Charles Darwin proposed that via the vagus nerve, emotional facial expressions have evolved and serve a crucial communicative function. More recently, Dr. Stephen Porges developed polyvagal theory which assumes that the vagus nerve is the key that regulates emotional and social behavior. The polyvagal theory theorizes that optimal social interaction  is modulated by the vagus nerve. 

 What research and findings in healthcare have confirmed is that the autonomic nervous system consisting of the Vagus Nerve of the Parasympathetic division, and the Sympathetic division plays a key role in both physical and emotional health. 

Our modern life repeatedly and continually activates the sympathetic “fight or flight” division of the nervous system. This is the survival part of the nervous system and when it is active it turns down the functions of the body that are not essential for short term survival. Things like:

• Digestion
• Lowered heart rate
• Restorative sleep
• Healthy immune response

None of those functions and others are essential if our nervous system thinks there is an imminent threat to our survival. 

This scenario, which repeats itself daily for most people to varying degrees results in:

• Increased muscle tension and pain
• Increased inflammation
• Stress, tension
• Anxiety
• Neck pain, back pain, headaches
• Digestion issues like acid reflux and irritable bowel issues

Research demonstrates that between 75% and 90% of visits to doctors are for stress related ailments, symptoms, and illnesses.

 
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that:

40%

of the US population have mental health issues

31%

struggle with anxiety and depression

11%

contemplate suicide

THERE IS NO MANAGING STRESS

Managing stress is a recipe for frustration and greater stress. The world is changing at an ever greater pace and it is many of these changes over which we have little control that are interpreted by the human nervous system as a threat and activate the sympathetic stress response system. 

If managing stress is doomed for failure what is the path out of this?

CHANGING HOW YOUR BODY RESPONDS TO STRESS

While you can’t eliminate stress you can rewire your nervous system’s response to stress. You can learn to self-regulate your nervous system and take back control of how your body responds to our ever changing world. 

How do you do that?

THE LIFE CHIROPRACTIC GRASS VALLEY REBALANCING PROGRAM

Let me briefly outline the Corrective Rebalancing Program of Life Chiropractic in Grass Valley. A primary focus of this program is to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system. 

How is that done?

#1 Corrective Chiropractic Care

The focus of corrective chiropractic is to bring the structure of the body back into balance to eliminate or reduce tension on the nervous system. A big part of this care is directed at areas of the spine that cause a combination of inhibition of the Vagus Nerve and over activation of the Sympathetic System. 

#2 Spinal Joint Flossing

Once balance is restored the goal is to maintain healthy movement in the small joints of the spine. This is accomplished with gentle easy to perform movements that encourage healthy spinal facet motion and help restore intrinsic muscle activity. 

#3 Posterior Chain Activation

Our modern life puts significant stress on the muscles responsible for great posture and our ability to move through our day without pain. These muscles grouped together are called the posterior chain. 

Simple exercises help activate these muscles in ways no other movement can and are an antidote to the sitting and improper movements we all do. 

#4 Vagus Nerve Training

With the constant onslaught of stress in modern life that activates the sympathetic system and inhibits the Vagus Nerve, it is not enough to remove the irritation. 

Like a muscle that hasn’t been used in a while and needs exercise, the Vagus Nerve requires repeated activation to increase its tone and improve balance of the autonomic nervous system.

By doing this you learn how to self-regulate your own system. You gain tools to minimize the impact of stress, rebound quicker, and resources to mitigate stress in real time. 

The first aspect of this training is to correct dysfunctional breathing patterns that activate the sympathetic system. 

If you’re curious and would like to explore this program you can schedule your initial exam at Life Chiropractic in Grass Valley here: Schedule Here

About Dr. Berkowitz  

Bringing more than 3 decades of practice experience, Dr. Bill Berkowitz focuses on balancing and corrective care, applying his expertise to provide patients with predictable, repeatable and measurable results.

Dr. Bill consistently strives to enhance the well-being of his patients by addressing the root imbalances of their problems and promoting optimal balance, alignment, and function of the spine and nervous system.  

Bill’s wealth of knowledge and experience has allowed him to develop a nuanced understanding of the human body and its intricate connections. With each adjustment, he supports the body in returning to a state of balance that goes beyond mere symptom relief, focusing instead on long-term correction for his patients’ well-being.