Chiropractic & Chocolate...Good for the Heart

Valentine's Day, the day of the heart, is about romance and flowers and chocolate.  Yummy we love that chocolate. Dr. Gregg C. Fonarow, a professor of cardiology at the University of California, LosAngeles, commented that "despite chocolates indulgent reputation, there is growing evidence that cocoa products which contain high levels of flavonoids may have a variety of actions which are potentially beneficial for cardiovascular and metabolic health." That's perfect, make sure to pick up some chocolate for your chiropractor!

Chiropractic is also good for the heart, by way of the nervous system, and the removal of spinal stress.  When we talk about the heart most people think about blood, and the job the heart does pumping that blood throughout the body.  But what about the connection between the brain and the heart, we don't hear as much information about that.

Like every organ in the body, the heart is controlled by the nervous system.  There is a nerve that runs from the lower part of your brain down to the heart.  It is called the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X).  It is the only nerve in your brain that extends down through your neck and into your abdominal region.  You certainly would not like to have spinal stress in your neck it just does not feel good.  That area that is tender when you press your thumb into the side of your neck just below your ears is a fairly good sign your suffering from spinal stress.  Who wants to go around choking off the flow of life energy your vagus nerve brings to the heart and stomach? 

This Valentine's Day, don't lose your nerves.  Even if you don't have a tender bump on your neck, it may be a good time to pay Dr. Gabel a visit.  She will certainly be glad to see you, especially if you bring chocolates.