Addressing Dysregulation in the Autonomic Nervous System

Addressing Dysregulation in the Autonomic Nervous System — a Blockage to Healing

Jenny Blondel, Naturopath, Queensland, Australia

Introduction

Thank you to AKI for providing me with the opportunity to discuss my paper on ‘Addressing Dysregulation in the Autonomic Nervous System — a Blockage to Healing.’ The rationale behind choosing this topic lies in the need for us, as BICOM® therapists, to consistently revisit the identification and resolution of blockages in patient care. Neglecting these blockages can compromise the success of our bioresonance therapy.

As you are aware, there are numerous blockages that we must consistently assess for our patients, including geopathic stress, electromagnetic frequencies (EMF), radiation, scars, jaw tension, nutrient points, and of course emotional blockages. In addition, it is worth noting that a dysregulated autonomic nervous system (ANS) can be a significant blockage, affecting many aspects of the health of your patient. | view the ANS and emotional states as important interconnected aspects of our wellbeing.

The subconscious mind significantly shapes our thoughts, emotions, belief systems, stress responses, and even our emotional patterns. However, these influences are not directly observable: their effects manifest through the patient’s reactions and physical symptoms.

Unfortunately, these subconscious drivers can play a significant role in unresolved health issues. The beliefs, stressors, and traumas that individuals encounter throughout their lives can contribute to blockages, sabotaging the ability to heal.

If therapists neglect to address these blockages, achieving the desired results becomes challenging—both for us and our patients.

What is the solution?

The key lies in identifying any ANS blockages as well as subconscious factors, often emotional, influencing your patient’s wellbeing.

The good news is that we have tools to identify and address subconscious emotional patterns and a dysregulated ANS that may be contributing to health issues. When a cortisol stress response within the nervous system is identified, it is possible to use the BICOM® therapy method to clear emotional blocks easily, allowing patients to feel lighter, empowered, and more in control. We can
help patients overcome self-sabotage and align their subconscious mind with their health.

Viewing the ANS through a different lens

Recognising that emotions govern structure; and structure governs function; | aim to present a fresh perspective on examining the ANS and | will share insights on effective methods for processing trapped emotions which could be sabotaging your patient’s recovery.

The cranial nerves

The fundamental purpose of the human nervous system is to ensure the survival of our physical body. This intricate system comprises the brain, brainstem, cranial nerves, spinal cord, spinal nerves, and enteric nerves. Our focus centres on the ANS, consisting of components from the brainstem, certain cranial nerves, and specific segments of the spinal nerves.

The numbering of cranial nerves is based on their specific locations, reflecting the intricate organisation and functional diversity within the nervous system.

The cranial nerves are a set of twelve paired nerves that arise directly from the brain, mainly from the brainstem. They play a crucial role in sensory function and in controlling various functions of the head and neck. Below is a list of the twelve cranial nerves along with their primary functions:

• Olfactory (1): Responsible for the sense of smell.

• Optic (l1): Responsible for vision.

• Oculomotor (lll): Controls most eye movements and pupil constriction.

• Trochlear (IV): Primarily responsible for the movement of the superior oblique muscle of the eye.

• Trigeminal (V): Responsible for sensory information from the face and motor functions, such as chewing.

• Abducens (V1): Controls the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, involved in eye movement.

• Facial (VI): Controls facial expressions, taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and secretion of saliva and tears.

• Vestibulocochlear (VIII): Responsible for hearing and balance.

• Glossopharyngeal (IX): Involved in taste sensation from the posterior third of the tongue, swallowing, and the gag reflex.

• Vagus (X): Regulates autonomic functions, such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

• Accessory (XI): Controls muscles of the neck and shoulders, particularly the
  sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.

• Hypoglossal (XI1): Controls the movements of the tongue.

  

  Since the ANS regulates important functions of the body such as circulation, respiration, digestion, and reproduction, a wide range of consequences can ensue if the vagus and other cranial nerves are not working properly.

