Introduction to Polyvagal Acupuncture (TM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has demonstrated enduring resilience through its ability to adapt and evolve with changing times. At the heart of TCM lies 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 the symptoms and the underlying causes of these conditions.

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 Intersection of TCM with Polyvagal Theory: Introducing Sympathetic Dominance

 In both adults and children, retained reflexes mobilize qi and blood into the large skeletal motor muscles to prepare for flight. These large skeletal muscles correspond to the Yang channels in the body. 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 deficiencies, and autoimmunity that appear to be due to long-term inhibition of the enteric nervous system and involution of the thymus.

The Bibliography

In lieu of a references page for each blog post, I have a 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.

Historical Integration of Neuropsycholoogy Concepts in TCM: The Three Levels of the Psyche

One of the most enjoyable aspects of integrating a neurologically informed approach to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is contemplating how our predecessors might have described these concepts in the classics, even without the knowledge of modern neurology. George Soulié de Morant's work provides a fascinating lens through which we can explore the psyche's various levels. His descriptions offer a unique perspective that bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific insights, allowing us to expand our understanding of human behavior.

Best. Available Technology

One of the hurdles I faced as a former research scientist practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was the lack of clinical testing, clear objective markers, or scientific proof proving the efficacy of our medicine. This gap in scientific validation has led to skepticism and a lack of acceptance within the broader medical community. 

To remain relevant, especially as our autonomy is being encroached upon by MDs and physical therapists performing dry needling and trigger point work, we cannot shy away from these conversations. Since the beginning of my practice over 20 years ago, I have used laboratory tests to confirm the efficacy of treatment, particularly for patients with autoimmune diseases, endocrine issues, kidney neuropathy, and catastrophic diagnoses. This approach provided concrete evidence of clinical recovery, which was crucial for me as a new provider.

Anatomy Slings and their Sinew Channel Correspondences

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), qi represents the dynamic processes of cellular respiration, ATP production, and overall muscle function and vitality, along with vagal tone and patency. By integrating insights from myofascial theory and neuroscience , we can enhance TCM treatments for conditions of chronic fight-flight that exhibit spasticity. This approach is particularly effective when using the Sinew Channels (jing jin) at crossing points where multiple layers of fascia intersect, allowing for simultaneous influence on multiple fascial layers.

Anatomy slings refer to specific groups of muscles and connective tissues that work together to produce and control movement, particularly dynamic and cross-body actions. These slings are especially relevant in sports medicine and physical therapy as they highlight how different parts of the body cooperate to maintain stability and facilitate movement.

Key Anatomy Slings

Anterior Oblique Sling

 Components: External oblique, internal oblique, and contralateral adductorsFunction: Supports rotational movements and stability in activities like throwing or swinging

Primitive Reflexes:

• Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR)
• Movement Patterns: Rotation of the head to one side, causing extension of the arm and leg on that side and flexion of the opposite arm and leg
• Rooting Reflex
• Movement Patterns: Turning the head towards a stimulus near the mouth, involving facial and neck muscles

TCM Channels:

Yang Ming Channels (Stomach)

Stomach Sinew Channel

Large Intestine Sinew Channel

Correlation of Qi Types with Ganglionic Plexuses, Yin-Yang Aspects, and Western Correlates

The beauty of reconsidering the language of early TCM practitioners lies in how it described the observed effects in the qualitative language of the time. I was fortunate to study for many years in my TJM cohort under Masakazu Ikeda sensei and Edward Obaidey sensei, who emphasized that the classics should be read with the understanding that these are conceptual rather than literal descriptions.

Integrating TCM Concepts with Neurology: San Jiao and Pericardium as Reflecting the ANS

Comparative Analysis of Sympathetic and Triple Warmer Functions

To fully appreciate the role of the San Jiao (Triple Warmer) in TCM and its parallels with the sympathetic nervous system, we must delve deeper into a comparative analysis. George Soulié de Morant’s insights provide a rich foundation for this comparison.

Redefining QI to include Patency: The ECM and Cellular Respiration

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes the balance of energy within the body and offers a holistic approach to health. Early practitioners used language that incorporated the cultural, spiritual, and environmental understanding of their time. As medical science advances, we can broaden our understanding of the qualitative aspects of our medicine with contemporary insights to enhance our approaches to treating various conditions, including chronic pain, spasticity, and neurogenic trauma.