CHIRO.
It’s definitely an area of topical debate. Whenever I talk to people about seeing a chiropractor there is definitely a lot of skepticism. Initially, I wasn’t too keen on seeing a chiropractor, as I didn’t have much knowledge in the practice. Call me oblivious, but all I knew about chiro was that there was a lot of ‘cracking’ involved. With minimal understanding, I never gave it consideration, nor did I think I needed to see a chiropractor.
Although there is a lot of debate about natural therapies such as chiro, for me, I have not looked back. The health benefits I have found seeing a chiro on a regular basis has allowed me to avoid surgery and live a healthier life.
I’m not saying chiro is for everyone, however, it is important to understand what it is and how it can benefit babies, children, adults and even pregnant women. Getting an insight on the practice may give you another aspect, and, may be the therapy you need that you are missing.
What is chiro?
Chiro is a natural and non-invasive treatment that uses manipulations of joints and soft tissues. With the spine affecting the nervous system, specific adjustments are used to ensure the spine is properly aligned, which will result in better overall health. Having a well-aligned spine will allow your nervous system to work at the best of its ability. Manipulations of the spine will reduce unnecessary pressure and allow the body to work the way it was designed to.
Why chiro?
People (including me) regularly visit a chiro to improve the quality of life.
It is known to relieve:
- Joint Pain
- Backaches
- Headaches
- Neck pain
- Blood Pressure
- Asthma
- Constipation
- Stress
Chiro will also help with posture and manipulation is designed to restore mobility.
This practice can be used on babies, children, adults and pregnant women. It is important to understand that adjustments differ depending on the person’s age and other individual health issues.
“Spinal misalignments and the resulting nervous system interference are a hindrance to normal immune system function. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper functioning of the nervous system and endocrine system.”
– Dr Nathaniel Alman
Chiro during Pregnancy
When pregnant, it is important that the pelvis is sitting correctly to allow optimum room for baby to grow and move. Practice is always modified to accommodate growing belly.
A well functioning nervous system combats what many women face during pregnancy including:
- nausea
- heartburn
- constipation
- hemorrhoids
Chiro for Babies and Toddlers
Seeing a chiro for your child can be beneficial. The practice has been known to help relieve colic, acid reflux and ear infections. Many would question if babies/children need adjustments if they have no symptoms. However babies do go through an ordeal when coming into the world and the practice can help ease the trauma faced during birth.
Along with babies typically feeling soothed by an adjustment, chiro will help maximize nerve function. In the first year, 65% of brain and nervous system is developed hence it is believed that adjustments will give them a great start in life.
My experience
It is definitely a personal preference when it come to the practice. I have been extremely lucky to have found a chiropractor that I trust. When I had my first consultation, I felt that I was in good care and that she had my best interest in mind. The initial consultation was in depth and everything was explained in detail. I even found out new things about my body including that I have been suffering from scoliosis since a very young age.
If you are interested in seeing a chiropractor, it is important to find someone you trust. I was lucky enough to be recommended by a friend; hence I felt that I knew someone that trusted her. If you do not know anyone, do some research in chiropractors in the area or visit the Chiropractors’ Association of Australia.
Information taken from: Well Adjusted Babies by Dr Jennifer Barham-Florean
