Vagotonia

Named for the vagus nerve (the primary carrier of parasympathetic signals) vagotonia describes the state in which the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is dominant. It is the counterpart to sympathecotonia, and the two alternate in the normal biological rhythm of day and night.

In normotonia (the normal day-night rhythm without active special biological programs), vagotonia begins at approximately 4pm and characterizes biological "night:" this is the time when diurnal organisms relax, digest, sleep, and repair.

(Nocturnal organisms go into vagotonia at the biological "day:" approximately 4am)

During vagotonia, peripheral blood vessels dilate (warm hands and feet), heart rate slows, digestion is active, tissue repair accelerates, and the mind quiets. Deep, restorative sleep occurs in the deepest vagotonic state, between midnight and 4am (for diurnal organisms).

In the healing phase, vagotonia is exaggerated into "lasting night." With conflictolysis, the organism releases its conflict-active tension and falls into deeper-than-normal parasympathetic dominance: the biological state that allows for maximum tissue repair. Tumours break down, necrotic tissue rebuilds, and functional losses reverse.

The fever, inflammation, and swelling of the healing phase are all products of deep vagotonia.

Common features of healing-phase vagotonia include: warmth, fatigue, swelling, increased appetite, decreased thirst, and a general sense of mental and emotional wellbeing, unless the healing phase is complicated by a different special biological program still in the conflict-active phase, especially an existence conflict, which can significantly intensify symptoms.

Understanding vagotonia is important because many of the symptoms that appear most alarming – pain, fever, inflammation, profound fatigue, night sweats – are in fact markers of deep vagotonia and vigorous healing activity. They indicate that the organism has resolved a conflict and is engaged in restoration. The appropriate response is to support this process rather than suppress it.

Supporting vagotonia: ensure plenty of rest and excellent nutrition, especially protein.

When to be cautious: vagotonia warrants intervention if it becomes dangerous; for example, extreme fever, pain severe enough to prevent rest, or "vicious circles" in which healing-phase symptoms trigger new DHSs and new special biological programs.