Just when you were starting to think you understood the benefits of chiropractic care, along come another study to throw a monkey wrench into your ideas. Because, the thing is, these studies are proving that chiropractic care has much more to offer than simple relief of neck or back problems. Yes, as it turns out, the science and research is finally coming to ‘catch up’ with what doctors of chiropractic have been saying and practicing for over 100 years!
Chiropractic is about your nervous system. Period.
Simple but true.
It always has been, too. It’s just that it is easier to explain that the bones of your spine move and can become misaligned with respect to one another. This doesn’t change the fact that along with these spinal contour changes comes alterations in function of other tissues, organs and even brain function!
For the purposes of this article, we’ll be focusing on the relationship between chiropractic and cardiac function and blood pressure changes. Various chiropractic techniques have been demonstrated to show improved cardiovascular function as a result of appropriate chiropractic care.
What does this really mean? What we’re really saying is that by working with your spine, we affect the function of your nervous system. The nervous system is comprised of both up-regulating and down-regulating elements. Specifically, there are two branches of the autonomic nervous system, known as the sympathetic (up-regulating) and parasympathetic (down-regulating).
These work in harmony to keep your body in a state of dynamic balance. You can think of it like a gas pedal and a brake pedal. You need both for your body to function at its optimum. When your body is able to adapt effectively, because of a flexible and adaptable nervous system, your body feels and functions better.
As it pertains to cardiovascular health, the vagus nerve helps to regulate the sinus rhythm of your heart and this relates with the overall tone of your blood pressure. Of course, the kidneys, hormones and other pathology factors may lead to changes in cardiovascular function as well. Keep in mind, however, that the other organs and tissue systems also have nerve system input and regulation. It has also been shown that postural changes are associated with hormone function, breathing, heart rate and headaches.
In another article about heart rate variability, we’re discussing the benefits of chiropractic as well. Briefly, the idea is that when your heart rate has a more variable frequency, that this is a reflection of a more dynamic and adaptable nervous system.
It’s a similar end result in terms of what happens, increase health and well being, it just depends on what you’re looking at or measuring. In the case of cardiovascular health, blood pressure is often one of the measured variables. So, studies that show that chiropractic can lower blood pressure are the more published findings.
If you know anyone who is concerned about their blood pressure, cardiovascular health or is currently taking medication for same, but is looking for effective alternative approaches, have them contact our office. We’d be happy to introduce them to the care that we provide and see if appropriate chiropractic care can lower their blood pressure.
]]>I want to help you understand how something so gentle – that involves none of the traditional manipulation associated with chiropractic – can create large changes in relatively short periods of time. That is, given the fact that you’ve likely been experiencing your pain or discomfort, tension and frustration for weeks to months, maybe even years, this gentle care can be amazingly effective – and rather quickly, in most cases!
Let’s define quickly for a moment, just to allay any misconception. Many people experience changes in their symptoms within the first few weeks to month of care. This is with several visits per week in the beginning of care. In some cases, yes, people experience relief in just a few visits. But, just the relief of pain does not indicate that we’ve fully addressed and dealt with your underlying factors that have lead to your pain in the first place.
This is what we’re really both after, isn’t it? After all, you don’t want to settle for just chasing your symptoms around, finding temporary relief, only to have it return again and again. This is why we see so many people leaving the traditional medical model behind. It’s an old way to address health and well-being.
The irony or ‘proof’, if you will, is that even Western medical practitioners are seeking alternative methods of health care for themselves and their OWN family. If we were seeing your doctor for care in our office, talked with them about their organic dietary choices, noticed that they were practicing yoga and the like, don’t you think it would be harder to accept their recommendation that YOU should take drugs, do physical therapy and get a surgical consult? Just something to think about.
Okay, here’s how it works in a nutshell…
The gentle touch that we use is all that is necessary to help cue your nervous system to create a connection with your brain. This ‘connection’ has to to do with the fact that when our bodies cannot adequately handle the stresses from life – physical, mental/emotional or biochemical – it creates a tightening. It tightens the tension being exerted on the nerve tissues of the spinal cord.
