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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
Monday Jul 31, 2023
Monday Jul 31, 2023
After a short summer hiatus from the podcast, we’re back with a new episode. Today, we’re talking about the polyvagal theory, the two branches of the vagus nerve, the hierarchy of the nervous system, and how increased knowledge on these topics improves the quality of care for practice members.
Our nervous system greatly influences the way we interact with the world, especially socially. As a chiropractor, you can use the polyvagal theory to signal cues of safety and enhance the adjustment experience by quickly helping the body become more regulated—and bringing your client out of a tense, chronic, fight-or-flight state.
Key Takeaways:
- An update on what Dr. Don has been up to since the last episode. [0:42]
- How the polyvagal theory relates to chiropractic work. [1:46]
- Why it’s important to understand the two distinct branches of the vagus nerve. [3:10]
- Understanding the hierarchy of the nervous system in social mammals. [4:40]
- What neuroception is and how it works. [7:18]
- Why the state of one’s nervous system isn’t black and white. [9:09]
- What happens to your social engagement system when you are in fight or flight. [10:08]
- How greater knowledge of nervous system function may alter adjustments. [12:31]
- How a regulated nervous state promotes healthy posture. [14:20]
- Why teaching someone a skill you know innately is actually beneficial to you. [15:18]
- Opportunities to learn more about this that are coming up soon. [16:40]
- How better care can help bring practice members out of a protective, tense state. [18:46]
- Why matching communication style to client needs matters. [19:52]
- What to expect in upcoming episodes and who this information is perfect for. [21:47]
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