Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being and it affects every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our work performance. Unfortunately, mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are becoming increasingly common, and traditional forms of treatment, such as therapy and medication, may not be enough to provide complete relief. This is why many individuals are turning to complementary forms of treatment, including chiropractic care.
Chiropractic care is a form of healthcare that focuses on the relationship between the body's structure, mainly the spine, and its function, and how this relationship can affect overall health and well-being. In recent years, research has shown that chiropractic care can have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
One of the ways in which chiropractic care can benefit mental health is by reducing stress. Stress can take a toll on both our physical and mental health, and chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce tension in the muscles and joints, thus reducing the overall stress levels in the body. This can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Researchers in New Zealand demonstrated the effect of slumped or straightened posture on the hearts and minds of the subjects in a study (1). Their blood pressure and heart rates were measured as they completed a series of tasks designed to assess their mood, self-esteem and stress levels.
"The upright participants reported feeling more enthusiastic, excited, and strong, while the slumped participants reported feeling more fearful, hostile, nervous, quiet, still, passive, dull, sleepy, and sluggish,” New Zealand study authors write. Good posture was also associated with higher self-esteem, less social fear and fewer negative emotions. Additionally, they also had stronger pulse responses than their slumped colleagues.
Chiropractic care aims to improve posture by
addressing any misalignments in the spine and restoring proper spinal function.
When the spine is properly aligned, it allows for the muscles and tissues to
support the body in an optimal position, reducing strain and promoting good
posture. The improved posture, in turn, can lead to benefits such as reduced
pain and improved mood, self-esteem, and stress levels, as demonstrated in the
New Zealand study. By reducing spinal misalignments and promoting good posture,
chiropractic care can help individuals experience the positive effects
associated with good posture, such as feeling more enthusiastic and less
fearful, as well as reducing negative emotions and improving self-esteem.
Depression is commonly associated with having less energy. Less energy can lead to more depressive thinking. It can be a terrible cycle. In another study, researchers looked at how body posture affects energy levels (2). The subjects were then divided into two groups and asked to perform one of two movement patterns for about three minutes (walking in a slouched posture or skipping). After the exercise, the subjects rated their personal energy level and described their subjective experience. Succeeding, they then exchanged to the other movement pattern and again rated their new experience. From the results of this study, the researchers concluded that energy level could increase or decrease depending on posture. The results indicate that the mind-body relationship goes both ways: the mind influences the body and the body influences the mind.
Additionally, chiropractic care can also improve the body's production of hormones that are important for regulating mood and emotions, such as serotonin and dopamine. Research has found that chiropractic adjustments can increase the production of these hormones, which can have a positive impact on mood and mental well-being. Additionally, chiropractic care can also help to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can contribute to anxiety and depression.
Another benefit of chiropractic care is that it can improve sleep. Sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health, and individuals with sleep disorders are at an increased risk of developing mental health conditions. Chiropractic care can help to improve sleep by reducing pain and promoting relaxation, which can have a positive impact on mental health.
In conclusion, chiropractic care can provide numerous benefits for mental health, from reducing stress to improving hormone levels and sleep. However, it's important to note that chiropractic care should not be used as a sole treatment for mental health conditions, and individuals should also seek care from a mental health professional. If you're looking for an alternative form of treatment for your mental health condition, consider exploring the benefits of chiropractic care.
If you would like further information and learn how Chiropractic can assist you on your health journey, click on the link below:
References:
1. http://time.com/3394589/slumping-makes-you-sad/
2. Peper E, Lin IM. Increase or decrease depression: How body postures influence your energy level. Biofeedback. 2012; 40(3): 125-130.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/WPTr7AjCxd0″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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