Because of how this tissue connects with your spine and other tissues surrounding it, your body will begin to tighten, creating more tension. This whole process is known as adverse mechanical (spinal) cord tension (AMCT) and was described in the 1970s by Dr. Alf Brieg. These models were then applied to the clinical application of Network Care to help explain how it is that such a light force can produce such a profound change in someone’s body.
This gentle touch or entrainment, as it is called, is applied to areas on the skin overlying areas of the spine where this tissue attaches to the spinal cord and spinal bones. The force cues the brain to create a change in physiology to unwind the tension – this occurs through a change in breath and subtle movement of the spine and related tissues.
As you progress in care, you will notice other changes occurring in your body, your health and your life. This is what all the research supporting Network Care shows and is reflected in my private practice since 1998.
So, that spinal degeneration that you’ve seen on your Xrays or the MRI findings showing those bulging discs of yours reflect the fact that this tension and the underlying reasons for your current pain have been going on for some time. Not to worry! You see, it’s never too late to get a handle on your health and well being.
To learn more about Dr. Michael J. Funicello, a chiropractor in Gilbert, AZ or to find out how we can help you, contact us today. Thank you.
]]>You see, if you’ve read my office blog for any length of time, you’d notice that there are relationships between a healthy spine, a healthy life and a healthier and happier you. You might think this is a bit strange, I mean chiropractic is about your back, right? Only partly. What the spine is, is a conduit of information and your perception of how to experience the world around you.
Avenues like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other ways of more easily sharing these types of stories, videos and information have greatly helped bring these principles to more and more people’s consciousness. In some respects, it is common sense. That is to say, we know that our bodies are self-healing, we understand that a positive attitude is important, but there are few disciplines that deliver on the promise of actually helping you achieve these things.
As a Gilbert chiropractor, I get to work with families all the time. Children respond very well to gentle Network Care because their developing nervous systems have an amazing ability to process new information. The care we provide to children and families helps kids to more effectively develop the internal strategies and resources to be sensitive, receptive and attuned observers within their own body and to the world around them. You might think of it like fine tuning an amazing instrument to then listen to the music that it brings to the world! Beautiful thing to behold!
I’m so grateful to be able to bring this care to my community and I hope that this video and book by my friend in chiropractic, Dr. Demartini, helps you to discover your inner health, well being and inspires you to manifest your destiny!
]]>This whole stretching thing before your round just isn’t about preventing injury, it can also greatly improve your golf swing, too. The reason for this has to do with spinal tension, muscle spasms, trigger points and the general lack of fluidity in your body and mind. By going through a simple pre-game routine like this, you can have more fun and shoot lower scores.
What I recommend to the members in my practice who play golf is to follow some simple and easy stretches for the main areas of the body; legs, back and arms. These are the key areas that are prone to injury as well as the main areas that generate power and movement of your swing. By have these regions properly set before your round, you have the best chance of a consistent swing and better performance.
Legs
Starting with your calves, you’ll be doing some general stretching just to get them warmed up. Many times, tee times begin early in the morning when the weather is a bit nippy. In addition, you may not have been up and moving much, yet, so they can be a bit stiffer.
Here is how the calf stretch looks.
Stand facing a wall, you can extend one foot behind you on the ground, keeping your legs straight, press your heel toward the ground. Hold this position as you breathe for a count of 5-10 seconds. Repeat with the other leg. This is also a good one to do throughout your round if it is especially hot. Leg cramps are a common issue on a hot course. This is especially true if you are drinking any alcohol while you’re playing.
Hamstrings are another muscle group that can be rather tight. We’ve talked about the benefits of stretching your hamstrings here. Even just taking a brisk walk before your round is a great way to warm up your legs. Most of us use a cart these days, but there is still some walking involved and you use your legs during the swing.
