Practices like breathwork, vagal tone stimulation, and trauma-informed care are increasingly discussed in preventive health.
While often labeled as “functional medicine,” there is neurobiological evidence behind stress regulation. Chronic stress activates the HPA axis, increases cortisol, and contributes to insulin resistance, PCOS, cardiovascular disease, and mood disorders.
Interventions aimed at regulating the autonomic nervous system including slow breathing, vagal stimulation, and stress reduction techniques have demonstrated measurable physiological effects. These include improved heart rate variability, reduced sympathetic tone, and better metabolic regulation.
However, these approaches should complement not replace evidence-based medical care.
For healthcare professionals, the key is integration: understanding the neurobiology of stress provides deeper insight into disease progression and therapeutic outcomes. These interventions should complement evidence-based pharmacotherapy, not replace it.
MBH/AB