Chiropractic is Health Care, Not Disease Care

(NaturalNews) Chiropractors have, for the past 112 years, treated sickness and infirmity without the use of drugs and with the goal of avoiding surgical removal or repair of any of the body's organs or structures. Chiropractic's message is that the proactive care of one's body and wise lifestyle choices are necessary to achieve health. Chiropractors have held and maintained this view, even before it became fashionable and long before evidence made it clear that the drug and surgery model of "health care" is really nothing more than "disease care", waiting for disease to occur and then treating the effects. Chiropractic takes a preventive approach to health care: eliminate the cause of disease.

Chiropractors have always maintained that interfering with the transmission of the electro-chemical signals that connect your brain, the master control system for the human organism, to every organ and cell in your body has a detrimental effect on health.

This system is so delicate and of such vital importance that the body has designed the most elaborate set of protection, armor if you will, to protect it. The skull is a protective vault that houses and protects the most sensitive of systems: the eyes, the mouth, the ears and most importantly, the brain. The next critical organ in your body, the spinal cord, is guarded by your spine. This masterpiece of engineering is 24 vertebrae, each one a unique bone, that serves not only as the axis of your musculoskeletal system, giving you the unique ability to walk upright, but also has a unique set of nerves that run through it to every other system of the body through individual holes called foramen.

What travels through the spine and the foramen that protect them is the very essence of your being. From your brain, your spinal cord and the millions of nerves that branch out from it are the core from which your body functions. Before you came into the world, you formed a brain and a spinal cord and developed a body around it. And so it is today that the brain regulates the rest of your body through this delicate system of nerves protected by your spine.

Chiropractors maintain the proper position of these delicate joints and the precious cargo which they protect, your nerve system.

Pressure on the root nerves that leave the spine through the foramen to control and regulate all of the other organ systems of the body can affect millions of nerve fibers. Pressure on the brain stem, where it leaves the skull and enters the spine can also affect millions of nerve fibers. Interfering with these nerve fibers can have disastrous affects on your health.

Chiropractors detect and correct the cause of this interference, allowing your body to self regulate, adapt and heal. The care and maintenance of the spine and nervous system is a necessary component of any natural approach to health and wellness.

Chiropractors have been outspoken opponents of water fluoridation, mass vaccination, over-use of prescription drugs, food additives and have always maintained that it is better to find and correct the cause of disease, rather than merely treat or cover up symptoms.

Today, chiropractors embrace and support the growing body of evidence that health is a result of - a fully functioning nerve system, consuming natural, nutrient rich food, clean pure water, proper exercise, natural sleep and emotional/spiritual well being. A healthy spine allows your body to adapt, regulate and fully realize the benefits of all of these other natural methods of avoiding disease and achieving health. See your chiropractor today to have your spine checked and begin to extricate yourself from the disease care system of treating symptoms


Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/022535_health_body_chiropractic.html#ixzz2f5smYp1I

Chiropractic Care Naturally Treats Colic

(NaturalNews) Colic is defined as inconsolable crying in an infant for as least three hours a day, at least three days a week, for at least three weeks. A colicky baby typically presents with a loud piercing cry, flexed legs, tensed abdominal muscles, and clenched fingers. It typically starts around three weeks of age and lasts until around three months but sometimes lasts for as long as six months. Approximately 10-20% of babies are affected by colic. Doctors diagnose colic based on the previously mentioned "Rule of 3" and after ruling out diseases that may make a baby cry uncontrollably. Parents of infants with colic report significantly higher stress levels than parents whose babies don't have colic. The stress and frustration of trying to soothe a colicky baby may interfere with mother-baby bonding and can increase the risk of postpartum depression. In addition, colicky babies are more likely to be victims of child abuse and shaken baby syndrome. Despite the research done on colic there is no known cause, which can make treatment difficult. Chiropractic care has shown some of the best results, with 94% of colicky babies demonstrating improvement with chiropractic adjustments.

Research on chiropractic care and colic has shown significant benefits over other treatments such as dietary changes, medication, and infant positioning. A randomized clinical trial published in 1999 in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that "Spinal manipulation is effective in relieving infantile colic". For this study the researchers randomly assigned infants diagnosed with colic into two groups. One group received chiropractic care for two weeks and the other group was given the anti-gas medication dimethicone for two weeks. The babies in the chiropractic group showed a 67% decrease in crying while the babies on medication showed a 38% decrease in crying.

