Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, better known as POTS, is a form of dysautonomia—a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. For many individuals, especially young women, POTS can feel confusing, exhausting, and deeply disruptive to everyday life.

While conventional medicine can provide diagnosis and symptom management, holistic and naturopathic practitioners in Charleston offer complementary therapies that address the root imbalances, support emotional health, and gently help the body regain its balance.

What Is POTS?

POTS is characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs when standing up from a seated or lying position. This leads to a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Fatigue
  • Heart palpitations
  • Brain fog
  • Nausea
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Anxiety or shakiness

What’s happening? The nervous system struggles to properly regulate blood flow and heart rate, especially during postural changes. Blood may pool in the lower extremities, causing the heart to race to compensate.

The Different Types of POTS

There are several recognized subtypes of POTS, each with different root causes:

  1. Neuropathic POTS: Caused by nerve damage, particularly to the small fiber nerves that regulate blood vessel contraction
  2. Hyperadrenergic POTS: Marked by high levels of norepinephrine (a stress hormone), leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure upon standing
  3. Hypovolemic POTS: Characterized by low blood volume, which further stresses the circulatory system
  4. Secondary POTS: Arising as a result of other conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Lyme disease, or autoimmune disorders

Each type may require a different approach, which is why individualized care is key—something holistic practitioners excel at.

Holistic & Naturopathic Approaches to POTS in Charleston

Charleston’s thriving natural wellness community offers a range of tools to support those with POTS. These approaches don’t replace medical treatment but enhance the body’s natural resilience and help manage symptoms gently and effectively.

  1. Targeted Supplementation

Naturopathic doctors often begin by supporting the cardiac system, nervous system, electrolyte balance, and adrenal health using:

These are chosen based on the individual’s symptoms and subtype, and are often paired with dietary changes like increasing hydration and salt intake.

  1. Bach Flower Remedies for Emotional Balance

Many POTS patients experience emotional stress, anxiety, or fear, especially when symptoms flare unpredictably. Bach Flower Remedies are gentle flower-based infusions that help balance emotional patterns at the energetic level.

Commonly used remedies for POTS might include:

  • Calming Essence: For sudden episodes of panic or overwhelm
  • Elm: For fatigue and feeling overwhelmed by tasks
  • Olive: For deep exhaustion
  • Aspen: For vague, unexplainable fears
  • Mimulus: For known, specific fears (like fear of fainting)

These remedies are subtle yet powerful tools that can be customized for each client.

  1. Reiki Energy Healing

Reiki, a Japanese energy healing technique, helps calm the nervous system, regulate energy flow, and restore a sense of inner peace. For POTS patients—especially those dealing with anxiety, sleep disruption, and sensory overload—reiki sessions can:

  • Lower heart rate
  • Reduce stress hormone levels
  • Improve body awareness
  • Promote deep relaxation

Regular reiki sessions, often offered by holistic nurses or energy workers in Charleston, can complement physical therapies and support the body’s natural healing intelligence.

  1. Reflexology for Nervous System Reset

Reflexology uses gentle pressure on specific areas of the feet (or hands) to stimulate organs and systems in the body. For people with POTS, reflexology may:

  • Promote circulation
  • Improve vagus nerve tone
  • Enhance lymphatic movement
  • Calm the overactive sympathetic nervous system

Practitioners often focus on the adrenal, solar plexus, and cardiovascular reflex points to help restore balance.

A Holistic Perspective

Living with POTS can feel overwhelming, but support is available. Charleston’s holistic health community offers an integrative approach—one that sees the person as a whole, not just the medical diagnosis. Whether you’re exploring natural supplements, Bach flower remedies, energy healing, or reflexology, working with a knowledgeable naturopathic doctor or holistic practitioner can offer real relief and guidance.

Every case of POTS is different. The journey to balance is rarely one-size-fits-all—but with patience, compassion, and the right natural support, wellness is possible. Book an appointment to discuss options and an approach that best supports you.