Warming up your back is a simple matter of moving in the same way that you would swinging your club. However, you are just intending to make a fluid motion, just to loosen ‘things’ up. You can also place a club against your back and hold it using the creases of your elbows or in your hands behind you. Then, just make a gentle twisting motion with your body. Your shoulders will be warmed up with this motion as well the practice putts, chips and swings on the driving range.
To get a full spinal warmup throughout the golf season and beyond, I invite you to discover what Network Spinal Analysis can do for you. Research has shown this gentle and specific form of care to decrease pain, increase ease of motion and general well being as a whole. Spinal curve changes and improved performance have also been demonstrated in those receiving Network Care. For more information, contact us today to make your initial evaluation.
]]>While we are both equally excited about her back pain relief, there are so many more exciting implications for what she has experienced. Do you think chronic pain relief is even possible? Well, many people don’t and so they go from doctor to doctor looking for solutions. I think that what this woman shares so beautifully is just how Network Care can help people with a variety of conditions and symptoms but who maybe have some ‘limiting’ beliefs about what it takes to heal.
If you’re experiencing issues with back pain or fibromyalgia or lack of energy or zest for your life, know that these same types of results are possible for you, too. As your Gilbert chiropractor, let me be your guide on this healing journey. Until then, enjoy this amazing personal story.
Hello Dr. Mike,
I just had to drop you a line and thank you so much for the extra time you spent with me tonight. I was stuck in that place of thinking my body is defective and I’m never going to be normal. Your “support” and “care” helped me more than you may know. I came home and tried to cry some more, but no – I’m only able to cry in public. Ha.
I’ve spent the last hour 1/2 in a very peaceful place, and had what I will call a spiritual awakening – I realized on a very deep level that:
“All is well and I am whole”
I didn’t just hear the words, I know that I know it’s true – you know what I mean.
Funny thing is…the pain is gone.
I’m not sure if it will be back tonight, or tomorrow, or never come again, but it doesn’t really matter….all is well and I am whole.
I’m so thankful to be in your care, where as you say, I can laugh, cry, swear, etc, etc, etc. I feel so supported by you on my path to wellness and tonight you literally supported my back, until I was able to stand on my own. Good thing, or we may still be there 
Thank you.
You are such a blessing,
Lots of love,
D
What is happening as a result of those gentle Network Chiropractic Care entrainments or contacts is that his nervous system – brain and spinal cord – are more effectively coordinating the information being sent through all the cells and tissues of his body.
All stress in the body – stored as vibrational tension is literally unwinding and dissipating during the beginning course of care. This beginning level of care is known by several names, but the term “Basic” or “Discovering” care are the most common terms that reflect what is happening during this stage.
In the next level of care, your body begins to develop a more refined and rhythmic way of dissolving long held, chronic patterns. These patterns are part of what has kept you feeling stuck and limited in your expression of ease and freedom in your health, body and life. This is the beginning of a possible transformation in the way that your body – how you – adapts to life.
As you continue to live this newly transformed life, both in regard to your health and your overall well-being, you’ll notice that you feel other things changing in your life. Where you once might have been more focused on yourself, you can now more easily feel the connection with others. You can begin to experience your inner human spirit expressing itself!
You can enjoy a greater sense of ease, less pain and more life enjoyment within the first month of beginning care! The only way to get started is to fill out your paperwork and call us at 480.558.1560 to schedule your initial consultation and evaluation. As your Gilbert chiropractor, it would be an honor to help you heal and regain your vitality and zest for life, free of pain and frustration. The sooner you call, the quicker we can help. See you soon…
]]>My reason for beginning Network Care was…
“Back pain – chronic, herniated disks L4-L5 & L5-S1″
I have been receiving Network Care for about 3 months and I’ve noticed that I have…
“Decreased pain – most days, pain free… decreased stress with high focus on breathing & clearing my mind.”
~Scott B., Phoenix, AZ
]]>My reason for beginning Network Care was…
“My reason was due to stress and how to handle it without flipping out, leading to a calmer life and not worrying about the small stuff and learning to let go.”
