Look around. People are becoming more hostile with each passing day. You can chalk that up to the incessant noise of city living, life stressors, aging, or circumstances we know nothing about. You may chalk it up to the prevailing geopolitical climate.
But whatever you attribute the growing social malaise we’re experiencing and its manifestation in irritability and crankiness to, it’s clear there’s a problem.
Everyone has bad days, but lately it seems that manners have taken a back seat to “speaking your mind” to people who we’ve never seen before. The resulting confrontations are all over social media platforms.
Which leads to more irritability and crankiness.
This post asks the question, “Can a chiropractic adjustment increase your happiness?”. First, we’ll explore the nature of happiness and then, we’ll answer the question.
What Is Happiness?
Happiness is more than feeling good. It’s feeling at home in the world. Being satisfied with who you are, what you have and what you do. Relationships matter too, as does physical health.
Your health can impact your mood disastrously, when it’s not as good as it might be. People who are ill are treated to an emotional rollercoaster. They’re angry. They feel impotent and they rail at the unfairness of it all.
So, when you’re sick, you’re not happy. That’s simple enough to understand.
Happiness is a sense of total wellbeing, though. And when you’re happy, something wonderful happens to your body. Being happy can change its chemical makeup.
Your Brain on Happiness
Endocannabinoids, dopamine and endorphins are three chemicals released by the brain under circumstances which cause humans to feel happiness (even bliss).
A study in 2012 identified endocannabinoids as the probable root of “runner’s high” – the feeling of transcendent bliss runners describe when they’re really in the zone.
As for dopamine, it’s known as the “reward molecule”, which floods your brain when you’re experiencing pleasure. Achieving a goal, hearing your favorite song and exercise can all release it.
Endorphins are the body’s very own, natural morphine, so it’s associated with addressing pain. It’s released during physical exertion (including sex).
Release the Endorphins!
Chiropractic care plays a role in releasing endorphins into your system, producing a feeling of overall wellbeing. The Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research published a study in 2013, revealing that 76% of chiropractic patients experienced an elevated mood and a more enduring sense of wellbeing following an adjustment.
And it’s in that sense of wellbeing that you find the keys to happiness. It opens the door to the release of other chemicals in your system which elevate your mood, possibly prompting lifestyle changes to enhance the feeling.
Chiropractic care can be the key for many to be less irritable and cranky. If only more of you would visit me regularly, the love we could spread is almost inestimable. Let’s end the crank and get happy, with chiropractic!
Back & Body Medical
I’m proud to practice chiropractic care at Back & Body’s unique, multi-disciplinarian, award-winning clinic in Manhattan.
Ready to get happy? Contact me. We’ll get you there.
