This document discusses the vagus nerve and endobiogeny, a theory that views the body's terrain as a dynamic equilibrium between its structure and function. It describes how the vagus nerve impacts many physiological processes through its role in the parasympathetic nervous system. Vagal excess can lead to disorders of the skin, lungs, brain, and gastrointestinal system. Evaluating a patient from an endobiogenic perspective involves assessing their history, physical exam signs, and biomarkers to understand autonomic nervous system function and adaptive states. Fellowship opportunities are available to learn these evaluation skills as well as therapeutic approaches.

1. ASEMIP
Functional considerations
of the Vagus nerve:
An Endobiogenic perspective
Kamyar M. Hedayat, MD
President, American Society of Endobiogenic
Medicine and Integrative Physiology

2. ASEMIP
Overview
• Endobiogeny: A theory of terrain
• Types of Adaptation
• Function of the Vagus nerve
• Vagotonia and foundation of disease
• ANS and Adaptation
• Assessment of vagal excess
• Conclusions

3. ASEMIP
Endobiogeny: A theory of terrain
• Presented by French physician Christian
Duraffourd, MD in the early 1980’s
• Terrain: functional expression of structural
constitution in its internal equilibrium
– Dynamic and Ceaseless
– Consists of Inductive and Reactive elements

4. ASEMIP
Endobiogeny: A theory of terrain
• Terrain
– Constitution: Genetic heritage, potential capacity
of the structure
– Structure: materialized constitutive elements that
assure life. The achievement of constitution
– Function: all the biologic and metabolic
mechanics that assure functioning of structure
and dynamics of the organism

5. ASEMIP
Endobiogeny: A theory of terrain
• Morphology: Exterior configuration of structure in its function
Vagotonic 18 yo female with
Migrainesseizuresceliac
Vagotonic 6 yo male with
moderately severe asthma, eczema

6. ASEMIP
States of adaptation
• Adaptation: Momentary adjustment of
equilibrium
• General adaptation syndrome (GAS): response
to a non-recognized attack;
progressive, ordered, and chronologic
• Adaptability: Adaptation to a new level of
functioning without invoking GAS
• Adaptative states: Adaptation that does not
return to the prior state of equilibrium

7. ASEMIP
ANS and Adaptation
• Parasympathetic
– Origin: Cranial nerve: Pons
– Nerve: Vagus nerve
– Neurotransmitter: Acetyl Choline
– Functions: Rest and digest:
• Basal physiologic state
• Increases the rate of production and volume of all
secretions, facilitates sleep and stillness
• Solicits alpha-sympathetic activity

8. ASEMIP
Vagotonia and disease
• Vagotonic individuals susceptible to disorders
due to parasympathetic hyper-functioning
– DERM: Eczema, Psoriasis
– PULM: Asthma, Bronchitis
– CNS: Migraines
– GI: Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, Gastritis

9. ASEMIP
ANS and Adaptation
• Alpha-sympathetic
– Origin: Locus ceruleus, Pons
– Nerve: Sympathetic Ganglion
– Functions: Initiates, calibrates and/or maintains each
type of adaptation state, installs tension
• Beta-sympathetic
– Origin: Adrenal medula, Adrenal gland
– Nerve: N/A, neurohoromone
– Functions: facilitates movement, relieves tension
through the excretion of secretions, regulates serum
glucose levels

10. ASEMIP
Global ANS Function

11. ASEMIP
ANS Dynamism and Entrainment
Alpha
Sympathetic
Beta
Sympathetic
Para
Sympathetic
SEROTONIN CORTISOL
HISTAMINE
AUTONOMIC
NERVOUS
SYSTEM

12. ASEMIP
Altered ANS equilibrium: POTS
Alpha Sympathetic
Para
Sympathetic
SEROTONIN
HISTAMINE
ANXIETY
Beta
Sympathetic
CORTISOL
TACHYCARDIA
VOMITING
Venodilation

13. ASEMIP
Assessment of Para: History
• Infancy: Quiet, easy baby, good eater
• Toddler: Shy, timid; ENT
pathologies, Pulmonary pathologies
• Adolescence: Sweats easily and throughout
body, falls asleep easily
• General: Hungry first thing in
morning, abundant saliva

14. ASEMIP
Assessment of Para: Exam
• General: Round face
• General signs of
digestive insufficiency
– Enlarged
parotids, dilated canal of
Stenon, tenderness of
pancreas
• Signs of post-pubertal
growth hormone
related to the above
– Bulbous nose, fleshy ear
lobes, large chin

15. ASEMIP
Conclusions
• 10thcranial nerve has an impact on nearly
every aspect of basal and adaptive physiologic
activity
• Contextualize Vagus nerve activity within the
scheme of global functioning of the patient
• Endobiogeny offers a sophisticated method of
evaluating functional implications of vagus
dysfunction in psychological, mental and
physical spheres

16. ASEMIP
Opportunities for learning
• ASEMIP offers fellowship in Endobiogeny:
– History taking and physical exam skills
– Systems-based evaluation of biomarkers
– Phytotherapy, Aromatherapy, Diet, lifestyle guidance
• Applications being considered for 2014-2016
teaching cycle: www.endobiogeny.com
• To learn more and receive a free copy of this
lecture:
– Text: “Endo” to 619-456-0155
– Email: president@endobiogeny.com
– Call: 858-455-9726

17. ASEMIP
Questions and Answers