Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Discover how acupuncture can help you take control of your POTS symptoms. 

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is an inappropriate response of the autonomic nervous system upon standing.

POTS is not a disease in itself, but a collection of symptoms that can include:

POTS is most commonly diagnosed using a Tilt Table Test to asses for fluctuations in HR and BP with postural changes.

The hallmark criteria of POTS diagnosis includes:

  • A 30+ BPM increase in Heart Rate (HR) within 10 minutes of standing

  • A 20/10 mmHG fall in BP with standing relieved by lying down

While fluctuations below this threshold may not gain attention from Western Physicians, they can still be debilitating and should be treated.

POTS can occur on its own without an obvious cause. It is commonly seen alongside chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune disorders, Elhers-Danlos, Lyme disease, and with post viral illnesses like long Covid.

Studies have found two main subtypes of POTS: Neurogenic POTS and Hyperadrenergic POTS

  • Neurogenic POTS is believed to result from dysfunction of the Autonomic nervous System (ANS), which is responsible for the tone of smooth muscle in the body, including our vascular system - upon standing, the ANS fails to constrict the blood vessels in the lower extremities, causing blood pooling in the limbs - the body respond with tachycardia to maintain stable blood pressure

  • Hyperadrenergic POTS is associated with a spike in stress hormones like Norepinephrine - upon standing, stress hormones increase vasoconstriction in the extremities leading to a blood pressure decrease

Treatment of POTS with Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments will vary across individuals presenting with POTS; the best course of treatment will depend on accurate pattern diagnosis, considering the whole person, their manifestation of POTS, and concurrent symptoms.

Acupuncture is a helpful modality in managing and lessening the severity of POTS by regulating the nervous system, managing stress which can contribute to POTS flares, and addressing underlying factors which can contribute to worsening of POTS symptoms.

Victoria Ansell, LAc., delivers effective acupuncture treatments and offers helpful dietary and lifestyle advice to mitigate POTS symptoms and improve overall well being.

For Charleston residents experiencing POTS, treatment options are available. Western medical treatments are mainly centered around symptom management and while pharmaceutical approaches may work for some, many people suffering with POTS require a more comprehensive approach. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine can work concurrently with Western Medical interventions and lifestyle modifications to improve treatment outcomes and help you regain a sense of ease and control in your life.

Schedule your free phone consultation with Victoria Ansell, LAc. to see how acupuncture can help with POTS.

  • mental cloudiness

  • blurred vision

  • shortness of breath

  • rapid heartbeat

  • shakiness

  • chest discomfort

  • headaches

  • lightheadedness

  • nausea

  • palpitations upon standing

Some lifestyle adaptations for POTS

  • Compression socks - help maintain vascular resistance and prevent blood pooling in the legs

  • Adequate fluid intake - including electrolytes to help the body adequately hold onto and use fluid

  • Avoid overheating - this can make blood pooling worse

  • Regular light exercise - this can increase blood vessel tone and increase Heart Rate Variability

  • Remembering to rest - not only is this helpful when overextended, but regular rest helps regulate the nervous system

  • Eating at regular intervals - most TCM patterns that manifest with POTS symptoms result from damage to our digestive system - taking care to eat regularly not only support this from a Chinese Medicine point of view, but also keeps blood sugar stable and can decrease spikes in stress hormones which can worsen POTS