HEART RATE VARIABILITY & STRESS ADAPTABILITY

HEART RATE VARIABILITY is a test that measures the ADAPTABILITY of the NERVOUS SYSTEM. By using non-invasive technology, we are able to test the condition and monitor the progression of our patients’ nervous system health.

Healthy people, with a FULLY CHARGED and WELL-BALANCED NERVOUS SYSTEM easily adapt to stressors and will score with a HIGH HRV. Due to a variety of different PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, and EMOTIONAL stressors (trauma, toxins, and thoughts) the body brain will become less stress resilient, less able to adapt accurately and efficiently in their internal and external environments, and will score with a LOW HRV.

 

Chiropractic care has been linked to improvements in heart rate variability (HRV) and the enhancement of parasympathetic nervous system tone. The Vagus Nerve, which influences essential parasympathetic functions, is a crucial player in regulating bodily processes, such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, immune response, and more. The impact of chiropractic care on HRV and parasympathetic response has been demonstrated through various studies and cases:

  1. A study showed that changes in autonomic nervous system function, associated with vertebral subluxation, can be objectively assessed using HRV. Link to Article

  2. A case series published in the Chiropractic Journal of Australia revealed sustained improvement in HRV in six individuals. The study used the Australian Spinal Research Foundation's concept of the Vertebral Subluxation. Link to Article

  3. A systematic review found that stimulation in the cervical and lumbar regions led to a greater parasympathetic response, while stimulation in the thoracic region induced a greater sympathetic response. Link to Article

  4. Chiropractic adjustments performed on the upper cervical spine were shown to enhance parasympathetic nervous system tone. Link to Article

  5. A study indicated that a single pre-exercise spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) session induced an acute shift toward parasympathetic dominance, slightly impairing performance in healthy athletes. Link to Article

  6. Data supported the hypothesis that upper cervical spine manipulation acutely affected HRV measures in healthy individuals. Link to Article

  7. Results showed that chiropractic adjustments shifted the sympathovagal balance toward increased parasympathetic cardiovascular autonomic control in patients with acute back pain, which is known to be beneficial to health. Link to Article

These findings underscore the potential benefits of chiropractic care in enhancing heart rate variability and improving autonomic nervous system function, which can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.

Research on the Vagus Nerve has uncovered its pivotal role in various aspects of human health and well-being. Here's a synopsis of the findings from the referenced articles:

  1. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in bridging immunity and metabolism, forming the basis of the inflammatory reflex. It influences the body's response to inflammation and immune function, shedding light on potential therapeutic avenues. Link to Article

  2. Beyond its immune functions, the Vagus Nerve influences appetite regulation, mood, and intestinal inflammation. Understanding its role in these areas may have implications for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and mental health. Link to Article

  3. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which reflects vagal nerve activity, can predict and potentially modulate non-communicable chronic diseases. The Vagus Nerve's neuro-immunological influence on health is a subject of ongoing research. Link to Article

  4. Studies suggest that vagal nerve protection may play a role in limiting cancer's aggressiveness, particularly in the metastatic stage. Future investigations aim to explore the potential of vagal nerve activation in advanced cancer patients. Link to Article

  5. A systematic review supports the idea that the vagus nerve has a protective role in cancer prognosis, particularly in the context of metastatic disease. This review consolidates existing evidence on the subject. Link to Article

  6. The parasympathetic functions of the Vagus Nerve are studied in children with Sensory Processing Disorder, highlighting its potential relevance to various pediatric conditions. Link to Article

  7. Research delves into the role of Vagus Nerve Stimulation through gut bacteria, meditation, and yoga in major psychiatric conditions like mood and anxiety disorders, offering potential non-invasive therapeutic strategies. Link to Article

  8. The Vagus Nerve's influence on the autonomic nervous system impacts blood pressure regulation. Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system leads to vasodilation, while sympathetic activation causes vasoconstriction, contributing to high blood pressure concerns. Link to Article

These articles collectively highlight the vast influence of the Vagus Nerve on various aspects of health, from immunity and inflammation to mental well-being, and its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions in the future.