From Inflammation to Regulation: How Chiropractic Engages the Vagus Nerve
Today, I’m taking a closer look at the importance of understanding inflammation in modern chiropractic care. Join me as I explore how inflammation affects cognitive health, drawing on insights I’ve gained from experts like Dan Murphy and JP Errico. I’ll unravel the complex interplay between the vagus nerve and the body's inflammatory response, emphasizing the significance of vagal tone in achieving physiological balance.
In this episode:
Understanding the role of the vagus nerve is crucial in addressing inflammation and providing effective patient care.
How electrical stimulation techniques are being explored for activating the vagus nerve.
How the polyvagal theory and societal dopamine addiction impact the effectiveness of healing practices.
How inflammation and vagal tone influence the body's stress response and overall health.
What the inflammatory cascade bell curve is and why it’s so important.
Why macrophages and microglia are vital in brain development and maintaining cognitive health.
How autophagy and fasting contribute to reducing inflammation and supporting brain function.
The four main jobs of the microglia cells when the body is in a non-inflamed state
Maintaining low inflammation for the child's brain development and preventing cognitive decline.
How gene-editing research in China revealed links between reduced inflammation and accelerated brain development.
Why social connections and mental activity are essential in preventing dementia and maintaining cognitive health.
The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference — Toronto, Dec 6: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto
Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor
Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
To book an appointment with Dr. Don MacDonald in Edmonton, Alberta, visit
https://www.edmontonchirosouthside.com/
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24:36
Chiropractic Communication & Adaptability with Dr. Peter Amlinger | From Pain Relief to Human Potential
Dr. Peter Amlinger, a seasoned chiropractor with 40 years of experience, is alongside Dr. Don in this episode. We examine the evolution of chiropractic practice, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and adaptability in communication with patients. Dr. Amlinger shares his journey from reductionistic to creationistic care, and highlights the significance of being genuine. We explore the role of resilience and community in personal and professional growth, and Dr. Amlinger gives us the details about his upcoming appearance at the Pure and Powerful chiropractic conference.
In this episode:
Why understanding diverse perspectives in chiropractic care is crucial for effective patient communication.
The six levels of practice that Dr. Amlinger has identified, and how this knowledge enhances patient outcomes and adaptability.
An analogy of how personal growth parallels in music relate to authentic chiropractic practice.
How genuine communication bridges gaps and fosters alignment within chiropractic teams.
Why sharing stories of resilience is important in navigating life's challenges.
Why Dr. Amlinger's spontaneous speaking style adds a personal touch to his presentations.
How different lenses impact chiropractors' and patients' views on chiropractic care.
Why linking chiropractic principles to patient experiences is essential for holistic care.
Why consistent mission alignment is necessary for authentic chiropractic practice environments.
How openness about personal challenges can strengthen connections with patients and colleagues.
Why ongoing personal and professional development is vital for long-term inspiration in chiropractic.
How the Pure and Powerful conference aims to inspire passion and community in chiropractic.
Pure and Powerful — Mississauga, Nov 1: https://pureandpowerful.com
The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference — Toronto, Dec 6: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto
Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor
Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
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35:25
The Next Wave of Chiropractic Evidence: Dr. Kelly Holt on AI-Driven Insights
Dr. Don sits down with Dr. Kelly Holt, the president of the New Zealand College of Chiropractic, to explore his transformative journey in chiropractic education during the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk about into the innovative integration of wearables and data-driven approaches in chiropractic care, enhancing patient outcomes and community impact. Additionally, we highlight the inspiring story of a chiropractic outreach program in Rarotonga and discuss the upcoming lyceum event in Calgary, focusing on research and innovation in the field.
In this episode:
Why strategic pivots were necessary to maintain educational standards amid pandemic lockdowns.
How the college prepares students for effective communication in a post-pandemic world.
Why integrating wearables and practice-based data is transforming chiropractic care.
How tracking health markers like heart rate variability enhances patient outcomes.
Why data-driven approaches boost credibility and confidence in new chiropractors.
How the chiropractic outreach program in Rarotonga transformed over 2,500 locals' lives.
Why community outreach initiatives benefit both students and local communities.
Why supporting the New Zealand College of Chiropractic's Research Foundation is crucial to Dr. Holt.
How modern chiropractic practices incorporate polyvagal theory for improved nervous system regulation.
How strategic planning during COVID-19 positioned the college for post-pandemic growth.
Why increasing chiropractic care utilization in New Zealand is a focus for the college.
How research advancements at the college are poised to change the chiropractic narrative.
The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference — Toronto, Dec 6: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto
Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist: https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor
Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
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26:29
Prune. Focus. Regulate: A Polyvagal Fall Reset for Your Chiropractic Practice
After a short summer hiatus, Dr. Don MacDonald returns with a nervous-system-forward reset for the season. We unpack how to balance predictability without stagnation, why co-regulation is your real growth engine, and how to prune distractions so your adjusting gets more focused, consistent, and effective.
