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.

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.

Integrating Movement and Emotional Health- Developing the Limbic System

Primitive reflexes evolve into postural reflexes, shaping the myofascial patterns as children grow. The cranial nerves, originating in the more primitive regions of the cervical spine and brainstem, regulate these reflexes. They play a critical role in early development by directing movement patterns that support higher-order functions like walking, running, and fine motor function in the fingers. The cranial nerves integrate into the central nervous system, regulate the developing middle jiao, and coordinate the body's fight-or-flight response. These reflexes also contribute to the development of the limbic system, the central hub of our emotional brain. Infants often experience movements and external stimuli as life-threatening. Each developmental milestone, such as achieving head control, or sitting involves exploring movement, biochemical self-regulation, and establishing new vagal pathways to ensure a parasympathetically neutral environment.

The Impact on Children's Development: Socialization and Sensory Overload

Post-pandemic, many school teachers reported that children appeared stunted in their development, lacking proper socialization. Socialization is a higher-order function of the autonomic nervous system, dealing with primitive reactions related to social engagement. The trauma of not attending school during formative years was significant, but the greater trauma was the sensory overload from excessive screen time before their brains were ready.[1] As I mentioned, the brain will begin to ignore and then diminish afferent sensory pathways in an attempt to reduce sensory input. A developing child has not finished their limbic or emotional regulation, which is part of the educational process. In an attempt to reduce their own overwhelm, children will first resist and then refuse subjects that overwhelm their autonomic nervous system (ANS). While it looks like defiant behavior, many times it is self-preservation.