Homeostasis is the process by which your body stays in balance. The autonomic nervous system regulates this equilibrium, balancing your heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure and more to ensure your internal environment is constant and stable.
Dysautonomia is an umbrella term that describes a dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system. POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardic syndrome) is the most common form. Because the autonomic nervous system controls a wide range of internal body systems, the signs and symptoms of dysautonomia vary widely. Symptoms can include dizziness, fatigue, heart palpitations, brain fog, and gastrointestinal disturbances, among others.
The cause of dysautonomia and POTS is unknown, but it has increased in frequency since the Covid pandemic, and may be considered to be part of the Long Covid spectrum. Current research estimates 2-4% of people who are infected with Covid will go on to develop POTS. An increased prevalence is found in people with Ehlers Danlos syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis and other autoimmune diseases. Young, previously fit women under the age of 50 are disproportionately affected.
Conventional treatment may include medication, pacing and managed exercise and lifestyle changes. Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach alongside these treatments that aims to address the underlying imbalances of dysautonomia, balancing the nervous system and supporting healing.
Signs of Symptoms of Dysautonomia and POTS
Dysautonomia and POTS can affect a range of body systems including:
* Cardiovascular – palpitations, high or low heart rate (tachycardia or bradycardia), high or low blood pressure, blood pooling
* Gastrointestinal – nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain, reflux, heartburn, impaired gut motility
* Orthostatic Intolerance – lightheadedness, fatigue, worsening of symptoms with standing, fainting
* Neurological – brain fog, difficulty concentrating, migraines
* Pulmonary – shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
* Secretory – abnormal sweating, dryness including skin and eyes
Understanding POTS Through the Lens of Chinese Medicine
Dysautonomia and POTS are modern disease names but Chinese medicine understood these patterns of disharmony and the associated symptoms in texts nearly 2000 years ago. A list of symptoms including heart palpitations, stomach dysfunction, chronic pain, alternating chills and fevers and anxiety were described as a pattern of Ying-Wei disharmony, an imbalance of nutritive and protective Qi.
Ying or nutritive Qi circulates mainly at night, stimulating the repair and regeneration of organs and tissues. Wei or protective Qi is more active during the day, circulating close to the skin and protecting the body from invasion, with similar functions to the immune system. The cause of this imbalance is not always known, but can be attributed to lingering pathogens.
Lingering pathogens are understood as illness causing pathogens that are not fully expelled, causing a persistent disturbance to the Qi and Blood. Viruses and bacteria are common pathogens, but environmental chemicals, toxins or drugs can also be included in this framework. A pathogen may linger if it is virulent, or if the protective Qi of the body has been weakened, preventing proper and complete healing.
Signs of a Lingering Pathogen
History
A historical acute infection, vaccination or environmental exposure, after which you feel you haven’t fully recovered is a strong sign of a lingering pathogen. The initial illness may have been mild and unremarkable, but you might feel as though your health hasn’t been the same since.
Fever or Abnormal Heat in the Body
Your body temperature might be persistently raised, or you may have feelings of heat in your face, hands or feet.
Symptoms that Come and Go
A milder version of the original illness may reappear if you are run down or stressed. Alternatively, a new chronic problem that seems unrelated may suddenly appear.
Changes in Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes that are swollen, or non-tender, round and rubbery may be present. They might feel like small peas under the skin that can be moved around.
Sweating
Abnormal sweating such as night sweats, sweaty palms, or spontaneous sweating
Muscle and Joint Aches
A feeling of heaviness and weakness in the muscles, or painful, still and inflamed joints
Fatigue
A deep and persistent fatigue that is not improved much with rest, and is unrelated to the amount of activity you do
Treatment Strategies in Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture
Acupuncture regulates the autonomic nervous system; specific points stimulate key brain pathways to promote changes in multiple systems in the body. By balancing the nervous system, acupuncture can address the root cause of dysautonomia and POTS. Rather than chasing symptoms that come and go, Chinese medicine can help the body to repel the lingering pathogen and return to homeostasis and healing.
Herbal Medicine
Classical herbal medicine formulas originate from centuries old texts and have been used by generations of Chinese medicine experts to treat ill health and support wellbeing. These formulas have been carefully designed to expel lingering pathogens and harmonize the Qi, treating patterns of disharmony and imbalance that are at the root of illness. By nourishing and gently restoring the proper flow of Qi and Blood in the body, herbal formulas can promote health and healing.
Qi Gong and Gentle Movement
Qi Gong is a gentle Chinese movement and breathing practice that promotes calm, enhances circulating and builds resilience. Qi Gong can be performed seated or standing, for short or longer periods of time. The gentle movements of Qi Gong are perfect pacing for dysautonomia and POTS patients, allowing a gradual increase in movement whilst supporting the nervous system.
Including Chinese Medicine in your Health Care Team
Chinese medicine has different language to understand the root causes of illness but can be a valuable addition to conventional treatments. Acupuncture is a safe and gentle modality, offering a complementary approach to balancing the nervous system and fostering calm.
Chinese herbal medicine may be contraindicated with some medications and supplements. As a registered health practitioner, I take a cautious approach to ensure that any herbs prescribed are appropriate and safe for your situation.
Conclusion
Chinese medicine offers a holistic, individualized approach to managing dysautonomia and POTS by addressing the underlying imbalances in the body’s systems. Through techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and gentle exercise, Chinese medicine can alleviate symptoms and promote long-term healing and resilience. If you are seeking a more integrative approach to your health, Chinese medicine can provide a pathway to restoring balance and vitality.