Dr. John Bergman's teachings on stress

Dr. John Bergman, a prominent chiropractor and health advocate, emphasizes the profound impact of stress on overall health and well-being. His teachings focus on understanding stress as a root cause of many health issues and providing practical strategies to manage it. 
Dr. Bergman explains that stress is a natural survival mechanism designed to protect us from danger (usually referred to as the "fight or flight" response).  However, chronic stress can overwhelm the body and lead to dysfunction. He breaks down stress into 3 types:

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• Physical Stress, which Includes poor posture, injuries, lack of movement, or overexertion.  
  
• Emotional Stress,  resulting from work, relationships, financial worries, or trauma.  
  
• Chemical Stress,  caused by toxins, poor diet, medications, or environmental pollutants.  
  

Chronic stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (again, the fight or flight response), and  suppresses the parasympathetic nervous system (our rest and digest). So this imbalance can lead to issues like poor digestion, weakened immunity, sleep disorders, and hormonal imbalances. This can give way to muscle tension, leading to spinal misalignments that interfere with nerve function and overall health.  It also weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and other conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.  
I appreciate his holistic natural approach in managing stress including:

• Movement and Exercise. Physical activity reduces stress hormones and promotes the release of endorphins.  
  
• Breathing Techniques. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system that we spoke of earlier and promotes relaxation.  
  
• Nutrition: A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods supports the body’s ability to cope with stress.  
  
• Sleep: Prioritizing quality sleep is essential for stress recovery and overall health.  
  
• Chiropractic Care. Regular adjustments help restore spinal alignment and improve nervous system function.  
  

What sticks out the most to me is that Dr. Bergman emphasizes the importance of “mindset” in managing stress. Which includes practicing gratitude, mindfulness, and positive thinking which can help shift the body’s response to stress.  
There are other aspects that he teaches as well, and I will include links below, but it comes down to each of us as individuals making informed choices to reduce stress and improve the quality of our lives. The key thought is that stress is a major underlying cause of many health problems and by addressing it at its root, individuals can improve their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Dr. John Bergman D.C. - YouTube
Dr. John Bergman D.C. (@drjohnbergman) • Instagram photos and videos