Anxiety is a natural part of our existence, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can disrupt our lives. Understanding the neurological underpinnings of anxiety is crucial, especially when it comes to healing. I’ve seen the transformative power of addressing anxiety head-on, both in children and adults.
The Basics of Anxiety:
Anxiety is characterized by an overactive amygdala, the brain’s alarm system, and an underactive prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thought. This imbalance leads to the heightened emotional state we recognize as anxiety. Through various therapies, we can recalibrate this balance, promoting a sense of calm and control.
Our Approach:
Chiropractic care supports neurological health by ensuring proper spinal alignment, which in turn, enhances the communication between the brain and the body. This enhanced connection can lead to a more balanced nervous system, which is crucial for emotional regulation and anxiety management (1).
We blend an innovative combination of chiropractic care, functional neurology, functional medicine, neuro-motor rehabilitation, brain-based Learning and meditation/relaxation techniques tailored to each individual’s unique neurological profile helping foster and enhance neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new neural connections throughout life, is the cornerstone of healing anxiety. This adaptability is particularly pronounced in children, whose brains are inherently flexible and responsive to their environments (2). Our holistic approach can significantly impact the management of anxiety, providing a foundation for emotional and physical well-being in both children and adults.
The Emotional and Neurological Connection
As we bridge the gap between the science of neuroplasticity and the lived experiences of those battling anxiety, we find a common thread: the journey is as emotional as it is neurological. Our integrated approach, which combines chiropractic care with functional neurology and other modalities, is designed to support this journey. It’s about creating a nurturing environment for the brain’s natural ability to rewire itself, fostering resilience in the face of anxiety. This process, while unique to each individual, shares the universal goal of restoring balance and harmony within the mind and body.
Emotional Responses in Children:
In children, the process of overcoming anxiety is a vividly emotional journey. Their developing brains, ripe with neuroplasticity, are busy forming the neural circuits that will dictate their lifelong patterns of thought and behavior. As children confront and recover from anxiety, and learn to regulate their emotions, they often exhibit intense reactions that reflect their internal struggle to adapt to new patterns of thought (3). Each emotion they encounter is an important part of their growth and helps shape their ability to think and respond to the world around them.
Healing Anxiety in Adults:
Adults experience a profound emotional journey as they rewire neural pathways. The brain’s capacity for change, though more subtle in adulthood, is still a powerful force, and still has a remarkable ability to adapt. Overcoming anxiety in adults often involves dealing with past traumas, which can bring about a wide range of emotions, from intense fear and sadness to profound relief.
The path to healing anxiety or the brain in general is an emotional endeavor. It’s a journey that requires courage, support, accountability and the right therapeutic approaches. By understanding the brain’s capacity for change and the emotional nuances of this process, we can navigate the path to recovery with confidence and hope.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, know that there is a way forward. Reach out for professional support and take the first step on your journey to a healthier, more balanced brain.
Dr. Dani Ruf, Brain-Focused Chiropractor, Functional Neurology, Meraki Chiropractic PLLC, 25JUN2024