Are You “Alive”…or JustH
ang ing Around? by Francis Tortora, DC
I
f we are flexible in our bodies and mind and we allow spiritual flow, then the answer is yes, because it is understood that the core of who we are is comprised of our spine, the central nervous system (CNS) and the innate sense of divinity and interdependency of all three. It is also recognized that all three reside within the center of the body. Let me give you a sampling. Our spines are designed for movement; not only global movement but at every spinal segment in all three cardinal planes of motion (bending, side bending and twisting). Having and keeping a flexible spine becomes all-important as one ages. When one loses flexibility in any part of the spine, this leads to breakdown or degeneration and more importantly, a loss of energy. You are less “alive” and maybe just hanging around, doing the best you can. There are many functional tests and assessment screens for movement to determine the cause of spinal fixations which may limit proper respiration, create poor posture, and cause headaches and sciatica to make one feel less ‘alive’. These same tests are suggested to quantify the severity of loss of movement, such as being more acute or chronic as well as convey a level of CNS compromise, too much or too little nerve firing and actually how much there is of decreased function. The innate sense of divinity is that all – important, life- giving force which is transmuted from the creative intelligence passing through our brains and spinal cords supplying us with vital force which we call life. But what about that all important life force? Where does this fit into the scheme of function in our bodies? This life force pervades every cell, tissue and organ. As long as nothing causes interference with it, our vitality, our “aliveness” is present within us. Getting stiff, feeling pain, losing patience, developing fears may all be the result of interference with this so-called vital force. Can this spiritual force be decreased or compromised? The answer is that in and of itself no, but we can certainly block it, restrict its flow, or constrain it. In my opinion and experience, one of the major contributing factors which cause this vital force
to fail to sustain our “aliveness” is the emotion that we carry unconsciously. It is that “baggage” that we don’t know or have no awareness of that takes away our “aliveness” and harms us, and gives us pain or allows pain to continue. Yes, it is that which is unconscious. Since it is unconscious, only by being first aware of what is going on in your body, what your body is trying to tell you and your reflection on it, will you instantaneously bring it into conscious awareness and then be able to process it. Often times, this instantaneously frees the body of pain, other times it occurs gradually. There are a myriad of ways to release emotion, but awareness is the key that unlocks the unconscious mind. Many of my patients present with physical symptoms, ranging from headaches and sinus and functional internal problems to acute and chronic low back pain and extremity pains, some of which are the result of injury or digestive dysfunction, but all of which involve some emotion. And all of my patients recognize the pain and loss of function, but few recognize or immediately accept the potent possibility of their own emotions (until they are shown), that they may actually have set themselves up for their current injury. An example, being caught up being too busy (frustrated), getting distracted and then slipping and falling, injuring themselves; having financial problems, feeling really ‘down’ and unhappy and then a couple of weeks later, doing something innocuous like picking up a toy and having an acute low back pain, or getting really upset with a spouse or friend and subsequently having a motor vehicle accident. As you can guess there are many possible emotional responses. Of course, injuries do occur without any undue stress relationship, but, nevertheless, emotional stress can become a ‘player’ after the fact. An example after an injury might be, being slowed down, or not being in control but wanting to, fear related to not knowing about the future or a need for survival, even a need to feel appreciated or forgiven or wanting approval or love, all because something was taken away. The emotions that we feel and don’t let go of often go unconscious only to resurface in our bodies, particularly in the spinal musculature causing spasm and kinetic dysfunction, affecting normal spinal balance, the nervous system, even brain function. Unless we become more aware and tuned into the relationship of body, mind and spirit and reflect on that relationship, we are at best robotic to persist in feeling pain and dependent on doctors to cure us. When we lose conscious awareness of our bodies, mind and spirit in every present moment, we become at risk, like smoldering wicks, literally dousing our life- force, afflicting both your body function and your psyche - your “aliveness”. Doctors can always help or even cure our symptoms and allow for better function, but it is up to us to recognize and reflect on the cause and effect… the real cure, of body, mind and spirit. Submitted by Dr. Frances Tortora, DC in Stamford. For more information, call 203-348-0678. See ad on page 29.
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Natural Nutmeg October 2011
