Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and related forms of dysautonomia reflect dysfunction in the body’s autonomic nervous system—the system that regulates heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, temperature, and energy balance.
This guide explores POTS and dysautonomia through the lens of Homeostatic Capacity, CDR (Cell Danger Response), and the ALPIMS model, so you can understand your symptoms and support recovery without overwhelm.
🧭 You’re not broken. Your nervous system is trying to keep you safe—and it needs calm, structure, and support.
🧠 What Happens in POTS/Dysautonomia?
- Your autonomic system struggles to maintain homeostasis (blood pressure, temperature, heart rate)
- Small challenges (like standing, digestion, heat) trigger massive physiological responses
- These symptoms can mimic panic, fatigue, or allergic reactions
🔬 CDR in POTS
The Cell Danger Response keeps your system in high-alert:
- Threat signals affect vagus nerve, heart rhythm, and digestive function
- Blood vessels can’t regulate pressure efficiently → dizziness, fatigue
- Body struggles to switch from alert → calm → repair modes
🔁 Your body is in survival mode. Recovery comes from safety, not stimulation.
🧩 POTS & ALPIMS Domains
| Domain | How It Shows Up in POTS/Dysautonomia | Suggested Supports |
|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | Racing heart, adrenaline surges, breath issues | Vagal breathing, grounding, reassurance scripts |
| Laxity | Blood pooling, poor vessel tone, hypermobility | Compression gear, salt/fluid intake, reclined rest |
| Pain | Headaches, muscle fatigue, GI cramps | Electrolytes, pacing, positional adjustments |
| Immune | MCAS, histamine flares, viral triggers | Low-histamine diet, DAO support, antihistamines |
| Mood | Crash depression, sensory shutdowns, fear of fainting | Low-effort comfort, mood logging, body safety cues |
| Sensory | Intolerance to heat, light, sound, exertion | Flare kits, temperature control, shade + silence |
🧰 POTS & Dysautonomia Recovery Essentials
- Reclined pacing (horizontal recovery built into each day)
- Hydration strategy (salt, electrolytes, frequent sips)
- Compression garments for legs or abdomen
- Meal timing (avoid standing or exertion after eating)
- Nervous system resets (daily breathwork, vagal tone support)
🔗 [Explore: Laxity + Anxiety Recovery Tools]
🔗 [Download: POTS Symptom Support Plan]
💬 Reminder
🌿 POTS is real. You are not just anxious, and you are not alone.
This is a communication disorder in the body’s control center—not a failure of willpower. You deserve tools, time, and support.