Listen to Your Intuition: Trusting your intuition is crucial in making decisions aligned with your values and long-term goals. It can provide valuable guidance when faced with choices that have significant implications for your business. Entrepreneurship often involves navigating uncharted territory, and intuition can serve as a valuable compass.
Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Lindsey Mansueto, D.C.
Dr. Lindsey is a chiropractic physician and meditation enthusiast who has been committed to holistic health for over two decades. She has a passion to empower her patients to fearlessly focus on the life they want to create and teach them how to systematically journal, focus on their intentions and not internalize the stress of modern-day living. Anything Dr. Lindsey does is with one goal in my mind; not only just to alleviate pain in her patients but to inspire her patients to become active participants in their own well-being. She is honored and humbled to be able to provide an outlet for her patients seeking holistic care and she loves educating the public, staying active as well as spending time with her adoring family!
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Ever since I was a young girl — I knew I was put on this planet to heal. I intended on going to the straight medical route but found myself pulled in a different direction. I was treated by a chiropractic physician in undergrad and enjoyed it so much that I became employed by that chiropractor and eventually decided chiropractic school was right for me.
I love helping people through all natural, hands-on approach to health. Educating people about their bodies so they can understand WHY practitioners ask them to do certain lifestyle modifications.
For example- I can tell a patient to drink more water or I can take the extra time to explain that during hands on treatments the pro-inflammatory mediators exit the dense muscle and go into your blood stream- when you drink ½ your body weight in fluid ounces of water- you are able to flush these toxins out via urination, however, if you don’t drink enough water you can feel sore because these inflammatory mediators have memory and they will go back to the affected area and delay the healing effects of the treatment.
When I am talking to my Medicare patients about the importance of strength training. I don’t say “lift more weights” but instead I aim to increase their knowledge by explaining that the muscle has to tug on the bone at the origin and insertion points. This “tug” signals the bone to absorb the calcium from the bloodstream to reinforce that bone. This is why strength training is helpful in an aging population.
I am a lifelong learner and learning about how our bodies function is important to understand so we can take the best care of ourselves. Doctor comes from the Latin word “docere,” meaning to teach, or a scholar. I think as physicians it is our duty to educate our patients on why we are recommending certain lifestyle management tips. My enriching background features remarkable educators and exceptional academic institutions, which have nurtured my growth and played a significant role in shaping the woman I have become today. I am deeply grateful to the mentors, advisors, teachers, and clinicians who have contributed to my journey in becoming a holistic healer.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?
Here’s a memorable experience I encountered postpartum with my second child: I had an office manager who had also recently given birth, just six months ahead of me. Our conversations naturally revolved around our kids and the various milestones they were reaching. However, what stood out was that my employee had shed all her baby weight and even more, while I found myself struggling to do the same despite seemingly similar routines. This stark contrast prompted a period of self-reflection, during which I pondered what I might be doing differently. Little did I know, the truth was far from what I had assumed.
Several months later, we learned that my office manager had faced a relapse of drug misuse, which had led to her rapid weight loss. This revelation was a startling wake-up call. In hindsight, I realized that my incessant comparisons with her had obscured the unmistakable signs of her struggle. Instead of focusing on my own postpartum journey and health, I had allowed myself to become entangled in a comparison game, missing an opportunity to offer support and intervention.
The moral of this story is a poignant reminder of the saying, ‘Comparison is the thief of joy.’ I had been so preoccupied with comparing my postpartum body to hers that I had overlooked crucial warning signs that could have enabled me to intervene earlier. This experience underscores the importance of avoiding excessive comparisons with others and underscores the need to find contentment and joy in our individual achievements, personal progress, and unique journeys. The key takeaway here is to shift our focus towards our own values, goals, and aspirations, rather than using others as our sole yardstick for measuring success and happiness. By doing so, we can lead more fulfilling and joyful lives.”
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
During the challenging times of 2020, I made the decision to open a breathwork studio, a choice that initially seemed like a misstep. However, as the pandemic unfolded, I began to realize just how essential a community’s space can be in such trying circumstances. The isolation and anxiety that gripped our lives during those days underscored the significance of having a place where people could come together, connect, and heal. The Lifestyle Center became a sanctuary for many, offering not just a place to practice breathwork but also a source of support, resilience, and hope. It served as a reminder that in times of crisis, the human need for community and togetherness is unwavering, and The Lifestyle Center, despite the initial doubts, played a vital role in providing that essential sense of belonging and solace.
Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
In the realm of health and wellness, the work I am dedicated to is making a substantial impact on individuals’ lives and the broader community. As a chiropractic physician, my primary goal is to educate people about how their bodies function, fostering a deeper understanding that, in turn, leads to a profound appreciation of one’s own physical being. It’s crucial to recognize that our bodies are remarkable, self-healing mechanisms that have evolved to sustain vibrant and vital lives. As Joseph Pilates eloquently stated, our age is often reflected in the flexibility of our spine, highlighting the pivotal role of spinal health in our overall well-being.
One of my passions lies in enlightening individuals about the importance of the tenth cranial nerve, known as the vagus nerve. Originating in the brain and extending to the stomach, this nerve plays a crucial role in regulating our parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for inducing feelings of calm, relaxation, and ease. In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overstimulated, stuck in a perpetual state of fight or flight. By teaching people how to engage and stimulate the vagus nerve, particularly through belly breathing techniques, we empower them to trigger the release of rest and relaxation hormones. This, in turn, aids in achieving a state of inner peace and balance.
My commitment to breathwork and meditation is so unwavering that I decided to take it a step further during the pandemic. I opened a lifestyle center to provide a haven for individuals seeking physical and emotional healing. Additionally, I authored a book titled “Engage Your Core,” which delves into the transformative power of core strength while explaining how to live in accordance to our “Core” desired feelings.
I foresaw the importance of coming together as a community after the pandemic, acknowledging the collective trauma we had endured. Thus, I created a space where people could authentically connect and heal. Our Lifestyle Center has become a hub for mental health counseling, oxygen treatments, thermography services, children’s meditation classes, and Qi Gong sessions. By offering this diverse range of services, we’ve established a welcoming environment where people can truly be themselves, nurture their well-being, and embark on their individual paths to healing and self-discovery.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
- “Put your oxygen mask on first” — Prioritize Self-Care: This concept, borrowed from airline safety instructions, emphasizes the importance of taking care of yourself before helping others. For instance, as a chiropractic physician, I need to be at my best to provide my patients with the care they deserve. When I’m not at work, I make self-care a priority, whether it’s through chiropractic adjustments, yoga, massage, alone time, pilates, meditation, epsom salt baths, or simply spending time in nature. This self-care routine helps me recharge, allowing me to give my patients my full attention and support.
- Prioritize Sleep for Enhanced Well-Being: Adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive function, mood regulation, stress management, and overall vitality. For example, I had a patient who was constantly fatigued, struggling with mood swings, and finding it hard to focus. After implementing a better sleep routine, they reported feeling more alert, happier, and better equipped to manage stress, demonstrating the transformative power of quality sleep on one’s well-being.
- Mindful Nutrition to Fight Inflammation: The food we consume can either fuel inflammation or fight it. Incorporating oily fish like sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon, and herring, known as the “SMASH” fish, into your diet is an excellent way to naturally reduce inflammation. I once had a patient with chronic joint pain who decided to increase their intake of these fish. Over time, they experienced a significant reduction in pain and improved joint mobility, demonstrating the impact of nutrition on inflammation and overall health.
- Trust Your Intuition and Gut Feelings: Our gut feelings often lead us in the right direction, as they’ve evolved over centuries to guide us. For instance, a patient facing a career dilemma sought my advice. I encouraged them to trust their intuition. After taking some time to connect with their inner self and heart center, they made a decision that aligned with their deepest desires and values. Over time, they found fulfillment in their new path, showcasing the power of intuition in making life choices.
- Practice Gratitude for Your Body: It’s easy to be critical of our bodies, but practicing gratitude can be equally natural and impactful. Take a moment to thank your body for its daily functions, such as your heart beating, your lungs breathing, and the gift of life. I’ve witnessed patients transform their self-esteem and well-being by shifting their inner dialogue to one of gratitude. Acknowledging the miraculous aspects of the body can lead to a more positive and uplifting self-image, ultimately contributing to improved well-being.
Incorporating these “lifestyle tweaks” into one’s daily routine can have a profound impact on overall health and well-being, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
Being healthy and well is the state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. If I could start a movement to bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, it would focus on comprehensive well-being education from a young age. Here’s an outline of the movement:
Mandatory Meditation in Schools: I believe that meditation should be a mandatory part of the school curriculum. Teaching children and young people how to meditate and connect with their breath from an early age can provide them with a lifelong tool for managing stress, improving focus, and fostering emotional well-being. By incorporating mindfulness practices into the education system, we can help future generations build resilience and better mental health.
Nutrition Education for Caretakers and Children: Nutrition is a cornerstone of wellness and educating caregivers about the importance of providing a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and low in processed, artificial ingredients is essential. This education should extend to children as well, teaching them the fundamentals of healthy eating, the benefits of whole foods, and how nutrition impacts their physical and mental health. This knowledge will empower families to make healthier food choices and reduce the prevalence of diet-related health issues.