  Below is a list of common problems that can arise from cranial nerve dysfunction:

  Chronic physical tensions

• Neck/shoulder tension

• Headaches/Migraines

• Back pain

• Clenched/grinding teeth

• Eye or facial tensions

• Cold hands and feet

• Unwarranted sweating

• Tenseness after exertion

• Nervousness

• Dizziness

• Lump in the throat

  Emotional issues

• Irritability, anger

• Depression/anxiety/fear

• Lack of energy

• Sleeping problems/ Nightmares

• Cognition issues

  Heart and lung problems

• Chest pain

• Asthma

• Hyperventilation

• Dyspnoea

• Heart rhythm
  irregularities

• High blood pressure

  Gut Problems

• Constipation/diarrhoea

• Gastritis

• Reflux, ulcer, heartburn

• Loss of appetite

• Excessive eating

  Mental

• Addictions

• Autism, ADHD,
  Asperger’s syndrome

• Distrust in relationships

  Other

• Immune system problems
  including frequent
  infections

• Allergies

• Skin problems

• Hormonal problems

• Loss of libido

• Frequent accidents or
  injuries!

  Source: Stanley Rosenberg’s book ‘Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve’ (adapted)

  Emotions and the cranial nerves

  
  A single negative thought has the potential to disrupt the alignment of C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis) – where crucial nerves for healthy social behaviour originate. This misalignment, often influenced by trauma or trapped emotions/negative thoughts, can be treated – relieving tension on vertebral arteries, and improving blood flow to the brain and brainstem. This realignment is essential for proper functioning of the ANS and other bodily processes, leading to relief from emotional, mental and physical symptoms.

  
  The vagus nerve

  
  The vagus nerve is the longest of all the cranial nerves, extending from the head to the abdomen. Its name is derived from the Latin ‘vagary’ — meaning wandering. It is sometimes referred to as the wandering nerve.

  The vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of internal organs such as digestion, heart rate, respiratory rate and impacts certain reflex actions such as coughing, sneezing, and swallowing. Optimal health depends on a well-functioning vagus nerve, alongside a few other key cranial nerves. The vagus nerve must function properly in order for us to be healthy, feel good emotionally, and interact positively with family, friends and others.

  Polyvagal theory

  
  The traditional or ‘old’ model of the ANS primarily focused on the binary division between the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). This simplistic model described a balance between the SNS, responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response, and the PNS, responsible for the ‘rest and digest’ response. According to this model, the SNS and PNS were thought to act in opposition to each other, with one system dominating while the other was suppressed. Now that science and understanding has caught up, the traditional model often oversimplified the complexity of the ANS by neglecting the nuances and different responses that can occur within each division. It did not account for the numerous ways the body responds to stressors and didn’t fully capture the intricate interplay between the ANS, emotions and social behaviour. The polyvagal model, introduced by Dr. Stephen Porges, challenges this simplistic view, and proposes a more nuanced understanding of the ANS. The polyvagal model is a neurobiological theory that explains how the ANS regulates social behaviour, emotional experiences, and physiological responses. Instead of a strict division between the SNS and PNS, the polyvagal model is not a unitary system but rather a complex hierarchy with three distinct subsystems. These subsystems are associated with different adaptive strategies used in response to environmental cues, especially those related to safety and threat. This model emphasises the evolutionary development of these subsystems and their role in adaptive responses to environmental and social cues.

  The three subsystems of the autonomic nervous system proposed by polyvagal theory are:

  1. Ventral vagal circuit (VVC): This is the most evolved feature of the ANS and is linked to healthy social behaviour. When the VVC is active, we are more likely to feel safe, engage in social interactions, and experience positive emotions. It allows for connection, empathy, and healthy social behaviour.

  2. Sympathetic nervous system (SNS): This is involved in the ‘fight or flight’ response. When the SNS is activated, the body prepares for action by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and redirecting blood flow to the muscles. This response is triggered in situations perceived as threatening.

  3. Dorsal vagal circuit (DVC): This is the oldest part of the ANS and is associated with the more primitive aspects of self-preservation. When activated, it can lead to immobilisation and shutdown behaviours such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), similar to the ‘freeze’ response seen in animals. This response occurs in situations where a person perceives an imminent threat but is unable to fight or flee.