Since beginning Network Care (6 months ago), I’ve noticed these changes in my symptoms, my body and my life…
“I am more intuned with my body. It’s crazy! I can move my body and feel my spinal cord move and adjust to accommodate my tension. It’s almost like I’m giving myself a mini treatment! I’m up and down as far as emotions go. But what I can say is I truly understand how it feels to be happy and sad. I feels great to feel every emotion and have control of my life.”
What I enjoy most and what I would like someone to know about Network Care at Infinite Healing Arts Center is…
“What I enjoy most is that it helps you put your life into perspective and you actually control your wants and needs. The feeling is indescribable. Your life becomes effortless.”
~ Lisa S., Scottsdale
]]>“…a few months ago, I was experiencing tremendous neck and shoulder pain due to stress and tension. Not wanting to accept the miserable state I was in, I sought out advice from my general doctor. After X-rays, muscle relaxers and physical therapy, my body continued to hurt. I was extremely frustrated! There had to be a better, non-medicated way of healing.
Since beginning Network Care (3months ago)…no pain meds! No physical therapy! No more pain and discomfort! My entire being has been transformed into positive energy . Through prayer and the precious knowledge of Dr. Mike, I now have peace. My body knows how to deal with stress and tension in a proper manner naturally. Network care has been life changing! The past three months have allowed me the opportunity to experience my “wonderful self” again.”
What I enjoy most and what I would like someone to know about Network Care at Infinite Healing Arts Center is…
“You will be enlightened; mentally, physically, and spiritually! Dr. Mike creates an environment that uplifts the human spirit. Thank you for giving me the tools to live in harmony with myself. You exude an abundance of happiness!”
~Jennifer W., Gilbert
]]>As a chiropractor in Gilbert, I’m among a population of active and busy families. We get to see mothers, children, babies, grandmothers and dads all working and playing, doing as much as they can to enjoy their lives. So, it is always a treat when we can play some small part in another’s healing journey and help keep families healthy together. Here’s one of our favorites from the sciatica treatment category…
“I was referred to Dr. Mike Funicello after enduring excruciating pain for over seven months. I had already tried six different Dr.’s and while they were able to help me get to a certain level they were not able to get rid of my pain. I had suffered from a very bad fall and had injured the left side of my body and fractured two discs in my back. I was still suffering from Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome and bad spasms in my spine. I was not able to sit and walking was barely manageable. My life was barely tolerable because of the pain. For seven months, I had lived day to day on very strong pain pills and could barely manage to get our of bed, much less walk. This was not the way I wanted to live the rest of my life.
I have been in network care for two months and the changes have been amazing! I can now stand straight! I now can walk, I can sit and I can also lay down and be comfortable. While I still have a limited amount of pain and am still stiff and sore at times, I no longer have to take pain pills. Finally, I am able to get my life back on track. I am so much more aware of my body! I am so much more in tune to what my body is telling me and I am learning to listen to my body. I am so much more aware now of my body and how emotions and stress played a significant factor in my not being able to get rid of the pain.
My emotions have changed from a very negative out look to one of joy and happiness and contentment and I am looking forward to the future once again. My happy spirit is back once more and I can laugh, I can live each moment and enjoy my life for the first time in nine months without excruciating pain.
What I enjoy most about the Network Care at Infinite Healing Arts Center is that I am getting well! I am learning so much from Dr. Mike Funicello about how much body awareness plays a vital role in wellness. I am so grateful that he is so patient and so knowledgeable and so efficient and effective in his practice. His treatments have been so effective that I am now on the road to wellness. These treatments really do work.
I have come a long way from my very first visit that I had with Dr. Mike. When I went in I was so skeptical as to how he could help me in my condition; I could not grasp how the treatment could help me with my injuries and how he could possibly get rid of my pain. Two months later I am now a firm believer! Going to Dr. Mike has turned my life around! This has been and continues to be a life altering, positive experience for me.”
~Dorene R., Gilbert
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