Comprehensive Health Education: It’s vital to educate children about their bodies and overall health. This should encompass not only physical health but also emotional well-being and self-awareness. Topics might include understanding the body’s systems, learning about mental health, and developing emotional intelligence. For example, girls can be educated about their menstrual cycles and hormonal changes, helping them navigate these natural processes with confidence and self-compassion.
Emphasizing Body Intuition: We need to encourage people, from a young age, to connect with their bodies and listen to their inner signals. This means understanding the importance of self-awareness and the mind-body connection. Teaching individuals to trust their gut feelings, recognize stress cues, and address their own physical and emotional needs can empower them to make healthier choices and maintain a state of well-being.
By implementing these initiatives, we can create a culture of holistic well-being, where individuals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to take charge of their health and happiness. Starting this education in childhood will set the stage for a healthier, more resilient, and more self-aware society, ultimately benefiting the well-being of most people.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
- The Importance of Self-Care: Self-care is vital because it ensures that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally well enough to serve and support others effectively. When you prioritize self-care, you are better equipped to handle the challenges that come with entrepreneurship. It’s not selfish; it’s self-preservation and sustainability.
- Accountability as the Business Owner: As the business owner, you are ultimately responsible for the success and failures of your business. While your team’s achievements are a result of their efforts, you are accountable for the overall management and direction of the company. Taking full responsibility, especially in challenging situations, is part of effective leadership.
- It Will Be Hard, but It Will Be Worth It: Entrepreneurship is often a demanding journey with its share of hardships and obstacles. Knowing this in advance can help you brace for challenges and persevere. The difficulties you encounter can lead to growth, learning, and ultimately, the satisfaction of building something meaningful.
- Prioritize Purpose Over Profit: Many entrepreneurs today are embracing a holistic approach that places a higher value on a sense of purpose and making a positive impact on society. This shift acknowledges that profit is important but not at the expense of your values and the greater good. Prioritizing purpose can provide a more profound and enduring motivation.
- Listen to Your Intuition: Trusting your intuition is crucial in making decisions aligned with your values and long-term goals. It can provide valuable guidance when faced with choices that have significant implications for your business. Entrepreneurship often involves navigating uncharted territory, and intuition can serve as a valuable compass.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is undoubtedly a crucial and deeply personal cause for many, including myself. The significance of mental health has gained more attention in recent years, yet there is still work to be done in dismantling the stigma surrounding it. Here are some key points to consider when discussing mental health:
Normalization and Stigma Reduction: While significant progress has been made in normalizing discussions about mental health, there remains a stigma that prevents many individuals from seeking help. We should continue efforts to reduce this stigma so that people feel comfortable talking about their feelings, struggles, and experiences.
Mental Health Days: Encouraging the concept of “mental health days” is essential. Just as we take sick days to recover from physical ailments, it’s crucial to recognize that our mental well-being is equally important. Allowing employees, students, and individuals in general to take time off when needed to address their mental health can lead to better overall well-being.
Promoting Emotional Well-being: Promoting mental health doesn’t solely revolve around addressing issues or disorders; it’s also about fostering emotional well-being. This includes cultivating emotional intelligence, resilience, and stress-management skills. It’s important to educate people about self-care practices, such as meditation, mindfulness, and exercise, which can contribute to overall emotional health.
Access to Mental Health Services: Ensuring that mental health services are accessible and affordable is vital. Many individuals still face barriers in terms of cost, availability, and stigma when it comes to seeking therapy or counseling. Advocating for increased accessibility to these services is essential.
Ending Dismissal and Encouraging Support: We need to create a culture where individuals feel seen and heard when they express their mental health concerns. Dismissing someone’s struggles or feelings can be harmful. Instead, we should encourage supportive and empathetic conversations and actions. This includes active listening and offering help when needed.
Preventive Measures: Just as with physical health, preventing mental health issues is key. Promoting mental health awareness and education from a young age can equip individuals with the tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges early on.
In summary, mental health is a dear cause because it impacts virtually every aspect of our lives, from our personal relationships to our professional well-being. By reducing the stigma, promoting emotional wellness, and providing accessible support and services, we can ensure that individuals feel valued, heard, and supported in their mental
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
You can find me on the web at
www.flemingtonchiropracticcenter.com
www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lindsey-mansueto-a84a048
https://www.facebook.com/FlemingtonChiropracticCenter
https://www.facebook.com/lifestylecenteratfcc/
https://www.instagram.com/lifestylecenteratfcc/
https://www.instagram.com/flemingtonchirocenter/
Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .
