In Case of Emergency, Break Glass: Mindful Tools for a Deranged Nervous System

The recent election cycle in the US came on the heels of a global pandemic that plunged much of the world into prolonged states of confusion, fear, and isolation. As social structures frayed, waves of conflicting information eroded trust in authority and fueled skepticism toward Western medicine across the spectrum. Just as society began to recover from this destabilizing period, an intense, high-stakes political cycle in the US began, marked by aggressive rhetoric and tactics intended to deepen division. This climate, amplified by ongoing global conflicts, has kept the collective nervous system in a reactive state—locked in survival mode and braced for continued turmoil.

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.

Primitive Reflexes and Their Role in Nervous System Development

 Primitive reflexes (PRs) are foundational components of the human nervous system, serving as essential building blocks for complex motor and cognitive functions. These automatic, involuntary movements are present at birth and typically integrate as the child matures, usually by the age of two. Controlled by cranial nerves in the brainstem—a primitive part of the brain—these reflexes maintain a balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, supporting motor movement, decision-making, and emotional regulation. When these reflexes remain reactive or reemerge later in life, they disrupt vagal nerve signals, leaving the body in a heightened state of arousal, and flooding the brain with stress hormones along the HPA axis.

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.

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.

Integrating TCM and Modern Anatomy: A Multidimensional Approach to Body Structure and Function

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is understood as a series of interconnected systems, each with unique pathways and functional layers that encompass physical, energetic, and physiological domains. Classical concepts like the six divisions, the three jiaos, and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels offer a structured approach to balancing qi flow and organ health. However, as we explore these classical frameworks with modern anatomical, neurological, and fascial perspectives, a richer understanding emerges—one that connects ancient insights with contemporary scientific models.

This exploration aims to bridge these TCM frameworks with the