Depression Alleviated by Botox? Chiropractic Works...So Why Not?

Hmmmm.....

A doctor decided to treat ten patients in his practice with Botox (botulinum toxin) to see if their depression lifted when the frown muscles were paralyzed. His theory was that if the biochemical feedback loop was interrupted, perhaps depression would be interrupted, too. It worked on 9/10 patients. Interesting.

The mini study, more like anecdotal evidence, makes sense. When we smile, happy chemicals flow through the brain. When we frown, unhappy chemicals flow through the brain. We can CHANGE our mood by forcing our faces to change. Why not use Botox? It's less invasive than a psychotropic like Prozac or Paxil (which by the way, cause suicide in some young people... CAUSE suicide).

Chiropractic works in a similar way. Have you ever seen a depressed person? She shuffles along, staring at her feet, doesn't make eye contact. Have you ever seen someone with severe low back pain? He shuffles along, staring at his feet and doesn't make eye contact. Both moan and groan. Both feel achy all over. Both lack energy. In fact, from a distance, it is difficult to tell the difference between the two.

Chiropractic patients walk into the office all sad and shuffling. Chiropractic patients walk out of the office smiling and moving with purpose. It never ceases to amaze me after all these years. People love being adjusted. They feel great. They stand taller. The sqare their shoulders. They feel strong, aligned and balanced.

Chiropractic is even less invasive than Botox. Like Botox, it isn't a direct depression treatment, but the results of reduced nervous system interference and smoothed energy often result in lifting depressive feelings.

In addition, there are mind-body therapies like Neuroemotional Technique that work on this very premise: Physiology IS Emotions. When the body changes the mind changes. When the body is optimally functioning the mind is freed to optimally function, too. (I know plenty of people in perfect shape and vital health who manage to be unhappy but not too many.)

Depression is as complicated and unique in its expression as there are people who have it. For those who try antidepressants but find that they fall short, try Chiropractic. You might be surprised how aligning your spine aligns your mind.