Inner Beauty IS Skin Deep

How to Listen to Your Body and Support Real Health From the Inside Out

There has been a growing movement in recent years to promote body positivity. The message is simple: every body is beautiful, and we should celebrate all shapes and sizes. While this message helps fight harmful stereotypes and supports better self-esteem, it is also important to understand that appearance can sometimes signal deeper health issues.

Your body is always communicating with you. Certain physical signs can point to serious medical conditions. For example, unusual skin changes can be linked to diabetes. Fluctuations in hair texture or body fat may be early clues of thyroid problems. Even fingernail color or shape can hint at heart concerns. Recognizing these signals is not about judgment or shame, it is about paying attention to your health. Chiropractors educated at accredited colleges and universities are trained in these potentially life-threatening symptoms.

Social media plays a powerful role in shaping how we view our bodies. While the push for body acceptance is a positive shift, some trends online encourage people to ignore or normalize symptoms that actually deserve medical attention. Filters, beauty trends, and wellness fads can sometimes mask what is really going on underneath the surface. It is important to find a balance between body confidence and body awareness. Pay attention to how you feel, not just how you look.

The best way to protect your long-term wellness is to understand how different forms of stress impact your body. There are three major categories of stress: physical, emotional, and chemical. Chiropractors focus on how each one can disrupt how your body functions, especially how your joints and nervous system operate. When these systems are out of balance, it can be harder for your body to heal, recover, and feel its best.

Chemical stress is one of the most common and most overlooked contributors to poor health. From scented candles to skincare products, many of the items we use every day contain ingredients that can harm our bodies. These chemical stressors can show up as acne, eczema, rashes, dry skin, and stubborn body fat. These symptoms are not just cosmetic. They are warning signs that your body may be under toxic stress.

The good news is that you can take steps to reduce chemical stress and support a healthier, more vibrant body. Try these simple but powerful changes:

• Choose non-toxic personal care products. Use resources like www.ewg.org to check the safety ratings of shampoos, lotions, and cosmetics.

• Look for clean skincare brands that list simple, natural ingredients.

• Use air-cleaning plants like snake plants available at nurseries like Ozaki Flower Park and purifiers in your home to improve indoor air quality. Bic Camera has great options for air filters.

• Eat real, whole foods and read every label. If you do not recognize an ingredient, research it or ask your chiropractor about it.

• Drink clean water throughout the day to help your body flush out toxins.

• Exercise regularly and work up a sweat. Sweating helps remove toxins through your skin.

• Get regular chiropractic care to support your nervous system and improve overall communication within your body.

Remember, a healthy body is not about how you look on the outside. It is about how well your body performs on the inside. Listening to your body’s signals, reducing toxic exposures, and maintaining healthy habits are the true keys to feeling and looking your best.

Honor your body by caring for it in ways that go far beyond appearance. Dr. Ariel Thorpe, DC, is a holistic chiropractor at Electra Chiropractic in Higashiazabu, Tokyo. Recent expats and long-time residents can find excellent care from a native English speaking chiropractor licensed and registered in USA, Hong Kong, and Japan. Book here for a consultation.