How Chiropractic May Help Fight Depression
By Sandy Schroeder
Sixteen million Americans deal with depression each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These individuals struggle with sadness and mental health issues that can lead to suicide.
If you, or someone in your family, has depression, you know how devastating it can be. The first step is to see your physician and a psychiatrist, but you may want to consider additional methods that are being used to fight depression.
Scientists are evaluating supporting alternatives, such as chiropractic treatment, meditation, exercise and yoga. (Yoga and exercise should only be pursued with doctor’s approval.)
Seeing Your Chiropractor
The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you has a dedicated staff of doctors of chiropractic, who are well equipped to help you. They believe the spine is the key to overall health. They focus on the spine, and the central nervous system inside, which controls much of our body behavior.
When the spinal system is out of balance, pain and mental stress can occur. Your chiropractor uses an adjustment, which is a gentle movement of the spinal column and extremities, to reduce joint restrictions and restore balance. As pain relief and wellness are achieved, you may feel less depression, sadness, and anxiety.
You may find that you can use your doctor, psychiatrist, and chiropractor, as an interactive support group.
Additional Alternatives
Exercise - According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise (which your doctor should approve) may help you fight depression. Their doctors say exercise triggers endorphins, the feel-good brain chemicals, to ease depression. Exercise also lowers immune system chemicals that increase depression, and raises the body temperature, which can be calming.
Mindfulness Meditation - To use this cognitive therapy, find a quiet place to sit, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. The rhythm of your breath can help you detach as you realize your thoughts come and go on their own, separate from you. This may allow you to look at the stream of your thoughts without judging them. Later, you may notice less sadness and anxiety.
Yoga – The mind/body practice of yoga, used with deep breathing, may ease the symptoms of depression, according to a current study in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. If your doctor approves, this may be one more tool to help fight depression.
The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you is ready to help when you are. Stop by and find out more. The whole process has been simplified with an affordable healthcare package that doesn't rely on insurance, and includes flexible weekend and evening hours, and walk-in visits.
If your are thinking of harming yourself, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.