Sympathicotherapy

Presentation

Sympathicotherapy is a reflex therapeutic method that specifically acts on the sympathetic nervous system, one of the two branches of the autonomic nervous system. It was developed in the 1920s–1930s by several French physicians, notably Dr Pierre Bonnier who laid the foundations of centroidotherapy (stimulation of brainstem nerve centers via nasal mucosa), and Dr Paul Music who systematized endonasal sympathicotherapy.

The fundamental principle is that the sympathetic nervous system can be regulated by stimulating reflex zones with a direct connection to sympathetic chain ganglia. These zones are mainly located in the nasal mucosa, the ear, certain skin zones and along the spine.

Autonomic nervous system imbalance (dysautonomia) is involved in many functional disorders: heart rhythm, blood pressure, digestion, sleep, thermoregulation. Sympathicotherapy aims to restore balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Mechanisms of Action

• Trigeminal pathway: The trigeminal nerve (V) has direct connections with the solitary tract nucleus and the dorsal vagal nucleus, enabling modulation of higher autonomic nerve centers
• Nasocardiac reflex: Nasal mucosa stimulation triggers a bradycardic reflex via the vagus nerve — the therapeutic 'diving reflex'
• Naso-sympathetic reflex: Specific nasal zone stimulation activates or inhibits sympathetic fibers of the superior cervical ganglion
• Cutaneo-visceral reflex arc: Cutaneous dermatome stimulation can modify corresponding internal organ function

Sympathicotherapy Techniques

• Endonasal: Main technique. Nasal mucosa reflex zone stimulation with balm-coated styluses. 10–15 minute sessions
• Auricular: Stimulation of autonomic-linked auricular points — Sympathetic point, Shen Men, Zero point
• Cutaneous: Head zone stimulation (cutaneous projection zones of internal organs) through friction, vibration or temperature application

Main Indications

• Autonomic dysregulation (sympathetic/parasympathetic imbalance)
• Functional heart rhythm disorders (sinus tachycardia, extrasystoles)
• Orthostatic hypotension and blood pressure regulation disorders
• Functional digestive disorders (gastroparesis, irritable bowel, reflux)
• Migraines and vascular headaches
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Sleep disorders of autonomic origin
• Chronic stress and anxiety (sympathetic hyperactivity)
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Raynaud's syndrome
• Vertigo of autonomic origin

Contraindications

• Organic cardiac rhythm disorders (AV block, severe arrhythmia)
• Carotid sinus syndrome
• Unstabilized epilepsy
• Endonasal contraindications (epistaxis, polyps, recent surgery)
• Pacemaker wearers (for electrical auricular stimulation)
• Pregnancy
• Severe hypotension