There are some things in life you have no control over and just have to learn to live with it. Your height, your skin color, and the color of your eyes, for example (colored contacts not withstanding).
However, every day, you have the opportunity to make decisions regarding your mental, physical, and emotional health.
The old 80/20 rule is a good one to go by. This rule says that if you make good choices regarding your health 80 percent of the time, then the other 20 percent won’t really matter.
There are exceptions to this rule, of course, such as smoking, but generally speaking, if you make good decisions when it comes to your health most of the time, the occasional overindulgence shouldn’t hurt you in the long haul.
Did you know, however, that there are simple “tricks” that you can use to get the most out of your health care? It’s like driving the speed limit to get the best possible gas mileage or cooking double the meal and freezing half for later. Sometimes, simple tricks can help make things easier without very much effort.
If you want to improve your overall health without too much effort on your part (and virtually no decisions to make) then you will want to know about the following 5 tricks.
5 Tricks for Unlocking Better Health
Are you wondering if chiropractic is good for your health or if you have ever asked yourself “Is chiropractic effective?” We have the answers for those questions and more. Discovering how you are unlocking better health through chiropractic adjustment benefits and other modalities is the tip of the iceberg!
Trick #1-Reduce the Damage Caused by Stress
The relationship between stress and the development of diseases, such as gastric issues and even cancer, has been proven to be true time and time again. Stress is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, heart attack, even strokes.
Learning to remove as much stress as possible from your life and managing what you cannot remove is one key step you can take. Two of the best tools for stress management include yoga and chiropractic massage.
This would explain why many clinics use chiropractic massage as one of their chiropractic treatment programs as a means of not only encouraging improved circulation, but as a way of relieving stress and offering a drug free way of dealing with GAD (generalized anxiety disorder).
If you are wondering what the difference is between your regular spa massage and a chiropractic massage, you should definitely read this article.
Imagine going to your chiropractor for your regular adjustments, then receiving a relaxing, stress reducing chiropractic massage, all in one place. Life is good!
Trick #2-Improve Your Immune Function
Why do some people spend 2 weeks in bed with the flu while others are up and around in 3-5 days? It’s all about the immune system, friends.
Chiropractic allows for improved blood flow to all areas of the body, including the lymph nodes. The lymph system is very important when it comes to removing viruses from the body. By removing restrictions, the lymph system is able to flow freely, removing those ugly viruses before they have a chance to get a foothold in your body.
Studies have found that several types of immune system cells, such as phagocytes, show increased activity after a patient receives chiropractic adjustments, such as this study.
And if you remember trick #1, reducing stress, your endocrine system is one part of your immune system. Stress causes the body to create more of the hormone cortisol, which inhibits the immune system. If your adrenal glands are making too much cortisol, your immune system will not work as well as it should. Subluxation in the spine work directly against this type of situation. You can read more details about how this works here.
Keeping your immune system in the best possible shape is easily done when you visit your chiropractor on a regular basis.
Trick #3-Improved Sex Life
No one will deny that improved flexibility, balance, and full range of motion, combined with no painful joints or headaches, can lead to an improved sex life, even if you don’t plan to take on the entire Kama Sutra.
In addition to massage therapy, adjustments help improve blood circulation by treating restrictions in the joints, releasing pressure from the nerves, and removing spine dysfunction. Improved blood flow to the brain and other areas of the body can mean a tremendous improvement in your sex life.
A healthy sex life is part of a healthy life and in many cases, a longer life. Who doesn’t more of both?
Trick #4-Better Management of Pain
Your central nervous system is responsible for sending and receiving signals of all kinds, including pain signals. One of the best chiropractic adjustment benefits includes improved pain management.
With more than 76 million people in the US living with chronic pain and most of them using some type of drug therapy for pain relief, it only makes sense to take advantage of the benefits of pain relief that chiropractic care can offer.
Unfortunately, the regular use of pain killers lowers the body’s ability to perceive pain, not to mention that opioid based drugs are highly addictive. Continued use of pain killing drugs can lead to depression, gastrointestinal bleeding, a weakened immune system, and hormone imbalances.
For those who live with chronic pain from health issues such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, studies show that regular chiropractic adjustments offer greater pain reduction levels than those who use drug therapy alone.
While chiropractic care cannot “cure” arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other chronic health problems, it can help you manage your pain better.
Trick #5-Get More Exercise
When you think about it, getting regular chiropractic care and adjustments means that your overall flexibility and range of motion will be improved. This will reduce your risk of injury and since you know that you have terrific pain management, you will be more likely to exercise and stay active.
A sedentary lifestyle is detrimental to your health. You might have read recently that sitting is the new smoking. Unfortunately, too many of us are forced to sit for many hours each day.
If your joints hurt or if your lower back hurts from all this sitting (or any other reason) it stands to reason that you aren’t going to have much motivation to get up off of the sofa. We can’t blame you. No one wants to do much when they hurt or if they are stiff and sore.
This is where chiropractic care can become one of the best tricks around for keeping your body fit and healthy, ready to get out and get busy, stay active, and improve your heart health, mental health (since exercise releases endorphins that make us feel good) and stimulate the immune system.
How Often Should I Go to the Chiropractor?
This answer varies depending on the person. If you suffer from fibromyalgia or joint problems, you will need to go more frequently than someone who doesn’t.
Most people find that, if they aren’t in pain and are having no health problems, seeing their chiropractor once or twice a year for a checkup is all they need.
Speak to your local chiropractor about your exact circumstances so you can make an informed decision regarding frequency based on your health needs.
Does Chiropractic Have Side Effects?
Chiropractic is one of the safest therapies available. While it has no serious side effects, some people do experience minor and temporary side effects after adjustments, especially the first few treatments.
Common side effects can include:
- Feelings of vertigo
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Mild headaches
- Sweating or a feeling of being too warm
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- A runny nose or congestion
These effects are temporary and will pass within 24-48 hours.
Why do we experience this side effects? You can read more about this phenomenon here.
The Bottom Line
Think of your health as an investment, not an expense. If we told you that by spending $100 on your health right now, you would avoid $10,000 worth of health care later, wouldn’t you jump at the chance?
Regular chiropractic care is a completely drug free, holistic way of allowing the body to heal itself naturally.
Protect your health with regular checkups and screenings from your doctor, annual dental visits and flu vaccinations, as well as spine maintenance from your local chiropractor are all worthwhile investments on your journey towards a life filled with good health!
If you feel this article was helpful and informative, please feel free to pass it on to others via email or social media.
We would like to remind Alaska residents that Better Health Alaska offers same day appointments as well as proudly offering our 10-minute wait promise.
Call one of our 4 clinics today for an appointment or make your appointment online by clicking here. One of our friendly staff members will happily check your insurance coverage.
No one should live life in pain and with local friendly chiropractors available in Anchorage, Juneau, and Wasilla, you don’t have to! We encourage those with joint pain, arthritis, sciatica, low back pain, headaches, or any other issue to contact us sooner rather than later, so you can start healing today!
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