Remarkable Story of Conjoined Twins and Chiropractic Role in Immune Function

Back in the 1950s, a pair of conjoined twins named Masha and Dasha were born in Russia. They shared a unique anatomy with one arm each and a common set of legs, yet each had their own heart and circulatory system. What was truly fascinating about them was that while they shared the same blood, each twin had her own brain and spinal cord. This difference in their nervous systems led to intriguing situations where one twin would fall ill, say with the flu or measles, and the other would remain completely unaffected—even though they shared the same circulating germs.

Traditionally, medical teaching asserts that germs are the direct cause of disease. If you encounter germs, you get sick, right? Well, Masha and Dasha's case throws a wrench in that simple explanation. It shows us that just because germs are present, doesn't mean illness is inevitable. The real game-changer here is the immune system, which operates under the guidance of the brain and nervous system. There's a groundbreaking piece of science in the book "Autonomic Failure" from 2013, which shows how crucial certain immune cells, like macrophages, are regulated directly by the sympathetic nervous system.

This brings us to the role of chiropractic care, which isn't about treating symptoms or curing diseases directly. Instead, chiropractors focus on aligning the spine correctly to enhance its movement. This alignment helps the brain and nervous system communicate effectively with the rest of the body, boosting its healing capabilities. Regular chiropractic adjustments can remove nervous system interferences, significantly enhancing immune function.

The insights from Masha and Dasha's life have enriched our understanding of the body's potential. They highlight how caring for the nervous system can lead to profound healing and restoration. In fact, research from 2011 demonstrated that spinal adjustments could boost certain immune-boosting hormones by up to 139%. As we continue to learn from the past, it becomes clear that effective health care may rely less on expensive medications and more on supporting the innate healing abilities of a well-cared-for nervous system. The growing field of chiropractic science is spreading this message, teaching us the long-term benefits of nurturing our nervous systems for healthier lives for all ages.

European Journal of Applied Physiology April 2018
"The effects of a single session of spinal manipulation on strength and cortical drive in athletes."
TL Christiansen, IK Niazi, K Holt, RW Newdergaard, J Duehr, K Allen, P Marshall, KS Turker, J Hartvigsen, H Haavik