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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.
Episodes
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
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
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