Another study with 316 children also showed significant improvement in colic in response to chiropractic care. This prospective study used diaries from mothers of colicky babies to track the amount of crying. The three month long study showed a "satisfactory result of spinal manipulative therapy in 94% of the cases". The improvements occurred after an average of only three adjustments within two weeks.

Chiropractic care is a conservative, gentle, and very successful option for treating infants with colic. Chiropractic adjustments for infants are specific, gentle, and safe. The International Chiropractic Pediatrics Association has a database of chiropractors who work with babies and children. To locate a chiropractor visit www.icpa4kids.org/locator.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/026069_colic_chiropractic_care.html#ixzz2f5sM48VG

Do you sit at the computer all day....every day?

Do you experience tension, upper back pain, neck pain, headaches?  All of these symptoms represent a problem.  A problem that is going to continue to get worse over time, unless you do something about it now!  Call us today, and we'll show you how!!

Studies confirm chiropractic treatment prevents heart attacks and lowers blood pressure

Studies confirm chiropractic treatment prevents heart attacks and lowers blood pressure - The popularity of chiropractic care has grown dramatically since the middle of the 20th century. Although most people seek chiropractic treatment to relieve musculoskeletal pain, certain types of pain may be indicative of the patient experiencing a heart attack just before or during treatment.

Chiropractors should expect to have at least one presentation of a myocardial infarction, or heart attack, during their careers, according to chiropractor Dr. Dwain M. Daniel. Research indicates that regular chiropractic adjustments may prevent heart attacks, lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, relieve chest pain and support the cardiovascular system, according to the Palmer Chiropractic College.

Studies at the College investigated the effects of chiropractic treatment on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in reference to an analysis of heart rate variability. Findings indicated that chiropractic adjustments do reduce pain and lower participant's mean heart rate.

Additionally, anecdotal evidence indicates that adjustments of the atlas, or first cervical vertebra, may stop some heart attacks while they are occurring, according to chiropractor, Dr. Christopher Clarke of the Vibrance Family Chiropractic Center in Nashville. If a patient experiences a heart attack during an adjustment, gentle manipulation of the atlas may be appropriate and may alter the outcome; however, other emergency measures must be performed in an attempt to save a patient's life, including transport to the nearest medical facility. There are few studies on this fascinating aspect of chiropractic and additional research is necessary.

Reducing blood pressure

Chiropractic treatment also has a significant effect on blood pressure and anxiety levels, according to a study reported in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. The study examined systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels and patients' anxiety levels before and after an adjustment. In all cases, those subjects who received active treatment experienced a distinct drop in blood pressure and a decrease of their anxiety levels. Results of this study provide evidence that chiropractic treatment offers support to the cardiovascular system.

Recognizing signs and symptoms

Women are just as likely to have heart attacks as are men; however, women are less likely to seek medical treatment or attend rehabilitation during or after a heart attack, according to the Journal of Canadian Chiropractic Association. Because women are more than twice as likely to seek chiropractic care, according to Clarke, it's important to recognize the specific symptoms they may exhibit. Men tend to experience extreme pain and heaviness in the chest and left arm during a heart attack. Although women may also experience these effects, they may exhibit very different symptoms, making a heart attack more difficult to diagnose. Women often complain of neck and upper back pain, which is mild and annoying and often mistaken as a structural problem. They are more likely to be misdiagnosed because of the vagaries of their symptoms.

Other symptoms reported by women during a heart attack can range from chest pain brought on during exercise or other strenuous activity that then feels better during rest. There may be crushing chest pain accompanied by other wandering pains to the rest of the body, vague wandering pains extending down one or both arms, and difficulty breathing with shortness of breath, fatigue or weakness. They may also be fearful, anxious and in denial.

Chiropractic treatment can increase vitality, boost immunity, relieve a variety of musculoskeletal ailments and strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system for both men and women. Patients should always check credentials for any chiropractic doctor before undergoing treatment, especially if they have a history of heart disease or other related disorders. Look for an experienced doctor who performs a thorough exam before attempting any adjustments.

Saturday, January 07, 2012 by: JB Bardot
Read more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034760_chiropractic_heart_attacks_blood_pressure.html

Trends of the Cleanse

There is a lot of curiosity around the topic of cleansing these days. The range of voices are from the avid cleansers, and devoted habituates. Cleansing is not for everybody. If done incorrectly, it can be dangerous to your health due to excessive or improper methods. When done correctly, however, the body is able to eliminate toxins that have built up over years of exposure to harmful substances. The body is able to neutralize and excrete the toxins that have collected in the tissues and protect the organs from further damage. The major detoxification systems of the body are the lungs, kidneys, skin and liver, and are also the most vulnerable to free radicals. 

