chiropractic

Asthma has become a large health concern for children in recent years. Over the past 20 years the incidence of asthma has doubled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that in 1998, approximately 17,299,000 people in the United States, or 6.4% of the population, with cases among very young children up 160%. As reported in the June 16, 1999 issue of JAMA, the CDC also noted that between 1980 and 1994, the number of people self-reporting asthma grew 75%.

In a study conducted in 1996 by the Michigan Chiropractic Council (MCC), a panel of doctors performed an out-come assessment study to test the qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of chiropractic care on children with asthma. The high demand of parents seeking alternative care for pediatric asthma was shown by the overwhelming interest in the study. More than 500 parents called the MCC seeking to get their child involved in the chiropractic study.

The study, which took place during May and June of 1996, examined the chiropractic effectiveness in correcting the cause of asthma in patients from birth to age 17. The average age of the participant was 10 years. "After 30 days of chiropractic health care, patients averaged only one attack, whereas prior to the study they were experiencing more than four attacks," said MCC Dr. Bob Graham, who directed the study. "Medications, which can be costly, were decreased by nearly 70 percent. Finally, patient satisfaction was rated 8.5 on a scale of 10." More than 70 chiropractors from 62 cities in Michigan studied more than 80 children suffering from asthma.

ADD and chiropractic

Chiropractic has also been shown to be of great benefit to children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD disorders. Twenty-four children were tested in an independent research project conducted at Texas A & M University. Twelve children received Chiropractic treatment and twelve received medical care. The outcome proved children receiving Chiropractic care improved more than children treated with drugs in areas such as verbal output, reading and comprehension, attitude and self-esteem, coordination and emotional maturity.

SOURCE: The Chiropractic Journal, April 2000

Chiropractic changes thinking!

CHIROPRACTIC AND THE BRAIN

I have noticed that many people report increased feelings of wellbeing following chiropractic adjustments (not just because their back pain has gone!).
Why is this ?
A recent experience from my distinguished colleague Dr Nick Hodgson may give us a clue:

"In May I was privileged to be invited to train a group of Chiropractors in Johannesburg in Torque Release Chiropractic Technique. The organiser had struck up a conversation with a PhD Psychologist who specialises in Brain EEG mapping, and when he had suggested to her that he believed that a chiropractic adjustment changed brain function, she had politely snubbed him based on her scientific experience.
When he asked me what to do I suggested that he invite her to our program and ask if she would be willing to do pre and post exams on the Chiropractors that were adjusted at the end of a long day of training. She happily accepted the challenge. We only had time to do a limited (“statistically insignificant”) number of trials, and afterward when we asked her what she had observed she commented that each participant had experienced a “shift” in their brain function.
Most of us being EEG novices we pressed her further to explain this – apparently it usually takes approximately 6 months of neurobiofeedback to achieve this phenomenon – not bad response to the carefully selected delivery of 1-3 primary subluxation adjustments?
Her response was to demand that I adjust her before she left – I think her scientific opinion had been shifted".

There is published research that supports the observation that chiropractic adjustments change brain function...


So our comprehension of the spine as being "ligaments, muscle, discs, joints and biomechanics" needs to mature to "neurones, neuropeptides, and brain holography" . In other words our understanding of chiropractic and the spine needs to shift from a "bone/back focus" to a "nerve/brain focus".
Share and Enjoy!
follow the websites to see the research...


(1) The effect of the Chiropractic adjustment on the brain wave pattern as measured by QEEG. A Four Case Study. Summarizing an additional 100 (approximately) cases over a three year period. (Richard Barwell, D.C.; Annette Long, Ph.D; Alvah Byers, Ph.D; and Craig Schisler, B.A., M.A., D.C.) http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/tcj/2008/jun/n.htm

(2) New Science Behind Chiropractic Care http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE0711/S00116.htm(Altered sensorimotor integration with cervical spine manipulation. Haavik Taylor H and Murphy B. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Feb 2008. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=18328937)


(3) New Technique Introduced - EEG Confirms Results: (Jay Holder. ICAC Journal, May 1996.) http://www.torquerelease.com.au/ICAC-EEG-Confirms-Results.pdf

chiropractic and addictions

Reward Deficiency Syndrome and Addictions

It is estimated that at least 20% of the American population suffers from some form of addiction or compulsive disorder, including attention deficit /with or without hyperactivity disorders (ADD, ADHD).

