Brain Rejuvenation Clinic of Naples
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls involuntary body functions like heart rate, digestion, blood pressure, and breathing. It is made up of the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) branches. The vagus nerve, a key part of the parasympathetic system, helps regulate inflammation, cardiovascular function, digestion, and mood.
In conditions such as Long COVID and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), the vagus nerve may become damaged or dysregulated. This dysfunction, known as dysautonomia, can result from:
• Viral or immune injury to vagus nerve tissue
• Chronic neuroinflammation or cytokine overactivation
• Disrupted vagal signaling to the brainstem
• Impaired nerve blood flow (e.g., due to microclots)
• Reduced vagal tone triggering sympathetic overdrive
Common symptoms include rapid heart rate when standing (orthostatic intolerance), brain fog, fatigue, GI issues, and breathlessness.
Testing the ANS
Accurate diagnosis is essential for treatment. Key ANS tests include:
• Tilt table test – identifies POTS by assessing heart rate and blood pressure responses
• Heart rate variability (HRV) – measures vagal tone and autonomic balance
• Valsalva maneuver – tests baroreflex sensitivity
• QSART and sweat tests – assess small nerve fiber function
These tests help track vagus nerve function and autonomic balance over time.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) & Acupuncture
Non-invasive VNS is an emerging therapy using gentle electrical or mechanical stimulation to activate the vagus nerve. Transcutaneous VNS (tVNS), especially via ear-based (auricular) points, has shown promise in improving fatigue, cognitive issues, and mood in Long COVID.
Electrical acupuncture pens can be used on vagus-innervated points (e.g., ear or neck) to mimic tVNS effects. These tools, along with traditional auricular acupuncture, have been shown to improve HRV and support nervous system balance—
aligning with naturopathic principles of restoring whole-body regulation.
PEMF & BAHI Therapy: Natural Support for Vagal Tone
Natural energy-based modalities like PEMF and BAHI therapy are gaining traction for autonomic recovery:
1. PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy)
PEMF uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to boost microcirculation, reduce inflammation, and enhance mitochondrial function. It has been shown to improve HRV and support parasympathetic activity—
key for healing the ANS.
2. BAHI Therapy
BAHI combines several supportive modalities:
• Sonic Vibration Therapy – stimulates circulation and nerve pathways, potentially enhancing vagal reflexes
• Photobiomodulation (PBM) – red/infrared light boosts mitochondrial energy and reduces oxidative stress; when applied near vagal regions, it may directly stimulate vagus function
• Molecular Hydrogen Inhalation – provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, potentially protecting and healing nerve tissue
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) – increases oxygen delivery to tissues, reduces inflammation, and supports neural repair. HBOT has shown benefits
in improving HRV and vagal tone in autonomic dysfunction
Synergistic Healing
Together, these therapies may:
• Improve blood flow and oxygenation to nerves
• Reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation
• Boost mitochondrial and neural function
• Enhance parasympathetic tone and vagus nerve activity
For individuals with Long COVID, POTS, or other forms of dysautonomia, these therapies may offer integrative, non-invasive support for restoring balance and improving resilience.
Call us at (239) 877-2900 to schedule a consultation or a treatment.
Brain Rejuvenation Clinic of Naples
239-877-2900
BrainRejuvenationClinic.com
1729 Heritage Trail, # 901 Naples, FL 34112