Unfortunately, we are exposed to toxic substances all of the time due to either the environment we live or the food we consume. The major environmental toxins come from disinfectants, gasses, and deodorizers, while the dietary toxins come from pesticides, mercury, and microbes. Toxins can actually cause subluxations in the spine. Subluxation, simply put, is when one or more vertebrae irritate spinal nerves by moving out of position. This pressure can cause the nerves to malfunction and interfere the signals to the body's organs, causing a wide range of dis-ease. On an emotional level, cleansing can help reexamine your relationships with food and eating. It can allow you to let go of unhealthy habits and relentless cravings. The list of reasons to cleanse is endless, and very individual. Here a couple more reasons why many people are inspired to break their cycle: aid digestion, lose weight, beautify the skin, enhance elimination, support the liver, and clear the mind. 

There is a full spectrum of intensities of cleanses, some gentle and some extreme. As mentioned before, it is up to each individual how far they are willing to take it, and how long they intend on partaking. Below are a number of the most popular types of cleanses.

1) 12 Hours of uninhibited Digestion. Simply give your body 12 hours to digest at night. According to Arevedic theory, you should always give your body 12 hours to digest at night before consuming again the next day. This allows your body to deal with yesterday before combating tomorrow. This a very simple and powerful approach to a gentle cleanse.
2) “Eat” only Liquid Meals. This cleanse is a way to give your digestive system a break by avoidable solid foods that are tough to digest. Soups and smoothies will become your best friend for this cleanse. The soups should be vegetable based without grains or dairy. The smoothies can include a protein or meal powder, but should avoid dairy as well. You can participate in this cleanse for as few as 3 days.
3) Vegan and Gluten Free. The general rule of thumb as far as vegan goes: avoid anything with eyes or a mother. As you can see this disqualifies any animal products. Gluten is known to be a major contributor to many diseases (from bloating, gas, depression, to malnutrition) and often times people don’t even realize their intolerance. You can stick to this diet from a week to… forever! Once you introduce the foods back into your diet, be mindful of how they affect you. Does red meat slow your digestion? Does wheat bread make you gassy? Does dairy make you sleepy?
4) The Raw Detox. Eat only fresh fruits and vegetables, which means that they haven’t been heated above 118 degrees fahrenheit. Try to consume organic produce if you can. It is somewhat counterproductive to be expelling toxins and consuming them simultaneously! Be prepared, going raw may produce cold like symptoms due to a change in internal body temperature. Get your Kleenex ready! At the end of it, you should expect to see increased energy levels and sounder sleep.
5) The Master Cleanse. This is one of the biggest, baddest, meanest, and harshest cleanses out there. Whether you want to save money, lose, weight, or simply flush the toxins out, this cleanse is for the dedicated individual. Essentially, you limit yourself to a lemonade concoction for 4-14 days. The recipe looks like this:
• 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
• 2 tablespoons grade-B organic maple syrup.
• 1/10 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
• 10 ounces filtered water.

Final Thoughts: Regardless of what cleanse you decide to partake in, it is recommended to repeat cleanses 2-4 times a year for maximum and consistent benefits. As for any of the cleanses listed above, it is important to try and avoid alcohol, drugs, and caffeine. This is often the most difficult part, because of the dependencies that have been long engrained. Also, if this is your first cleanse, try to find a partner in crims. It is always easier and more fun to have someone accountable and to share your experience with. Lastly, make sure to ease off of the cleanse and slowly introduce the foods you avoided. If you have any concern or a serious health problem, please contact your medical professional of choice before embarking on this unknown territory. 

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-lemonade-diet-master-cleanse-diet
http://lizziefenton.com/id23.html
http://www.oprah.com/health/Dr-Oz-on-Cleansing-Do-You-Need-a-Cleanse/1#ixzz24lEuypqJ
http://EzineArticles.com/1589974
http://www.livestrong.com/article/171381-types-of-body-cleanses/#ixzz24lI2R5Dt

To-Do's of Sustaining an Adjustment

Alas, you feel relief after leaving that much anticipated Chiropractic adjustment. Most likely it was long overdue, and you probably have been suffering from neck pain for weeks. You leave there feeling realigned, repaired and renewed. The pain is free and your mind is at ease. The next day you go to work, and by the end of the day your neck is in pain again. What’s the deal?! The chiropractor sets you straight, and the next thing you know it wore off. Spoiler alert: the adjustment didn’t wear off... you did something in your posture that misaligned your neatly stacked vertebrae. The adjustment will definitely provide temporary relief, but withstanding relief will come from improving your habits. Below is a list of “to-do’s” of how to sustain your adjustment.

