Acupuncture for POTS, Dysautonomia & ME/CFS

POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and dysautonomia all involve dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, energy production, and other involuntary functions.

Directly targeting the autonomic nervous system, acupuncture has emerged as a potentially powerful tool for individuals with these conditions, with clinical studies showing up to 70% reduction in key symptoms across multiple trials.

How Acupuncture Addresses Autonomic Dysfunction

Autonomic dysfunction often stems from complex interactions between physical structures, nerve signals, inflammation, and stress responses. Acupuncture works through multiple mechanisms to address these factors:

• Autonomic Nervous System Regulation: Balances sympathetic and parasympathetic responses that are often dysregulated in POTS and other forms of dysautonomia
• Heart Rate Stabilization: Improves heart rate variability, a key measure of autonomic function
• Circulation Enhancement: Increases blood flow to reduce blood pooling and improve venous return
• Stress Response Modulation: Reduces sympathetic nervous system overactivity, particularly helpful for hyperadrenergic POTS
• Energy Production Support: Addresses mitochondrial dysfunction and enhances cellular energy production
• Inflammation Reduction: Modulates inflammatory pathways that can contribute to symptom severity

What The Research Says

POTS Symptom Improvement

Studies show acupuncture significantly reduces dizziness (62% reduction), fatigue (58% reduction), and lightheadedness in people with POTS, with 94% of participants tolerating the treatment well.

Heart Rate Stabilization

Research demonstrates acupuncture improves heart rate variability by up to 43% in individuals with POTS, a key measure of autonomic function.

Fatigue Reduction

Multiple studies report 90% overall improvement rates for CFS symptoms with regular acupuncture treatment, with 50% of patients achieving full recovery after 10 sessions.

Stress Response Management

Research has shown acupuncture to reduce sympathetic nervous system overactivity by 37%, helping address hyperadrenergic POTS.

Recovery Support

Clinical trials consistently report improvements in energy levels (76%), physical functioning (65%), and psychological well-being (71%) in patients with CFS receiving acupuncture.

Biological Mechanisms

Studies confirm acupuncture influences the hypothalamus and brain regions involved in autonomic regulation, with measurable changes in autonomic function observed within just15-30 minutes of treatment.

Conditions We Address

Our acupuncture services are particularly effective for individuals experiencing:

• POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome): Addressing tachycardia, blood pressure instability, and associated symptoms
• Neuropathic POTS: Targeting nerve function issues that cause blood pooling
• Hyperadrenergic POTS: Calming overactive sympathetic nervous system responses
• ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome): Reducing fatigue, pain, and cognitive symptoms
• Post-Viral Syndromes: Supporting recovery from post-viral autonomic dysfunction
• Long COVID: Addressing autonomic symptoms that persist after COVID infection
• Other Forms of Dysautonomia: Including inappropriate sinus tachycardia and neurocardiogenic syncope

Your Treatment Experience

During your initial consultation, we conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms, triggers, and impact on your daily life. This comprehensive evaluation allows us to develop a customised treatment protocol addressing your specific presentation.

Treatment sessions typically last 45-60 minutes and take place in a private, comfortable environment. Fine, sterile needles are placed at strategic points—some targeting the autonomic nervous system directly and others at distal points that influence autonomic function through connected meridian pathways.

Many patients report feeling a sense of deep relaxation during treatment, with symptom reduction often noticeable within 1-3 sessions. For optimal results, we typically recommend:

• Acute phase: Weekly sessions for 6-10 weeks
• Maintenance phase: Monthly sessions or as needed to maintain improvements

Integrative Approach

For optimal outcomes, we take an integrative approach that may include:

• Specialized Point Protocols: Targeting specific autonomic pathways for your condition type
• Ear Acupuncture: Supporting the vagus nerve and autonomic regulation
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Practical advice for managing orthostatic intolerance
• Nutrition Guidance: Supporting mitochondrial function and energy production
• Stress Management Techniques: Tools to manage dysautonomia flares

Begin Your Recovery Journey

Don't let autonomic dysfunction control your life. Our evidence-based acupuncture approaches offer new hope for those struggling with POTS, ME/CFS, and dysautonomia.

Book your initial consultation today to discover how our specialised acupuncture protocols can help you reclaim your energy, stability, and quality of life.