Cholinergic and Adrenergic States in Chiropractic Practice

By Michael Dorausch, D.C.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) orchestrates the body’s involuntary functions, balancing rest and action through its two primary branches: the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). These systems drive distinct physiological and psychological states (cholinergic – parasympathetic, and adrenergic – sympathetic) that not only regulate physical health but may also underpin subtle, intuitive interactions between individuals. Drawing from principles outlined in Beyond Telepathy by Andrija Puharich, let’s explore how these states influence human connections, illustrated through two scenarios involving chiropractors in contrasting settings.

Cholinergic and Adrenergic States: The Nervous System’s Dual Modes

Cholinergic State: The Parasympathetic “Rest and Digest” Mode

The cholinergic state, governed by the parasympathetic nervous system, promotes relaxation, recovery, and energy conservation. Mediated by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, the PNS slows heart rate, enhances digestion, and fosters a calm, restorative state. This state is often induced by practices like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness, creating a mental environment of clarity and receptivity. In a cholinergic state, individuals are more attuned to subtle cues (environmental or interpersonal) making them ideal receivers of intuitive or non-verbal signals.

In Beyond Telepathy, this state is described as “cholinergia,” where individuals in a light trance (Sid Williams often spoke of entering the trance state), were highly sensitive to telepathic impressions. The relaxed, inwardly focused nature of cholinergia allows the mind to process faint mental signals, potentially from others, without the interference of external distractions.

Adrenergic State: The Sympathetic “Fight or Flight” Mode

The adrenergic state, driven by the sympathetic nervous system, prepares the body for action. Mediated by catecholamines like adrenaline and norepinephrine, the SNS increases heart rate, sharpens focus, and heightens emotional intensity, enabling rapid responses to stress or excitement. This state dominates during high-energy situations, such as competitive events or emotional crises, amplifying mental and emotional projection.

The adrenergic state, termed “adrenergia,” is associated with telepathic senders. Individuals in adrenergia amplify or redirect signals due to their tense, focused state. This intensity makes adrenergia ideal for sending or relaying intuitive messages.

The Telepathic Potential of Nervous System States

Beyond Telepathy posits that telepathic networks rely on the interplay of these states: a sender in adrenergia emits a strong, emotionally charged signal, while a receiver in cholinergia is primed to perceive it. Unconscious relays, often in adrenergia, may act as amplifiers or tuning devices, facilitating the connection. This framework suggests that everyday intuitive interactions (such as a sudden urge to call someone or sensing another’s distress) may stem from similar dynamics, modulated by the PNS and SNS.

The following scenarios illustrate how chiropractic settings (one calm in the office, one energized at a conference) might foster intuitive connections through cholinergic and adrenergic states.

Scenario 1: The Mindful Chiropractor and Her Patient

Dr. Sophia Nguyen, a chiropractor, starts her day with a mindfulness meditation practice, cultivating a cholinergic state through deep breathing, morning affirmations and visualization. Her office, filled with soothing music and gentle lighting, enhances her parasympathetic dominance, making her highly receptive (D.D. Palmers TONE). Her patient Maria, a graphic designer and regular client, visits for a spinal adjustment. Maria has no physical complaints but feels anxiety about a looming project deadline, placing her in a low-level adrenergic state.

As Dr. Nguyen palpates Maria’s spine, her relaxed, cholinergia-like state allows her to notice Marias vibrational tension. Dr. Nguyen senses Maria’s unspoken stress and asks, “what’s going on with work?” Maria shares her concerns about the deadline, feeling understood and relieved.

In this scenario, Dr. Nguyen’s cholinergic state (PNS-driven) enables her to pick up on Maria’s subtle adrenergic signal (SNS-driven anxiety). Maria’s tension acts as a telepathic-like “sender,” while Dr. Nguyen’s receptivity allows her to intuitively address Maria’s needs, fostering a deeper connection. For those that are tuned in, this is a many times a day occurance in chiropractic practice.

Scenario 2: The Seminar Chiropractor and a Community Member

Dr. Liam Carter, a chiropractor, attends a dynamic professional seminar where hundreds of practitioners engage in motivational talks, group affirmations, and enthusiastic celebrating. The high-energy atmosphere, with cheering and shared excitement, places Dr. Carter in a adrenergic state, his SNS activated by adrenaline and heightened focus. Meanwhile, in his hometown, Emma, a community member who often assists in his wellness workshops, is preparing for a charity run she is organizing. Emma is stressed about low registrations, her SNS engaged in an adrenergic state.

During a peak moment at the seminar, as the crowd chants affirmations, Dr. Carter’s adrenergic intensity amplifies his mental focus. He suddenly thinks of Emma and feels a strong urge to support her event. Acting on this impulse, he texts her offering to promote it in his practice, boosting the charity run’s visibility. Emma, in a moment of pause amidst her stress, reads the text and feels a surge of gratitude, her worries acknowledged.

Here, Dr. Carter’s adrenergic state aligns with the sender or relay role, where emotional intensity (adrenergia) projects a signal. Emma’s own adrenergic stress makes her a focal point for Dr. Carter’s thoughts, possibly acting as an unconscious sender. The seminar’s collective energy (the power of group events is often overlooked) may amplify Dr. Carter’s signal, where a third party’s tension facilitates telepathic transmission.

Bridging Physiology and Intuition

These two scenarios demonstrate how cholinergic and adrenergic states, governed by the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, may underpin intuitive human connections. If you’ve been in practice long enough you’ve surely had these experiences many times.

The interplay of these states highlights one more connection between mind and body. A chiropractor in a relaxed, cholinergic state may intuitively sense a patient’s needs, fostering trust and empathy (stay mindful). Conversely, a chiropractor in an energized, adrenergic state may project supportive intentions, influencing others even at a distance. These interactions suggest that physiological states could play a role in subtle, non-verbal exchanges, resembling telepathic phenomena.