The five primary addictions are work, food, sex, gambling and chemical addictions.

Chemical addictions include, but are not limited to: alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, opiates, amphetamines, barbiturates, methadone, prescription drugs, sedatives, hypnotics, Ecstasy, antidepressants and even caffeine.

The total cost of addictive behaviors in terms of family disintegration, loss of labor productivity, illness, injury and death is staggering. Over 80% of all crimes are related to addictions or substance abuse. There is now evidence that addictions account for 69% of all drownings, 68% of manslaughters, 52% of rapes, 50% of spousal abuse, 50% of traffic fatalities, 38% of child abuse and 20-35% of all suicides.

The disease of addiction is multifactorial, having genetic, psychological, physical and spiritual components. Recent research has shown a genetic component in the form of a defective gene for the Dopamine D2 receptor. When functioning optimally, the human organism is capable of producing a cascade of neurotransmitters within the Central Nervous System which results in a sense and feeling of well-being. This is called the Brain Reward Cascade.

People suffering from the defective gene are unable to produce a reward cascade. We then say that they suffer from Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS). Those individuals are unable to produce a feeling of well-being and, consequently, turn to addictive substances or compulsives behaviors that momentarily make them feel better.

RDS can be manifested in mild forms such as chain smoking or in more severe forms such as in chemical addictions.

Alcohol addictions, obesity (as a result of carbohydrates bingeing), nicotine addiction, attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, cocaine addiction, Tourette’s Syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorders are centrally mediated Reward Deficiency Syndromes.

Chiropractic, Subluxation and Addictions

Many things can interfere with the normal function of the Brain Reward Cascade, including, but not limited to: genetic factors; loss of normal neurological function (vertebral subluxations) due to physical, emotional and chemical traumas; illness, nutritional deficiencies; and drug and medication interactions.

In vertebrates, the vertebral motor units are intimately related with the Brain Reward Cascade by virtue of the nocioceptive reflex from vertebral joints to the limbic system (where the cascade takes place). Research has shown that the limbic system is not just in the brain, but also extend to the spinal cord (especially the dorsal roots and dorsal horn).

In light of this research, a subluxation-free spine is a requisite for the Brain Reward Cascade to express itself fully and allow the individual to experience optimal well-being.

The beneficial effects of subluxation-based chiropractic care in enhancing the well-being of individuals suffering from addictions has been demonstrated in a landmark randomized, placebo control, single blind study published in the very prestigious scientific journal Molecular Psychiatry.

The study – designed by Robert Duncan, PhD at the University of Miami School of Medicine, and Dr. Jay Holder, chiropractor and medical director of Exodus Treatement Center – has demonstrated that chiropractic adjustment of the spine of addicts enhanced their ability to complete a 30-day treatment protocol at a remarkable 100% retention (compared to 56% in the group not receiving chiropractic). The chiropractic group also had significantly lower anxiety levels and did not require as many visits to the nurse station.


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what do chiropractors do?

This is an answer to the above question on Yahoo Questions:

"Chiropractors work with the nervous system. They believe that many diseases are the result of a poor functioning nervous system..

Let's see... what conditions/diseases they commonly treat? Obviously pain, neck/low back pain, herniated discs, carpal tunnel syndrome, any other musculoskeletal conditions. Those are the most common. They also treat asthma, allergies, heart conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases (lupus, multiple sclerosis, and so on), infertility, and anything else that's related to the nervous system.

I have my heart managed by my chiropractor. Been off my heart meds for more than 10 years. No arrhythmias at all, and no high blood pressure. Just need an adjustment twice a year for my heart and I'm all good. And as always, each year, my cardiologist gives me a clean bill of health."

Dr. K