Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is one of the most misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed conditions affecting the autonomic nervous system (ANS). On average, patients wait nearly six years for an accurate diagnosis, according to a National Institute of Health report published in the Journal of Internal Medicine. This same study highlights significant diagnostic delays, often involving inappropriate referrals to mental health and psychiatric clinical care, with 77 percent of people told their symptoms were psychological. Even after a proper diagnosis, 37 percent continued to face psychological misattribution, contributing to delayed and inadequate treatment. 

While professional evaluation is always recommended, many individuals with POTS or suspected POTS can support their nervous system at home using various tools and strategies. Informal, at-home diagnostic tests, such as the Active Stand Test and the NASA Lean Test, can help identify possible POTS. 

POTS involves a communication failure between the brain and autonomic nervous system, causing abnormal cardiovascular responses—especially rapid heart rate upon standing. This neurological disruption often leads to chronic sympathetic overdrive—or a “fight or flight” state—which can lead to fainting, dizziness, exercise intolerance, heart palpitations and other debilitating symptoms. Considering the heart’s disrupted blood pumping and other symptoms resulting from neurological miscommunication, POTS patients are often seen by cardiologists who do not understand that POTS results from a dysfunction of the nervous system, not the heart. 

Restoring balance between the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) systems is crucial. Vagus nerve stimulation is effective at promoting rest-and-digest states. Simple methods include sound-based activities such as singing, humming, or chanting, as well as extended-exhale breathing practices (inhale for four seconds, exhale for six to eight). Wearable non-invasive vagus nerve stimulators like Pulsetto use gentle electric stimulation to calm the nervous system. 

For blood circulation support, external pneumatic compression devices, such as Therabody RecoveryAir, go beyond standard compression socks to reduce blood pooling and improve venous return. 

Additional tools include targeted sensory regulation (blue-light-filtering glasses and noise-reduction headphones), sleep and circadian rhythm support (morning sunlight, consistent sleep-wake schedules), and symptom tracking. Monitoring heart rate, activity tolerance, and brain blood flow—using tools like the Lumia wearable—can provide insight into triggers and patterns. 

With the proper education and tools, meaningful symptom improvement can begin at home. 

Alicia Brown, DC, DACNB, is a board-certified chiropractic neurologist and owner of Better Brain & Body, Human Optimization Center, located at 11230 Carmel Commons Blvd., in Charlotte. The practice also provides advanced diagnostics for POTS and Dysautonomia using VitalScan technology. To schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation, make an appointment or for more information, call 704-752-8100 or visit BetterBrainAndBody.com.

Better Brain & Body, Human Optimization Center - 11230 Carmel Commons Blvd, Charlotte, NC

Better Brain & Body is a Human Optimization Center specializing in Functional Neurology based treatments and rehabilitation therapies. Utilizing a Brain-to-Body approach, our clinic a... Read More »