  According to the polyvagal model, the nervous system responds to cues from the environment and other people, influencing our social interactions and emotional experiences. The theory is particularly relevant in understanding how our patients respond to stress, trauma, and inter- personal relationships. By understanding the different responses of the ANS, this framework offers insights into how we, as BICOM® therapists, can tailor our therapy plans to promote healthy social behaviour, which can be crucial for mental and emotional wellbeing.

  Emotional stressors through the lens of the polyvagal theory

  In the face of life’s challenges and stresses, it is common for patients to experience various physical, mental and emotional symptoms. While these symptoms may initially appear unrelated, it is important that, as therapists, we recognise they often share a common thread connecting them – an underlying dysregulation in the patient’s ANS.

  Many people use the term ‘stress,” but not everyone experiences it as a spinal sympathetic chain activity.

  Ideally, once the imminent stressor/danger has subsided, individuals should transition out of this state and return to back to their senses. However, many people find themselves stuck at some level of this immobilised state, characterised by lingering fear — usually a state of chronic activation of the dorsal vagal circuit.

  Patients who present depression, PTSD and other withdrawal behaviours, according to the Polyvagal theory are usually stuck in chronic activation of the dorsal vagal circuit.

  Activating the ventral branch of the vagus nerve is key to moving people out of either a stress response (SNS – fight-or-flight) including panic attacks or depressive feelings (DVC-shutdown).

  

  The relevance of ANS regulation in therapy

  Assessing the ANS in therapy-resistant patients is key. It helps dispel any doubts that the therapist may have about their expertise, indicating that the challenge may stem from the patient’s unresponsive ANS rather than the therapist’s skills.

  In my clinic, if testing reveal dysfunction in the ventral branch of the vagus nerve, my initial priority is to restore its proper function before progressing with other BICOM® therapies, as otherwise, our therapy is less likely to have lasting effects.

  The state of your patient’s ANS can predict how successful your efforts will be!

  The good news is that regulating the ANS is cumulative.

  Testing the autonol nervous system
  
  There are several ways to determine the state of the ANS with your patients including:

  • BICOM® testing

  • Observation of facial expression

  • Observation of shape of head (flat back of head or forward head posture etc)

  • Assessment of ventral vagal tone via the Uvula test

  • Observation if one trapezius muscle is tighter than the other

  • Even your patient’s handshake can determine the state of the ANS!

  BICOM® testing

  • Test C1/C2 for blockages (muscle test/tensor test using cable connected to the knob applicator). Weak muscle test/vertical swing = blockage

  • Test spinal, TMJ and scar programmes (which can contribute to a forward head posture, also to release trauma held in the scar tissue locally)

  • Test meridians and chakras (and corresponding emotions) — via muscle testing, tensor testing, CTT/STT testing, programs

  Observing facial expressions

  According to the polyvagal theory, assessing healthy social behaviour involves observing visual and auditory cues in conversation. Eye contact, attentiveness, and comprehension, reflected in facial muscle activity, provide insights into vagal tone state. Interestingly, open eyes are linked to improved hearing, indicating a neurological connection. Focus on the middle third of the face during eye contact to gauge spontaneous facial expressions, which reflects healthy social behaviour and emotional responsiveness. Monitoring facial expressions, especially from the corners of the eyes to the corners of the lips, can signal the level of connection. A ‘deadpan’ face may indicate dysregulated facial cranial nerves (V & VII), affecting understanding and participation in conversations. Dysfunction in these nerves can hinder social connection.

  Observation of shape of head

  The spinal accessory nerve (CN XI) plays a pivotal role in neck and shoulder muscle function. When it tightens, it can cause pain, stiffness, and various symptoms of either SNS or DVC dysfunction including migraines, forward head posture and breathing difficulties. Also, chronic tension in the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SMJ), controlled by CN XI, can alter the head’s shape (because of the constant pull of the muscles on the temporal bones).
  
  N.B. A flat back of the head is particularly noticeable in children on the autism spectrum.

  Testing ventral vagal function
  
  A simple test that you can conduct in your clinic is the following:

  
  Uvula test

  • Obtain permission to request to look into your patient’s mouth with a torch.

  • Inspect the back of the throat, specifically the uvula at the centre.

  • Ask your patient to produce an “ah, ah, ah” sound. You may need to use a tongue depressor or ask your patient to hold down their tongue so the uvula and soft palate can be more visible.