1) Make it a habit to partake in the exercises prescribed by your chiropractor. They aren’t necessarily designed to be the most fun activity in the world, but you gotta do what you gotta do. They are intended to reinforce the adjustments and re-train your muscle groups. Supplement these exercises with a practice that supports core and back strengthening: such Yoga, Pilates, or Swimming. These exercises also help to engage the muscles and joints through their full range of motion. Remember, correct exercise is just as important as refraining from harmful exercise.

2) The previous “to-do” was to create a habit, and this one encourages you to break habits. Break the habit of slouching, both when sitting and standing. Try sitting on the edge of your desk chair. This will create a natural tendency to straighten your spine into the ideal S-curve instead of the undesired C-curve that occurs with poor posture. Sitting is quite hard on the lower back, so try to take time away from the seated position every 20-30 minutes. Also, don’t let your head creep forward from the rest of your spine. This will cause your neck muscles to carry the weight of your noggin instead of allowing it to rest above the spine. Oh yeah, and your shoulders have no benefit being up by your ears.

3) In the minutes and hours after your adjustment, be extra cautious. Let your bones settle into the adjustment and keep them from undue strenuous behavior. Minor stretching is permitted, but avoid any quick movements or unnecessary pressure. As always, move with caution and awareness.

4) Let it go. Let what go? Tension! Stress adds a significant amount of tension to the body, which causes the muscles to tighten and pull the skeletal structure out of alignment. As long as you are not operating heavy machinery, you should allow yourself to relax. Bring awareness to the tight muscles and try ease up on the tension. You can do this by breathing in to the tightness and letting go of the tension... or by offering a massage trade with your partner.

5) Make appropriate decisions about what you wear and what you use. Wear comfortable shoes that allow balance, flexibility, and comfort. Ask yourself whether or not those flip-flops are actually comfortable. Next ask yourself whether your pillow is as comfortable as it could be. We spend almost a third of our life sleeping so you can imagine how crucial our posture in bed is. The right pillow can improve the quality of sleep and prevent or reduce neck pain. If you are a side-sleeper, find a pillow that fills the space between your ears and mattress without tilting your head. If you are a back-sleeping, find a pillow that keeps your head from tilting forward or backward. Essentially, your pillow should keep your neck in a neutral position, with the neck vertebrae at an equal level with the rest of your spine. (Cervical pillows are a good option and range $20-$80).

The Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen

Would you like the good news or the bad news? The bad news is that there are 12 types of produce that contain a nasty amount of pesticides and should be avoided in a non-organic form. The good news, however, is that there are 15 types of produce that contain little to no types of pesticides in their non-organic state. The two different labels are referred to as the "Dirty Dozen," and the "Clean Fifteen." I'll leave it up to you to decipher which is which! Why might one fruit contain more pesticides than another? It is the same reason that one person might be offended easily, while another person may be difficult to insult. It has to do with being thick skinned! Take for example, an avocado: the goodness on the inside is protected by a tough and substantial skin—while in the other hand, an apple has a thin and penetrable skin that is easily infiltrated by pesticides in the soil.

No one wants to be told what to do. I am not here to scare you with the risks of eating non-organically. Although, I must provide the abbreviated list of substances that are likely being consumed: toxins, antibiotics, irradiation, hormones, etc. Many of these chemicals are carcinogenic and are linked to causing other diseases. Now, its not like you are eating the pesticides strait from the bucket, but there are still trace amounts found in the produce. The risk does not arise by eating one genetically modified tomato. The accumulation of toxins over years of eating, without detoxing, is where the danger lies. Quite simply, organic produce just tastes better. I first experienced this with a big red crunchy organic apple.

It is easy to obsess over the debate: to do or not to do organic. The immediate effect on your checkbook often times does not outway the potential impending effect of disease. You can look at it like this: if you spend less on processed junk food, then you can spend more on vibrant, thriving, wholesome produce. The provided list is to help you save money and save your health.