Human connection

At the heart of our therapy at Ready Set Chiro, Albany is the relationship that is built between the client and the chiropractor. This unique and special relationship is key to client’s feeling safe and supported on their journey to achieving wellness. Connection with your therapist where you feel valued and heard is nourishing can actually help promote healing (1). Human connection is vital for our well being.

Numerous studies have shown that soothing Physical touch releases chemicals by the brain that are the happy chemicals such as dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and cannabinoids (1). Any touch that is soothing and non-threatening with moderate pressure can stimulate the brain to release these happy chemicals (3). One study has shown that a simple act of holding a person’s hand can reduce the brain’s response to stress and this is noticeable on a PET scan(2). If the brain recognises the touch as positive and soothing it will respond with the body feeling positive and relaxed. It can also work the other way too. If the brain perceives to be under threat it will alter the bodily function to respond accordingly. Positive human connection and touch also has the ability to boost our immune system, lower heart rate and lower blood pressure.

A chiropractor uses their hands to feel any tension, spasms or lack of proper movement and function of the spine. The body gives out subtle cues which allows a chiropractor to gauge how the brain is perceiving the touch. A great chiropractor will be able to read these cues and feel the frequency of your body. Along with using their knowledge of anatomy and physiology a chiropractor will be able to identify the right segment to adjust. An adjustment is also delivered mostly by the hand and uses moderate pressure to create necessary changes. Could human connection be why chiropractic care has an X - factor?

References

  1. Dan-Mikael Ellingsen,* Siri Leknes, Guro Løseth, Johan Wessberg, and Håkan Olausson4

    Published online 2016 Jan 6. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01986. PMCID: PMC4701942. PMID: 26779092. The Neurobiology Shaping Affective Touch: Expectation, Motivation, and Meaning in the Multisensory Context.

  2. Nicole K. McNichols Ph.D.The Vital Importance of Human Touch. August 3, 2021. https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/everyone-top/202108/the-vital-importance-human-touch

  3. Patrick McGurrin. (2016, March 31). Making Sense of Touch. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved September 2, 2022 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/understanding-touch

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