  • Observe the uvula to see if there is a deviation to one side.

    

    Specifically, you want to check for any asymmetry or imbalance. If the uvula shifts to one side, it suggests dysfunction in the ventral vagal nerve. Symmetrical movement upward indicates a state of healthy social behaviour. For example, if the soft palate rises on the left side but not on the right, it may indicate dysfunction in the pharyngeal branch of the ventral vagal nerve.

    If I have identified ventral vagal dysfunction with a patient, | run BICOM® therapy and teach my patients Dr. Stephen Porges’ ‘Basic Exercise’ before re-testing their vagal tone within the treatment session. Typically, their vagus nerve response realigns.
    Vagus nerve re-set: The basic exercise

    There are many ways to help improve vagal tone including humming, singing, swimming etc. However, an exercise with an almost immediate positive impact is the ‘basic exercise.”

    This exercise aims to enhance healthy social behaviour by repositioning the atlas (C1) and axis (C2), increasing neck and spine mobility. This promotes blood flow to the brain stem, where crucial cranial nerves for healthy social behaviour originate (including V, VII, IX, X and XI). The exercise is easy to learn, taking less than two minutes, and it is recommended that you teach it to your patients during the initial therapy session.

    If your tests indicate that your patient has a ventral vagal nerve dysfunction, demonstrate the following ‘basic exercise’ to help re-set their ventral vagal state.

    • Before and after the exercise, assess head and neck movement. Rotate your head right and left, noting the range, pain, or stiffness.

    • Lie down on your back (always start on your back initially, later adapting to sitting or standing).

    • Interlace your fingers and bring them behind your head- right at the base of the skull – allowing the weight of your head to rest comfortably on your interwoven fingers.

    • Keeping your head face-forward and still, look with your eyes to the right (moving only your eyes as far as comfortable) until you sigh, swallow, or yawn (indicating relaxation in your ANS), and then repeat on the left side (this may take 30-60 seconds per side).

    • You may blink during the exercise.

    • Re-evaluate for improvements in neck mobility and pain reduction, alterations in breathing, or any other observations you may have made during the exercise.

    As nothing in the body lasts forever, the nervous system may slide back from healthy social behaviour into a state of activity of the spinal sympathetic chain or the dorsal vagal circuit. In this case, repeating the exercises should quickly restore ventral vagal function and leave the patient in a healthy social state again. It may be necessary to repeat these exercises as needed.

    The gut-brain connection: How gut health impacts the vagus nerve and the
    autonomic nervous system

    If you have a patient with gut issues who are not improving despite the usual protocols, they may have a dysregulated ANS, which can impact the gut immune system, the microbiome, and how well the patient can tolerate foods/pathogenic bugs/toxins.

    The gut is often referred to as the ‘second brain’ due to its extensive network of neurons and its ability to influence mood and overall wellbeing. This gut-brain axis is a bi-directional communication system that allows the gut to send signals to the brain and vice versa. When the gut is healthy, it positively impacts the vagus nerve’s functioning, leading to improved nervous system regulation.

    The bidirectional pathway means that low vagal tone can impact the gut but also that gut inflammation and/or microbial imbalances can impact ventral vagal tone.

    Stress and cortisol
    
    Stress is a significant factor on the health of the gut and the vagus nerve. When we experience chronic stress, the body produces excess cortisol, a hormone that can wreak havoc on gut health. High cortisol levels can lead to inflammation in the gut, disrupting the gut microbiome balance.

    Diet and gut health
    
    Diet plays a pivotal role in nurturing a healthy gut and, consequently, a well-functioning vagus nerve. A ‘Mediterranean-style’ diet rich in fruit, vegetables, dietary fibres, adequate protein, olive oil and fermented foods provide the necessary nutrients for a diverse gut microbiome — which in turn, encourages the production of short-chain fatty acids, which have been linked to improved vagus nerve function.

    Therefore, | also recommend addressing any gut issues using BICOM® therapy (including nervous system programmes), dietary modifications, and nutrigenomic interventions including NRF2 activators (refer to my 2022 Congress paper ‘gut health and its importance for optimal immunity’).

    BICOM® Bioresonance Therapy
    
    As therapists we have an incredible tool – the BICOM® device to help regulate our patients nervous system.

