Dysautonomia

What is Dysautonomia?

Dysautonomia refers to a dysregulated autonomic nervous system (ANS) that disrupts the body’s automatic functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, and temperature regulation. This condition is closely linked to the immune system, endocrine system, and psychological health. When the ANS isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of symptoms that can be confusing, debilitating, and difficult to diagnose.

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for several conditions, including:

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): A condition where standing causes an excessive increase in heart rate, often accompanied by dizziness, fainting, and fatigue.
Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS): The most common form of dysautonomia, which causes fainting due to sudden drops in heart rate and blood pressure.
Pure Autonomic Failure: A rare disorder where the autonomic nervous system degenerates over time.
Autoimmune Disease Connection: If the body perceives itself as unsafe, the autonomic nervous system can become dysregulated, leading to symptoms of dysautonomia.

What are the symptoms of Dysautonomia?

Dysautonomia affects many systems in the body, so its symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Common symptoms include:

Cardiovascular Issues: Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, irregular heart rate, and unstable blood pressure. These are often the root cause ofPOTS.
MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): Dysautonomia can send signals to the immune system, triggeringmast cell activation and inflammation as the body mistakenly believes it is under threat.
Sensitivities and Allergies: Increased sensitivities and allergies, often as a result of mast cell activation.
Fatigue: Persistent, overwhelming exhaustion that isn’t relieved by rest or sleep.
Digestive Issues: Nausea, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea.
Cognitive Impairment (Brain Fog): Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, and mental fatigue.
Temperature Regulation Issues: Inability to tolerate heat or cold, excessive sweating, or lack of sweating.
Sleep Disorders: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or feeling unrefreshed after sleep.
Other Symptoms: Shortness of breath, anxiety, and a sense of impending doom.
Pain: Sensory overload due to nervous system dysregulation, leading to muscle and joint pain.

How mind-body therapies at The Grange can help with Dysautonomia

Traditional treatments for dysautonomia often focus on symptom management rather than addressing the root causes. Mind-body therapies provide a holistic approach to treating dysautonomia by focusing on nervous system regulation, stress management, and trauma healing.

With my background in Western medicine, somatic therapies, and psychological practices, I offer a comprehensive treatment plan that targets the root causes of dysautonomia, aiming to restore balance to the body and mind.

Here are some of the therapies that may be included in your personalised treatment plan:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation for Stress Reduction

Mindfulness and meditation techniques are effective tools for managing the stress and anxiety commonly associated with dysautonomia. These practices help regulate the nervous system, promoting relaxation and a sense of inner calm. By focusing on the present moment, mindfulness helps to reduce the fight-or-flight response, calming the autonomic nervous system and restoring balance.

2. Somatic Experiencing® for Trauma Healing and Nervous System Regulation

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals process and release trauma stored in the body. Trauma—whether from past events or ongoing stress—can disrupt nervous system function and energy flow. SE works at a deep, somatic level to help restore autonomic balance and heal dysautonomia symptoms by regulating the nervous system and improving overall health.

3. NeuroAffective Touch®: Integrating Body and Mind

NeuroAffective Touch® combines body psychotherapy, talk therapy, and somatic awareness to support self-regulation of the autonomic nervous system. This integrative approach works in conjunction with Somatic Experiencing® to alleviate chronic fatigue, reduce stress, and restore energy flow. By bringing the body back into balance, this therapy addresses dysautonomia symptoms and reduces energy expenditure, promoting healing.

4. Gentle Somatic Movement: Restorative Yoga, Tai Chi, and Myofascial Unwinding

Gentle movement therapies like restorative yoga, Tai Chi, myofascial unwinding, and somatic dance can be particularly beneficial for managing dysautonomia. These gentle, mindful movements focus on relaxation, stretching, and muscle release, helping to reduce muscle tension, improve flexibility, and lower stress levels. Somatic movement is an excellent way to reconnect with your body and restore balance without overexerting yourself.

5. Gut Health and the Enteric Nervous System

Gut health plays a crucial role in managing dysautonomia, as the gut and autonomic nervous system are deeply interconnected. Chronic stress and trauma can disrupt the gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues and fatigue. Restoring balance to the enteric nervous system through dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and holistic treatments is essential to improving energy levels and healing from dysautonomia.

6. Trauma Therapy: Addressing the Emotional Root Causes

Many individuals with dysautonomia carry underlying emotional trauma or unresolved life events that disturb the body’s natural balance. Through trauma therapy, including relational therapy and specific trauma modalities, we can work together to explore and heal the emotional roots of your symptoms. Restoring emotional balance is key to reducing dysautonomia symptoms and helping the body regain its natural energy flow.

Empowering Recovery with Mind-Body Therapies

By integrating mind-body therapies into your recovery plan, we can address the root causes of dysautonomia, such as nervous system dysregulation, gut health, and emotional trauma. These therapies work together to help restore balance, reduce fatigue, and improve overall well-being.

Contact us today to learn more about how our holistic treatments for dysautonomia can support your healing journey. Whether you’re seeking POTS treatment or need a personalized approach for dysautonomia management, we are here to help you regain balance and improve your quality of life.

If you’re ready to start healing from dysautonomia, contact Rodger Duckworth today to discuss how personalised mind-body therapy can help you reclaim your health journey.