If you think chiropractic care is just about getting your back cracked, you’re about to get a wakeup call. According to the experts featured on the “Beyond Adjustments” podcast, modern chiropractic and holistic health go far beyond spinal adjustments, diving deep into the nervous system, stress, overall wellness, and even heart-centered leadership.
Drawing insights from chiropractors like Dr. Marica Bowman, Dr. Noah Segal, Dr. Mike Patton, Dr. Daniel Kimbley, and Dr. Sarah Nelson Gray, let’s explore what it truly means to optimize your health from the inside out.
At the core of this expanded view is the nervous system. Dr. Marica Bowman, a specialist in neurologically focused chiropractic care, explains that this approach is about rewiring how the body functions from the inside out. It’s not just about aligning bones; it’s about ensuring the brain and body communicate optimally.
This focus means chiropractic can address issues beyond just physical pain. It can impact anxiety and focus in children, for example. The nervous system is described as the “unsung hero” of your health, impacting how your body processes everything.
A major theme across these discussions is the pervasive impact of stress. Stress isn’t just an emotional state; it’s a full-body response. Chiropractors can even observe stress reflected in someone’s posture, muscle tension, and breathing patterns.
Chronic stress and the resulting inflammation are highlighted as root causes of almost every health issue. They can even contribute to the shortening of telomeres, which are associated with aging and longevity.
The good news is that addressing stress is possible. The first step is simply awareness. Recognizing that stress is impacting your body is crucial.
If there’s one simple, actionable habit everyone can adopt for their physical health, it’s movement. Dr. Bowman emphasizes “motion is lotion” and “movement is life”. Repetitive physical stress or staying in one position for too long can negatively impact the neurospinal system.
Movement helps confuse your body out of static patterns and activates mechanoreceptors (movement receptors), which can actually turn off pain receptors. Whether it’s walking, cycling under your desk, or just getting up and moving around, the key is simply to move.
Some chiropractors, like Dr. Mike Patton, integrate approaches like functional medicine with chiropractic care to address the root cause of health issues. This involves looking at the function of organs and systems, not just biomechanics. Defining terms like “integrative,” “functional,” and “holistic” is important because they mean different things to different people.
This holistic perspective means recognizing that various factors, including biochemical stress (air, food, drink, medications), physical stress (injury, aging), and mental/emotional stress, all contribute to overall health and can be addressed.
Running a chiropractic practice requires balancing patient care with the demands of business, including marketing and operations. Delegation is key to growth and preventing the doctor from having to do everything, like answering every phone call or managing the hiring process. Building a strong team with clear expectations is essential.
When it comes to getting the word out, especially since people don’t always wake up thinking they need a chiropractor, marketing is crucial. This involves connecting with people and understanding your ideal client. Strategies include:
It’s also important to be open and honest about what your care involves from the beginning. Marketing only pain relief and then recommending long-term care can kill patient trust.
Dr. Marica Bowman and Dr. Sarah Nelson Gray highlight the importance of heart-centered leadership and cultivating a positive team culture. Leading with heart means showing up authentically, without a mask, and being okay with vulnerability.
This approach acknowledges that leadership leaks – an unhealthy heart in a leader can negatively impact the entire workplace culture and patient experience. Addressing personal challenges and doing “inner work” is crucial for showing up as a better leader.
Burnout is discussed not just as exhaustion but as a sign that you might be giving more than you need to or seeking external validation. It’s an opportunity for internal recalibration.
Boundaries are also essential, though often difficult to maintain, especially as a business owner. Learning to set boundaries is often about creating them with yourself first and trusting your intuition. Acknowledging that you cannot fix everything or everyone is part of growing as a leader. Sometimes, letting go of team members who are no longer the right fit is necessary for the health of the business.
Leading with heart ultimately means honoring people for who they are, being present, and fostering genuine connections.
Drawing from the wisdom shared, here are a few simple habits you can start today for better long-term health:
The world of chiropractic is evolving, focusing on the complex interplay of the nervous system, stress, movement, and the human element. By embracing a more holistic and heart-centered approach to health and leadership, both practitioners and patients can unlock potential and foster true well-being.
Sources:https://youtu.be/KM8M9G-0MHchttps://youtu.be/mqr7B4r6UlAhttps://youtu.be/pkU4HwSPylYhttps://youtu.be/ZFgASCCEk-8https://youtu.be/2-YX47qbGos
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