    BICOM® therapy recommendations

    • Take a thorough case history — (I conduct this whilst a patient is receiving a Basic therapy based on conductance values)

    • |dentify any ANS blockages and vagal tone dysfunction

    • Test using the BBC and CTT/STT test sets

    • Test and treat blocks: including ANS, scars, jaw block, laterality issues, shock, spinal blocks, chakra blocks, meridian blocks, tissue blockages, nutrient points etc

    • Test and process trapped emotions — e.g. Psycho-Energetic-Balance STT, chakra treatment, meridian tapping etc

    • Detox / open elimination organs

    • Clear tested stresses/strains systematically

    • Stabilise as a separate step, or in the second channel

    • Attenuate element if necessary

    • Conduct follow-up therapies.

    Teeth and jaw as ANS therapy blocks

    Issues with CN V and VIl are common in adults, often resulting from tooth extractions or other dental/orthodontic treatments such as braces. Even a minor misalignment of facial bones can exert pressure on these nerves. Therefore, include a dental history as part of your patient intake form, as such procedures may lead to persistent spinal sympathetic stimulation or ongoing dorsal
    vagal states with long-term ANS effects.

    In addition, negative thoughts activate muscles to prevent angry speech, causing tension in the jaw. Frequent use of these muscles for suppression leads to tension buildup.

    Therefore, treating the jaw early in your therapy plan is paramount, as it has significant effects on the entire nervous system and can clear many other blockages.

    Relevant programmes include 530/570/3054/3425/3430/3110/3111.

    CTT test set considerations
    
    Below is a list of recommended CTT/STT test sets to consider:

    • Five Elements

    • Psychosomatics/Neurology

    • Psycho-Energetic-Balance

    • Orthopaedic | and Il

    • Control and Metabolism

    • Hormones, Organs, Neurotransmitters and Inherited Toxins

    • Bach Flowers and Chakras

    • Endocannabinoid

    Second channel

    For these steps, from the basic therapy to the last step; also, for follow up therapies, test and utilise the second channel (2C), for example:

    • Substance complexes:

    • Emotions

    • Psyche

    • Flower essences

    • Homoeopathy

    • Neurology

    • Sports Medicine

    • Endocrine

    • Nutrient deficiencies

    • CTT ampoules from various test sets including Pink ampoules e.g. Stabilise psyche, stabilise CNS, vegetative dysfunction; Orthopaedic CTT ‘stabilise cervical spine’ etc.

    • External/Native substances e.g. other flower essences and homoeopathics

    Follow up therapies
    
    The following therapies are excellent considerations. This is list is by no means exhaustive. Please note, some of these may also be used as ‘therapy’ block programmes.

    • Nerve programmes 911/423/3433/3138/3074/3074/3077/586/940

    • Nerve sequences 10169/10170/10110

    • Autonomic nervous system 960.4

    • Meridian programmes e.g. Brain meridians 3400/3401 (10.2 Hz) & nerve meridian NF 230/231 & LDF 3340/3341

    • Mental blockages 3465/3439/3426/586/587/658/665

    • Emotional blockages 900/607/3017/10027

    • Stress and shock programmes 3137/ 3093/3094/3095/ 432 (10Hz)/10147

    • Psychosomatic disorders 3463/3464 (10Hz)/3465/3466/3467

    • Nape/occipital blockages 534/970 3072/3073 (20.3 Hz)
      331/381/533/538/970/10061/10062

    • Spinal 518/915/3448/3065/10183; Lumbar spine complains 560 (10 Hz)

    • Jaw 530/570/3054/3425/3430/3110/3111

    • Muscle tension 456/460/630/941/3140

    • Geopathic/EMF/Radiation stress 700/701/702

    • Scars 910/900/927/3458/3459/3432

    • Hypothalamus regulation 3422

    • Pituitary gland regulation 916/10072

    • Blockages in tissue 915/951/927/701/610/10026

    • Hormone programmes 3030/3049/3050/10070

    Test for appropriate input applicator and output placement.

    Other BICOM® therapies to consider

    
    The following recommendations can be very effective at helping to process trapped emotions for your patients:

    • Chakra therapy

    • Prana therapy

    • Extraordinary meridians!

