Anxiety Relief in Port St Lucie
Health issues, family conflict, financial concerns, global chaos. These are some of the many triggers of anxiety, which is at an all-time high. The American Psychological Association defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.”
It’s important to understand that anxiety is triggered as a fear response. When fear sets in, it sends information to our cerebral cortex, the part of our brain that assesses the situation. Eventually, the amygdala, responsible for regulating emotions, takes over. When this fear response is regularly activated, it can lead to a state of chronic anxiety.
Anxiety Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms
One of the hallmarks of anxiety is excessive worrying. Anxious people may resort to drugs, alcohol, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms for temporary relief. Increased sensitivity to external stimuli is also common.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Many people are seeking natural solutions for anxiety, as many medications come with unpleasant side effects. Chiropractic care is one such natural solution. You may wonder how getting a chiropractic adjustment can address anxiety. Here’s how: it strives to balance our body’s active “go” and calming “rest and digest” modes. The sympathetic or fight-or-flight response, characterized by the release of of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, can be regulated through proper function of the nervous system. Specific chiropractic adjustments focus on enhancing the body’s desire for balance (also called homeostasis).
The Role of Scanning Technology
Our office employs cutting-edge CLA InSight scanning technology to assess each patient’s nervous system health. By precisely identifying areas of the nervous system that are overactive, underactive, and stuck, these scans allow us to develop personalized care plans for each patient.
The neuroPULSE scan reveals variations in heart rate variability, which provides insight into the body’s ability to adapt to our ever-changing environment. The neuroCORE (surface EMG) scan identifies zones of neuro-spinal dysfunction, tension and weakness; neuroTHERMAL scan provides information on how the nervous system governs glands and organ function.
All of these scans, coupled with a thorough examination allow us to develop care plans based on the individual needs of each of our clients.
The Gut-Brain-Anxiety Connection
Did you know that most of our calming hormone, serotonin, is produced in the gut? The vagus nerve, acting as a brake pedal, is critical in slowing down the body, enabling digestion, and promoting relaxation. Chronic stress can disrupt vagus nerve function resulting in poor gut health, an altered microbiome and a reduction in serotonin production; thus, increasing anxiety levels.
Ongoing Care and At-Home Practices
To complement chiropractic care, we encourage patients to adopt various self-care practices. These include outdoor activities, exercise, yoga, and dietary modifications. It’s a good idea to reduce carbs, caffeine, sugar, and alcohol consumption and quit smoking. Meditating can also significantly reduce anxiety. Cold exposure, like cold showers or even dipping your face in ice water, can help regulate blood flow and reduce anxiety symptoms.
Start Easing Anxiety Today
You don’t have to stay gripped by anxiety. Take a step toward a healthier, happier life by exploring chiropractic care and adopting mindful self-care practices today.
Contact Awaken Chiropractic Center today to book an appointment with Dr. Robert or Dr. Victoria.
