Are you rigid or flexible?

Dr. Ganim G. Howard

Learning to be flexible with life is a gift. This very important quality can be developed by making simple changes in our daily lifestyle. Many people have a difficult time learning to relax. The old saying, “Go with the flow” is time-honored advice we frequently give to these regimented individuals. These people have difficulty accepting and adjusting to new, unforeseen circumstances. The lack of flexibility can be detrimental to our health and add stress to our relationships.

Studies reveal that rigid and inflexible behaviors and attitudes can lead to heart disease. When a person survives a heart attack, one of the immediate recommendations from their medical doctor is to “learn to relax” and become “flexible” with life.

Can you see the importance of flexibility in the human body? When the body is rigid, stiff and inflexible, a breakdown in health is likely. Chiropractors frequently see what happens to the spine when flexibility has been lost. Spinal bones begin to degenerate, misalign and ultimately break down. When spinal problems develop from inflexibility, the nerve system becomes impaired and cannot communicate properly with the rest of the body. Unfortunately however, the potentially life-threatening effects of both emotional and physical rigidity may not be noticed right away. Our spine, heart, lungs and other vital organs may be degenerating and becoming diseased and we don't even know it. I hope it is as clear to you as it is to me that “feeling good” does not mean we are healthy.

Flexibility is the key to youth and vitality. Rigidity is a sign of aging or degeneration. The spine is the most flexible joint in the body. So doesn't it make sense to keep the most important joint flexible? The spine is the most important joint in our body because it houses the nerve system, which is the vehicle of the brain for communication to the rest of the body.

Physical rigidity may begin as stress and eventually lead to decreased nerve function. Doctors of Chiropractic specialize in detecting rigid and misaligned spinal vertebrae. This is called a “vertebral subluxation.” When these rigid vertebrae are left uncorrected, the degenerative process will continue and can ultimately lead to poor health. Corrective chiropractic care can slow down or stop the degenerative process, increase flexibility, decrease pain and improve health.

There are many ways to keep our bodies, our attitudes and our behavior flexible. Regular exercise, proper diet, meditation, prayer, continual personal growth, having love in our lives, and regular chiropractic care are just a few ways to promote physical and mental flexibility. Begin today and focus on flexibility. You will begin to feel younger, more vital and healthier than ever.

Ways To Calm The Mind…

Stress experts offer a range of activities and relaxation techniques to help unwind. They include:

•  Aerobic Exercise : 20 minutes of aerobic exercise each day promotes health, increases energy, and helps to release stress.

•  Visualization : Imagining yourself taking a hot bath, strolling on the beach, or sitting in a quiet meadow can shift both your state of mind and physiology.

•  Progressive Muscle Relaxation : This technique achieves deep relaxation by gradually tensing and then releasing muscle groups throughout the body. Take a slow, deep breath when allowing the muscles to relax. Ask me to show you how to do this powerful technique at your next visit.

•  Spiritual Growth and Prayer : This can include religious services, joining a spiritual community, or focusing on personal prayer daily.

•  Worry Time : Set aside 15 to 30 minutes each day to worry about situations occurring during the past 24 hours. At any other time during the day when you begin to worry, say to yourself, STOP! Save it for “worry time.”

•  Get A Chiropractic Adjustment : This is the quickest and most effective way to release stress in your nerve system. Removing interference and stress in your nerve system gives your body the ability to heal and regulate at its optimal level. Prevent stress by getting adjusted regularly and by living a healthier lifestyle.

For more information please contact Dr. Ganim Howard of Kanawha Valley Family Chiropractic at (304) 925 1697 or at ganimh@charter.net