The Circle of Life

Many people - adults and children - are familiar with the marvelous animated feature "The Lion King". Most have found themselves humming the film's theme "The Circle of Life" long after they've stopped actively thinking about the film itself. "The Circle of Life" is not only a terrifically catchy tune, but is also a powerful metaphor. And as is often the case, what we find in our outer experience is also true in our inner experience.1

In our outer experience, the circle of life suggests that all life is multiply interconnected. Forests, for example, convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and release oxygen gas into the environment, providing a life-giving source of energy for all animals, including humans. Forests provide shade, shelter, and habitat, nurturing and supporting the growth of countless plant and animal species. Forests reduce soil erosion, purify air and water, and influence local and regional climates. Forests are one among an almost limitless number of examples of the web or circle of life on our planet.

Human physiology demonstrates the circle of life in a microcosm, mirroring planet-wide interconnectedness on an individual, internal scale. For example, actively exercising skeletal muscle creates a cascade of effects across many other body systems, affecting far-flung cells, tissues, and organs. Vigorous skeletal muscle work requires extra glucose and extra oxygen for energy.

If the oxygen supply provided by circulating blood is insufficient, the heart will pump harder and faster and the respiration rate will increase. More oxygen will be taken in by the lungs and blood will flow more quickly to the working muscle tissue. If the glucose supply provided by circulating blood is insufficient, liver cells will break down stored glycogen into glucose. Elsewhere, fat stores may be converted to glycogen, further increasing the potential supply for usable glucose.2

Other systems are required to complete the circle. Muscle activity produces metabolic waste, resulting from the burning of oxygen and use of glucose for energy. The end-products of metabolism must be removed and eliminated. Increased circulation sweeps up these substances which are then disposed of by the kidneys and the large intestine.

This single example of your internal circle of life is repeated throughout the day whenever you do physical work.3 Innumerable physiologic circles of life are constantly engaged in the perpetual motion machine that is the human body. The nervous system is the master controller of all these complex and interrelated activities. Chiropractic care helps ensure a free flow of information back and forth between the brain, the spinal cord, and the rest of the body. Chiropractic care helps ensure the ongoing health, welfare, and well-being of your personal Circle of Life.

1Tyreman S: The happy genius of my household: phenomenological and poetic journeys into health and illness. Med Health Care Philos February 15, 2011 (Epub ahead of print)
2Lazarou C, et al: Lifestyle factors are determinants of children's blood pressure levels. J Hum Hypertens 23(7):456-463, 2009
3Does participating in physical activity in outdoor natural environments have a greater effect on physical and mental well-being than physical activity indoors? A systematic review. Thompson CJ, et al: Environ Sci Technol February 3, 2011 (Epub ahead of print)

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Monday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

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1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

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Thursday:

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Friday:

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Saturday:

7:00 am-12:00 pm

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Emergency Only

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "Life would not be the same without Dr. Jayne! In addition to being the loveliest and most caring person, she's an extraordinary chiropractor. She truly has healing hands, an incredible knowledge of the body (MY body!), an uncanny gift for knowing exactly what the issue is right away, and then correcting it effectively. I always know I can rely on her to correct my neck and back issues when they arise, sometimes just after one visit. And Dr. Lou and Jayne's staff are wonderful - kind and patient, and always extremely helpful. I wouldn't go anywhere else."
    Beth B
  • "Dr Jayne and Dr Lou are both amazing! They offer not just great care, but a warm, welcoming atmosphere— truly family friendly! They go above and beyond and truly care about the whole patient, well beyond chiropractic care. Dr Jayne has offered amazing support and solace through my journey as a new mom and I will always be grateful!"
    Katherine G.
  • "Absolutely amazing ! First, the staff was very friendly. I am 8 months pregnant and I've had a lot of back/shoulder pain, and the doctor Jayne was very friendly and professional. You can tell she know what she's doing. She did an amazing job, when I got up from the chair I felt like I was 10 years old again ! My pain was completely gone. I am so happy I have found that place !"
    Manon J S.
  • "I've seen a whole bunch of chiropractors and Lou and Jayne are the best, by far. They're also two of the sweetest people I know."
    Scott C.
  • "I have no words to express my gratitude for Dr. Jayne. I was looking for a Webster Technique chiropractor during my pregnancy and I am so happy I found her. Thanks to her treatments we were able to turn the baby in optimal position and avoid any kind of medical interventions during delivery. But most of all, I valued her precious advice and physical and emotional support during before and after my baby was born. The most beautiful moment of all was giving my son his very first adjustment when he was only couple of days old. I definitely recommend her and her team!"
    Marija R.
  • "Dr Lou and Dr Jayne are fantastic. They've put my spine back in line and are always the nicest people to work with."
    Gerry G
  • "Friendly and welcoming. I enjoy my visits here as they are short and sweet, and really contribute overall health. Twice a week was all I needed and it has changed my world."
    Carlos C
  • "Dr. Lou has taken care of me for close to 20 years. ALWAYS spot on and just an amazing staff. Thank you for all you do."
    Marc W
  • "For two days I have been dealing with that ache in my bicep and having to stretch my hand and it constantly cracking...within minutes of leaving your office from my adjustment my ache is gone and no need to stretch the hand and when I did no cracking. Magic Hands I tell ya!!"
    Janice Bowman
  • "I highly recommend Family Chiropractors for all you health needs ..... From a tune up to a serious issue they will bring you back to the road of recovery ..... They are knowledgable and listen to your needs and concerns ..... I have gone to Dr Lou for over 10 years and I will tell you as a runnner and a yogi you can not find someone better or more caring ... Give them a try ... I believe you will be glad you did and so will your body."
    Thomas Randazzo
  • "It's miraculous how they make me feel better so quickly!"
    Richard Reiter
  • "Drs. Lou and Jayne are the best. Wonderful with even the very youngest children and babies, all the way to folks in later life. Friendly, personable, and strong at what they do -- each with his or her own style. Great to have appointments with both of them! They also have things like a water massage table, which is a wonderfully relaxing mini-escape, and laser treatments for things like carpal tunnel. They are also a gay-friendly business, which encourages me to refer more folks to them."
    Elizabeth Schroeder
  • "Love that place"
    Joe V