Despite the fact that we often ignore an upset stomach or digestive problems, our body’s digestive system is a key factor in your health and immune system function. Our digestion is vitally important when it comes to breaking down what we eat and turning it into energy. Without proper digestion, the body does not get enough nutrients for cell repair, growth, and energy.

Having a digestive system that is not functioning in an optimal manner is like having a car that has a lot of build-up in the fuel tank. It certainly still works, but it is not optimally using all the provided fuel. Our digestive system also functions as a defence system against bacteria, allergies, disease, chronic pain, and even depression or other emotional or brain-related problems.

How does chiropractic help improved digestion?

Every year people spend more than $80 billion on relieving diarrhoea, constipation, gas, bloating, heartburn, and other digestive disorders. More often than not, those supplements only offer relief for the symptoms themselves instead of providing relief for the underlying issue.

Our nervous system controls digestive function from several different regions. The vagus nerve stimulates the digestive process. There are also other major areas in the body that control digestion, including the sacral parasympathetic nerve fibres and sympathetic nerves coming out of the thoracic and lumbar regions. If the spine is misaligned, it may reduce overall digestive function. A chiropractor can help reduce such spinal misalignments, often called ‘subluxations’, that might be affecting proper digestion. There have been a number of different studies that show that chiropractic adjustments are able to improve digestion in those who have digestive disturbances. Studies range from infants to adults who have benefited from spinal manipulations.

Having subluxations in certain areas in the spine can make it difficult for the diaphragm and bowel to function as it should. There have been a number of patients who see immediate relief after a single chiropractic adjustment.

How does massage therapy help improved digestion?

Digestive problems may be due to insufficient sleep, irregular eating habits, poor food choices, or stress. This will create chaos in the body, which makes it difficult to break down food and clear out toxins, ultimately making it harder for the body to fight off disease. Massage can help alleviate stress while also providing a number of physiological benefits.

There are a number of different physiological benefits when it comes to massage therapy for improved digestion. A massage therapist is able to normalize the Autonomic Nervous System. This will indirectly lead to the normalization of digestive functions.

Massage therapy makes it possible to stimulate the digestive organs. This can help improve overall digestion. It is also possible for massage therapy to help in the absorption of fat by stimulating the small intestines.

Studies have also shown that massage therapy aimed at improved digestion is capable of stimulating peristalsis. This means that it can help relieve issues with diarrhoea or constipation. A massage therapist is capable of providing relief through massage therapy by stimulating specific areas of the body that are directly and indirectly related to our digestive system.

Why it is important to take action for your improved digestion

One of the issues with poor digestion is the fact that we often begin treating the issues that arise because of poor digestion instead of relieving the issues itself. As long as we keep doing that, nothing is going to change and the problems are going to continue coming back eventually. If you are interested in making a long-term change and want to find out what help is available to improve your digestion, make sure to call Total Back Care today on (08) 8357 8211. Even a few visits may be able to provide you with some much needed relief.