    • Case Studies

    • COPD case

    • 51 year-old male patient presented with COPD and associated symptoms.

    • Low mood. 10kg overweight.

    • Hx: prolapsed disc, collapsed lung, nasal polyps, malaria

    • Vaccines: 2 x Pfizer, 1 x Moderna

    • Blockages: DVC dysfunction 960.4, 970.8; scars 910.3; jaw block 530.5 + 570.9; Lung meridian 3210; Shock sequence 10147 (shock therapy)

    • Stressors/Strains: Moderna vaccine, blood parasites, chlamydia, mycoplasma, various moulds, asbestos — treated with sequence 10325 and S.R Intracellular pathogens programmes (with detox programmes & 3136 run prior)

    • Follow up therapies: Improve respiratory volume 3005 (2C Oxygen deficiency), Improve oxygen absorption 802.1 (2C TCM Dyspnoea), Circulation disorders 3455 (2C Pleuritis); Blocked sinuses 3105 (2C Sinus maxillary chronic)

    • Additional therapies: Basic exercise and other breathing exercises, dietary interventions, N-acetyl cysteine, herbal medicine

    • Outcome: breathing is significantly improved, lost 7kg, regained energy and overall vitality.

    Stroke recovery case

    • 64 year-old female presented at my clinic for post stroke recovery support. S&S included: brain fog, headaches with a blocked feeling in her head, fluctuating blood pressure (BP), tinnitus, anxiety and weight gain.

    • Hx: High pressured career, shingles, gallbladder removal, dental implants, heavy social drinker (to mask the social anxiety)

    • No Covid vaccines

    • Blockages: spinal sympathetic vagal state fluctuating with dorsal vagal state – laterality 535.2; scars 900.2; spinal blocks (spinal stenosis in T5-T6 — treated with 610.8 blockage in tissue, 3448 spinal blockage, energetic and heart chakra prog.); nerves 3074, 3075, 10110; Head (Brain meridian 3400, adhesions in head area 3446, cramp-like pain 10087, activate R & L brain 571/572, Crown chakra, jaw 530/570, circulation); tooth block 221.1 (Sissi Karz tooth protocol); EMF 701.5; HCI nutrient point 590.3; her mother! – treated with photo therapy using an individualised Ai programme

    • Stressors/Strains: cow’s milk, candida, streptococci, coxsackie, varicella zoster, toxo- plasma; Heavy metals/toxins: amalgam, mercury, glyphosate (with detox programmes run prior. Treated with 11310, 10325/10326

    • Follow up therapies: Stress reduction 3137, 3084, 10110 (Nervs, to calm down, adults); Thyroid 934.3, 3088; Hormone and metabolism 3106, 3107, 450 (Diabetes mellitus); Solar plexus chakra (pancreas), Prana therapy; Blood pressure 270.2, 960.5, 3019, 3020; neuro- logical 3465, 586, tinnitus 527.2 and more!

    • Additional therapies: Basic exercise and other breathing exercises, dietary interventions, herbal medicine, supplements, ‘Emotional Release Technique’ (ERT).

    • Outcome – she has stopped drinking, lost weight, regulated her blood pressure, the tinnitus and headaches are much improved.

    • She now comes monthly for regular ‘health maintenance.’

    In summary

    I feel this approach to addressing ANS dysfunction and trapped emotions will enhance your patients’ health and wellbeing. The positive effects may last for a surprisingly long time. However, life is challenging, and nothing is permanent. While our goal is to help make the nervous system resilient, remaining in a healthy well-functioning vagal tone state is not a permanent condition as we cannot prevent patients from experiencing adverse or threatening events. This is all the more reason to encourage your patients to schedule regular maintenance therapy sessions. I would like to express immense gratitude to Dr. Steven Porges and Stanley Rosenberg for their remarkable contributions to this field of polyvagal therapy. Be sure to explore Stanley Rosenberg’s book ‘Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve’. Finally, if you would like to explore this topic in more detail and to learn more about how to help your patients process trapped emotions, you are welcome to contact me for one-on-one mentoring. https://jennyblondel.com/mentoring/

    Thank you very much for listening. All the very best on your BICOM® bioresonance journey!