Introduction to Polyvagal Acupuncture (TM)

For over 1000 years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated enduring resilience through its ability evolve with changing times. At the heart of TCM is the fundamental principle of maintaining equilibrium between opposing forces within the body, exemplified by the concept of yin-yang balance. This notion of harmony resonates with current neurological principles, particularly the functioning of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The convergence of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), modern neuroscience, and Polyvagal Theory presents a compelling framework to address complex neurological conditions such as spasticity, stroke, and PTSD. This integration requires a deeper understanding of the fight-or-flight response—a fundamental aspect of human physiology that has significant implications for health and disease management. By exploring the physiological underpinnings of PVT, neuroscience and correlating them with TCM principles, we can develop more effective therapeutic strategies that address both symptoms and underlying cause of these conditions.

The Intersection of TCM with Polyvagal Theory: Introducing Sympathetic Dominance

 In both adults and children, retained reflexes mobilize the body's resources into the large skeletal motor muscles to prepare for flight, specifically the leg yang channels. Once retained or chronic, strong patterns of spasticity are observed directly in the fascia and often do not resolve with appropriate treatment. Additionally, adult survivors of childhood trauma exhibit long-term issues of malabsorption, middle jiao (gut) deficiencies, and autoimmunity due to long-term inhibition of the enteric nervous system and involution of the thymus.

Bridging Polyvagal Theory and TCM: Understanding the Fight-Flight-Freeze Response

In TCM, we can view mobilization of the fight-flight response through the lens of the Yang sinew channels, which activate the body's defensive (Wei Qi) and muscular responses, highlighting a direct correlation to the sympathetic activation described in PVT. This perspective allows us to see the cascade of physiological and energetic responses—from Qi stagnation and Blood stasis to the impairment of the enteric system—as a comprehensive response system that aligns with the neurobiological pathways outlined by Porges. By understanding these parallels, the cascade of reactions set off by the fight or flight response becomes evident, providing a clear pathway for addressing these responses holistically and restoring balance to the body and mind.

The Bibliography

In lieu of a references page for each blog post, I have an included the references for the entire subject, to be expanded as content increases. For ease, I reference the last name of the author in the blog paragraph for more important works.  Polyvagal Acupuncture (TM) and all materials are trademarked intellectual property. Please do not use without a reference.

Plexuses Related to the Autonomic Nervous System:

 

1. Cervical Plexus (C1-C4):

   • Governs: Neck, diaphragm, head movement.
   • Subdivisions:
     • Phrenic Nerve: Governs diaphragm, helping with respiration.
   • Influences: Lungs, breathing.

2. Brachial Plexus (C5-T1):

   • Governs: Shoulders, arms, hands.
   • Influences: Indirectly impacts cardiovascular function via the autonomic inputs, helping regulate upper limb movement and circulation.

3. Thoracic Autonomic Plexus (T1-T5):

   • Pulmonary Plexus: Regulates lung function, bronchial constriction/dilation.
   • Cardiac Plexus: Regulates heart rate, rhythm, contraction strength.
   • Esophageal Plexus: Helps in swallowing and connects to the esophagus.

4. Celiac Plexus (Solar Plexus) (T5-T9):

   • Hepatic Plexus: Governs liver function.
   • Gastric Plexus: Regulates stomach function and digestion.

5. Superior Mesenteric Plexus (T9-T12):

   • Governs: Small intestines and digestive function.

6. Inferior Mesenteric Plexus (L1-L3):

   • Governs: Large intestines, helping regulate colon and rectal functions.

7. Aortic Plexus (T12-L2):

   • Governs: Abdominal organs, particularly along the aorta.

8. Superior Hypogastric Plexus (L1-L2):

   • Governs: Bladder, kidneys, reproductive organs.

9. Inferior Hypogastric Plexus (S1-S4):

   • Governs: Bowel movements, bladder function, sexual activity.

10. Renal Plexus (T10-L1):

    • Governs: Kidneys and adrenal glands, playing a role in fluid balance and stress response.

11. Pelvic Plexus (S1-S4):

    • Governs: Reproductive organs, bowel function, bladder control.

Plexuses in the Head and Neck:

1. Ciliary Ganglion:

   • Governs: Eye accommodation, pupil response.
   • TCM: Associated with GB (Gallbladder) Channel.

2. Superior Cervical Ganglion:

   • Governs: Head, eyes, and brain function.
   • TCM: Tied to Liver and Gallbladder Channels.

3. Pharyngeal Plexus:

   • Governs: Throat, associated with swallowing and voice.
   • TCM: Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and other associated channels.

Other Major Autonomic Plexuses in the Body:

• Lumbar Plexus (T12-L4): Governs lower back, thighs, legs.
• Sacral Plexus (L4-S4): Governs pelvic organs, genitals, and lower limbs.
• Coccygeal Plexus (S4-S5): Governs skin around the coccyx, contributing to bowel function.

COVID as a Global Trauma Trigger: Chronic Sympathetic Dominance is a Global Issue

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a global trauma, pushing much of the population into chronic "fight-flight-freeze" responses. This reactivation floods the brainstem with signals of danger, an alarm state with heightened sympathetic activity that when prolonged becomes a way of life. Recognizing and treating chronic sympathetic dominance involves understanding the myriad subclinical patterns associated with chronic fight-flight-freeze” response.

The Cascade of Physiological Issues from Chronic Sympathetic Dominance

 Now that we have explored the basics of Yin and Yang balance as reflective of the Autonomic Nervous System's function, we are better positioned to understand the fight-flight mechanism within the TCM framework. In this context, the fight or flight response can be viewed as a condition that arises when there is a significant disruption in this delicate balance. Such disruptions overwhelm the ANS, tipping the scales away from harmony and leading to the profound physiological and psychological changes observed in chronic stress responses. This TCM perspective allows us to conceptualize trauma not just as an emotional or psychological event, but as a systemic physiological condition that challenges the body's innate capacities for regulation and balance.  

Chronic Sympathetic Dominance and Fascia: Vagal Tone is Visible!

Contributions from mental health and trauma professionals like Peter Levine, PhD, Dr. Stephen Porges, PhD, and Svetlana Masgutova, PhD, illustrate the role of the nervous system and the biochemical processes involved in trauma. However, their profound insights have not yet translated into effective treatment solutions for many. Several factors contribute to this challenge: a persistent mind-body split in mental health, prohibitions against mental health providers physically interacting with patients, inadequate insurance coverage for counseling, and an over-reliance on medication. These issues highlight the complex landscape of mental health care, where pharmaceutical approaches often fail to provide comprehensive solutions.

Primitive Reflexes and Their Role in Nervous System Development

Primitive reflexes form the foundation of the human nervous system, acting as building blocks for complex motor and cognitive functions. These automatic, involuntary movements present at birth gradually integrate as the child matures. Controlled by cranial nerves in the brainstem, these reflexes establish a balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, supporting motor movement, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Cranial nerves reside in the brainstem, a more primitive part of the brain, and are resource-intensive, demanding oxygen, glucose, and yin. When reactive, they block vagal nerve signals, leaving the body in a heightened state of arousal that flood the brain with stress hormones along the HPA axis.

The Role of Primitive Reflexes - Character and Structure

The development of the ANS, including proper vagal tone and a healthy fight/flight/freeze response, is dependent on primitive reflexes that present in the earliest life stages. Primitive reflexes are innate, instinctual, and involuntary movements that initially offer protective movements to sensory stimuli (Pryor). More simply, they are life-saving movements to protect us from harmful sensations. The withdrawal from a hot object wasn't learned—it is a reflex.