The entire world stood (or sat, see Stewart) watching the Solar Eclipse on August 21, 2017. Around 2:30pm, we were all in awe about the power of the Sun, the Moon and nature itself. As we saw this incredible power, as the moon approaches to cover up the sun; I realized the correlation between the solar eclipse and the spine. It reminded me of a properly aligned spine with no pressure on the nervous system, and its impact on the overall role of the properly functioning nervous system.

We all have this infinite power in our bodies to be healthy when our spine is at a 100% alignment. There are 24 moveable vertebrae in our bodies and each one has a specific function. The nervous system controls all functions of the body - from seeing, digesting, going to bathroom and breathing. When our spine is in proper alignment, we have this INNATE ability to be as healthy as we can be. Vertebral Subluxation, or misaligned vertebra in the spine put pressure on the nervous system. There are three causes to misalignments, which are stress (emotional, family etc.), trauma (sports injuries, slips or falls, auto accidents) and toxins (poor food choices, smoking, pollutions). Depending on the level of your health, mechanical strength and ability to handle these injuries, many of these can the body out of alignment; just like hitting a pothole throws off the alignment and function of your tires/car performance.

Did you know that the weight of a dime (2.2 grams) is enough to stop nerve flow conduction by 40-60%? Beginning in the 1970’s, Dr. Chung Ha Suh, Ph.D., and his colleagues at the Biomechanics Department of the University of Colorado began a series of studies showing that just 10mmHG pressure (about the same as the weight of a dime resting on the top of your hand) could cause a 40-60% decrease in electrical transmission down the course of the nerve. Chiropractors had long claimed that minimal pressure on nerves could have a significant physiological impact.

The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions. Only 10% of our nervous system controls pain, while 90% controls basic functions. Can you imagine how well your refrigerator would function if it were plugged in 60% of the time? Probably not very well. Just like our bodies wouldn’t function well if nerve impulses were reduced and communication was not 100% between the brain and the rest of your organs and tissues.

As we all watched with our NASA approved Sun safe glasses on, we saw that as the total eclipse occurred, this power of nature unveiled itself. When the spine is aligned, this similar power of optimal functioning occurs with proper chiropractic adjustments. Getting regular Chiropractic adjustments is key to our overall health. It does not matter your age, whether you are young or old - a properly aligned spine increases nerve flow all aspects of your body and life, allowing you to add life and light to your years and years to your life.