In a recent study, conducted over a three year period and presented at the International Research and Philosophy Symposium, a hundred volunteers were examined with an electroencephalogram (EEG), before and after chiropractic adjustments. This was the first time that EEGs have been used to prove that there are definite changes to the way the brain processes information after chiropractic care. The EEG scans were examined to check the right/left balance, the amount of total activity, the primary regions of activity, and the effect of the adjustments. The study concluded that chiropractic adjustments have a positive effect on the central nervous system, specifically on the four primary frequencies of brain function: beta, alpha, theta, and delta.
Each of the four frequencies of brain function reflect different brain states, and each is very important in its own way. Alpha waves reflect the meditative, relaxing, healing mode of the brain; Beta waves represent the active, busy brain; Theta waves represent light sleep, relaxation, and conceptual development; and Delta waves reflect brain activity during deep sleep, repair mode, and energy storage.
All of the above areas of brain function showed marked improvement in post-chiropractic adjustment EEG scans, particularly in the meditative alpha brainwave patterns associated with a greater degree of relaxation, health, and healing. The research also reported that those volunteers who already had balanced and active brain scans prior to adjustment showed little change in post scans, confirming first that the adjustments had no negative affect on brain activity, and more importantly, that chiropractic adjustments were particularly helpful to those volunteers who were in the most need of correction.
The study was conducted by award-winning researcher, Dr. Heidi Haavik-Taylor, who identified the actual changes that occur in the brain when chiropractic adjustments are made. The study showed that when chiropractic adjustments are made, signals are sent to the brain that actually change the way the brain controls muscles.
Dr. Haavik-Taylor is quoted as saying, “The process of a spinal adjustment is like rebooting a computer. The signals that these adjustments send to the brain, via the nervous system, reset muscle behavior patters.” She went on to say, “By stimulating the nervous system, we can improve the function of the whole body. This is something chiropractors and their patients have known for years; and now we have scientific evidence to prove it.”
So if you still think chiropractic care is just for back pain, you’re only seeing a small piece of the big picture. Want more information or to make an appointment to see Dr. Swift? Head over to our office website and get in touch today!