Unlocking the Brain-Body Connection: Dr. Joe Pelino on Chiropractic and Cognitive Function

In the world of healthcare and wellness, there are individuals who push the boundaries of traditional medicine, seeking innovative ways to improve our lives. Dr. Joe Pelino is one such trailblazer, and in our latest episode of "Crackin Backs," he takes us on a mind-bending journey into the world of chiropractic care and its profound impact on cognitive function.

A Life-Altering Encounter

Dr. Pelino's fascination with the intricate connection between the brain and the body began with a chance encounter. A professional hockey player, whose career was tragically cut short by a devastating head injury, found himself struggling to complete even the simplest sentences. Years later, destiny brought him face-to-face with Dr. Pelino, who would change his life forever.

Using a technique known as Active Release Technique (ART), Dr. Pelino honed in on the suboccipital muscle, the rectus capitus posterior minor, which has direct attachments to the dura mater surrounding the brain. By releasing tension in this muscle, along with the larger Trapezius and SCM muscles, cognitive function began to resurface after just four visits. What began as an effort to increase vascular and neurological flow turned into a revelation: chiropractic care can significantly enhance brain activity!

The Power of Versatility

Dr. Pelino's journey didn't stop there. He delved into various techniques, including "the stress relief method" by Dr. Jim Kiernan and the "zone technique" by Dr. Peter Goldman. Armed with this extensive toolkit, he became capable of addressing a wide range of issues presented by his patients. His foundational belief, inspired by the Chiropractic founder DD Palmer, is to focus on the brain's central role in the body's functioning.

According to Dr. Pelino, cognition isn't just about intelligence; it's about movement, self-perception, and functionality. Returning to the suboccipital muscles, the intricate connection between these muscles and the brain's dura mater explains why a tight neck can lead to symptoms like headaches and brain fog. Specific traction on C1 and C2 in the right direction can relieve dural stress and alleviate these symptoms in just one or two visits.

The Amygdala Connection

The brain's amygdala, responsible for processing emotions and linking them to memory, learning, and senses, plays a pivotal role in our mental well-being. Dr. Pelino's decade-long experiment revealed an intriguing connection: emotional stress activates the right side of the amygdala, often corresponding to the right side of the body. This emotional stress, compounded by physical stress on the right side (common due to right-handed usage and carrying bags on the right shoulder), can take a toll on our overall well-being.

However, by reducing stress on the right side of the body, including the psoas muscle and upper cervicals, a feedback loop can be initiated, calming the amygdala and reducing anxiety and emotional stress. Moreover, studies show that this release of tension leads to increased nitrous oxide in the body, positively affecting overall health.

The Eyes Don't Lie

Eye tracking and brain activity measurements following adjustments or manipulations of the right side of the body have shown significant improvements. Dr. Pelino emphasizes that being a chiropractor means innovating and delving into functional neurology to enhance the brain-body balance. These objective findings, supported by machine data, underscore the transformative potential of chiropractic care.

Breathing for Brain Health

Further expanding the horizon, Dr. Lois Laney, PhD in Neuroscience, explores the impact of breathing techniques on cranial nerves and the visual cortex. Through specific breathing practices, Dr. Laney activates all 13 cranial nerves, including the lesser-known Nervous Terminalis, which may play a role in sensing pheromones and mate selection. This underlines the importance of proper breathing techniques for brain health and overall well-being.

A Journey Beyond Medicine

Dr. Pelino's story transcends the realms of medicine. His life-changing experience with Inuit children in Canada's northern regions, alongside NHL superstars, exemplifies the power of restoring harmony with the land and its people. By embracing their traditions and knowledge, they have not only reduced suicide rates but also fostered a positive, harmonious relationship with the land.

In conclusion, Dr. Joe Pelino's journey is a testament to the incredible potential of chiropractic care in enhancing cognitive function and overall well-being. His dedication to innovation and respect for boundaries is a valuable lesson for all of us. So, when you find yourself in a rut, remember to take a breath, think it through, and respect the knowledge you possess—it might just be the key to unlocking your full potential.

If you're as captivated by Dr. Pelino's insights as we are, don't miss this episode of "Crackin Backs."

 Share it with your friends, family, and anyone seeking to explore the extraordinary world of chiropractic care and its profound impact on the mind and body. Together, let's embark on a journey towards better health and cognitive function.