What you’ll learn
Why “boring consistency” (predictable, regulated presence) builds trust and retention
How polyvagal theory explains connection vs. “going through the motions”
A fall reset playbook: from unstructured summer to clear routines
Pruning non-essentials to free up focus and volume
Training a new grad/locum while preserving flow, priorities, and connection
Practical co-regulation cues you can use table-side—no scripts
Chapters
0:00 -1:00 Welcome back & why we pause in summer
1:11 -1:20 Predictability vs. stagnation (polyvagal lens)
2:30 -3:50 Seasonal reset: routines, families, and stressors
7:49 - 8:00 Pruning distractions to sharpen adjusting
8:40 - 9:10 Training the new chiropractor & maintaining connection
10:54 - 11:50 September game plan + what’s coming next including "Healing the Chiropractor"
Upcoming on the podcast
Dr. Kelly Holt (New Zealand College of Chiropractic): research & AI in chiropractic
Dr. Peter Amlinger: philosophy + nervous-system-forward practice (Toronto Super Conference)
Links & resources
The Informed Chiropractor Super Conference — Toronto, Dec 6:
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/toronto
Join The Informed Chiropractor mentorship waitlist:
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/the-informed-chiropractor
Free “Intro to the Polyvagal Lens” (for Chiropractors):
https://www.theinformedchiropractor.com/introduction-to-chiropractic-through-a-polyvagal-lens
If this helped, share it with one chiropractor and follow/subscribe for weekly nervous-system-forward insights.
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11:57
The Safety Sandwich: A Polyvagal Approach to Chiropractic Adjusting
In this solo episode, Dr. Don MacDonald talks about the powerful connections between chiropractic care, the nervous system, and the polyvagal theory. He shares insights from his recent events, including Level Two of the MacDonald Safety Corridor protocol. He explains how his approach continues to evolve through feedback from chiropractors in both North America and Australia.
Dr. Don explains that when babies are born, they cannot self-regulate. They rely on safe, consistent co-regulators, typically a parent, to help develop the part of the nervous system responsible for calmness, connection, and resilience. If someone never had this kind of safety growing up, they may struggle to regulate their nervous system as adults. Interesting right? Chiropractors can unknowingly become the first "safe human" a person encounters, and that has huge implications.
From this lens, he introduces the “Safety Sandwich,” a practical application of polyvagal theory in chiropractic. It’s not a technique on its own, but a way to enhance any technique by placing it inside a regulated, neurologically safe experience. The sandwich begins before the adjustment with tone, environment, posture, and presence, and ends after the thrust, with a calming decompression or breath-based close.
He talked about:
Your nervous system state changes patient outcomes. Stressed? Your "threat vibes" dilute adjustments.
Safety vs comfort zones. Push 5% beyond your comfort zone to grow, but stay regulated (like an athlete in "the zone").
He reminds listeners that the Macdonald Safety Corridor is continuously evolving based on practice experience and feedback from real chiropractors. There are more seminars ahead, including one in Amsterdam on September 6th and the Informed Chiropractor Super Conference in Toronto this December.
If you are curious about how the polyvagal theory directly supports and elevates chiropractic work, you can now access a free one-hour intro course on the homepage at theinformedchiropractor.com.
This episode is a powerful reminder that the body doesn’t just respond to what you do, it responds to how you do it. Go watch the video yourself. You will never look at adjusting the same way again.
Audio Timestamp
0:00 -1:12: Development of Co-Regulation and Ventral Vagal System
1:12 - 2:59: Introduction to the Podcast Episode
2:59 - 8:18: The Safety Sandwich and Polyvagal Theory
8:18 - 12:54: Advanced Techniques and Feedback from Chiropractors
12:54 - 14:36: Upcoming Events and Resources
14:36 - 19:10: Co-Regulation and Self-Regulation in Chiropractic Care
19:10 - 21:35: Safety vs. Comfort Zone
21:35 - 23:49: Final Thoughts and Encouragement
You can connect with us on other platforms:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinformedchiropractor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/informed_chiropractor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/theInformedChiropractor
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Welcome to The Informed Chiropractor, the go-to podcast for neurologically based chiropractors who are ready to make chiropractic relevant again. Hosted by Dr. Don MacDonald, a 26+ year chiropractor, speaker, and creator of the MacDonald Safety Corridor Protocol, this show blends vitalistic chiropractic principles with modern neuroscience through the lens of the Polyvagal Theory.
Every week, we explore how to shift from a mechanistic model to a salutogenic, nervous system-forward approach that fosters true regulation, coregulation, and healing. Whether you’re navigating burnout, refining your adjusting, or searching for a clearer way to communicate the value of chiropractic, this podcast is your home.
You’ll hear interviews with global experts, real talk from Dr. Don and Brandi MacDonald, and actionable tools to build a practice rooted in safety, interoception, and chiropractic certainty.
👉 If you’re a purpose-driven chiropractor who wants to lead with connection, adjust with clarity, and reclaim the art of healing, you’re in the right place.
Key themes covered:
Neurologically based chiropractic care
Chiropractic and the Polyvagal Theory
Creating safety and co-regulation in practice
Coregulation and the social engagement system
The salutogenic model of health
Interoception and the nervous system
Practice growth without burnout
Subscribe now and join thousands of chiropractors worldwide reimagining what’s possible through a nervous system forward practice.
Ireland