May 2025 Newsletter

As we move into May with the cooler weather, it is a great time to check in with your health and daily routines. Whether you’ve been doing a bit too much on the weekend, laying on the couch or running around with children, we’re here to support your well-being every step of the way.

Now, let’s explore a few simple ways to support your health this month—from chocolate with brain-boosting benefits to family walks in nature and tips for staying active through sport and recovery.

Chocolate and Your Nervous System: More Than Just a Treat 🍫

You might not expect it, but dark chocolate—particularly varieties with high cocoa content—contains compounds that may support brain function. Ingredients like flavonoids and theobromine have been explored for their potential effects on brain performance, concentration and memory.

Some research suggests that flavonoid-rich dark chocolate can improve blood flow to the brain, which may assist cognitive performance and concentration during demanding tasks (Heliyon, 2024).

Another study found that daily dark chocolate consumption for a month increased theobromine and nerve growth factor which increased cognitive function. This benefit was observed even 3 weeks after they stopped eating dark chocolate. (Nutrients, 2019).

While chocolate alone isn’t a treatment, small dietary choices like this—alongside chiropractic care may support your overall wellbeing.

Weekends Made Better with Nature 🌿 

The weekends are a great time to unwind and get outdoors. Exposure to natural light may help regulate the body’s internal clock, supporting a better nights sleep.

A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that exposure to morning light and some natural light throughout the day was associated with improved length of sleep and sleep quality in participants (Journal of Sleep Research, 2019).

Looking for inspiration? Here are some local walks to explore with the family:

• Wireless Hill Reserve (Ardross) – Bushland trails & native plants
• Bold Park (City Beach) – Coastal views with varied walking loops
• Kings Park Bushland Trails (West Perth) – Shaded, kid-friendly paths
• Lesmurdie Falls (Lesmurdie) – Waterfall views & picnic spots

Even short time spent in nature may support both physical and mental well-being.

Staying Active with Chiropractic Care ⚽

Whether you’re getting back into training, enjoying weekend sport, a high-performance athlete, or simply aiming to stay active, chiropractic care may support your mobility, comfort, and overall wellbeing.

At Dalkeith Chiropractic, we take a gentler hands-on approach tailored to your body, your lifestyle, and your health goals. Our focus is on helping you move better so you can do the things you love, sharing your gifts with the world.

Chiropractic techniques such as joint mobilisation—involving passive, targeted movements within a joint’s natural range—may help relieve stiffness and improve mobility and pain. These methods are commonly used to support those experiencing osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal tension. Research has shown that joint mobilisation reduce pain and discomfort (Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 2013).

Spinal adjustments are also widely used to support those with musculoskeletal pain, including acute low back discomfort. These techniques aim to relieve tension, support spinal alignment, and assist the body’s natural recovery process—without relying on medications. A systematic review found that spinal manipulation provided statistically significant benefits in both pain and function for acute low back pain when performed by trained professionals (JAMA, 2017).

Also another systematic review found that both therapies (spinal adjustment and mobilisation) appear safe (Spine Journal, 2018).

If you’re experiencing stiffness, discomfort, or want to support your active lifestyle, speak to our experienced team. Your care is tailored, evidence-informed, and always focused on helping you move well and live well.