From Patient to Practitioner

14 June

A Reflection on the Australian Pots Foundation Converge 2026 Conference

Stepping into the Australian POTS Foundation Converge 2026 conference felt like a significant milestone, both personally and professionally. It was the first time Northground was officially represented, I arrived with a dual identity: a patient living with the daily reality of POTS and dysautonomia, and a practitioner eager to bring the latest evidence-based care back to my community.

I’ll be honest, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.

There was a quiet nervous energy in bringing a niche intervention like somatic therapy to a room full of medical researchers and specialists.

I wondered how a model focused on autonomic regulation through the body would be received in such a highly medicalised space.

To my overwhelming joy, the reception was deeply supportive. There is a profound, growing consensus that somatic interventions, like tapping, vagal toning, and body-based regulation, are not just "extras"; they are absolute requirements for supporting these complex conditions.

The Heart of the Conference: Shared Lived Experience

One of the most moving takeaways was realising how many leading practitioners and researchers in this field also live with dysautonomia themselves. This brings a level of compassionate understanding that can’t be taught in a textbook. They truly get how devastating and life-changing these conditions are, and that empathy was woven through every session.

Key Learnings & Strategic Insights

The two days were packed with honest science and practical strategies. Here is a summary of the most impactful themes:

The Power of Connection: While hosted by the Australian POTS Foundation, the focus was beautifully collaborative. We dove deep into the triad of co-occurring conditions, including MCAS, hEDS/HSD, Fibromyalgia, ME/CFS, and Long COVID.
The Gender Gap is Real: We discussed the staggering reality that while women and AFAB individuals are twice as likely to be diagnosed, it takes them nine times longer to receive that diagnosis than men.
Autonomic Regulation as the Gold Standard: There was no doubt that somatic regulation strategies are the foundational intervention for chronic illness.
The Hormone Link: We explored the undeniable interplay between hormones and autonomic health. Whether it’s the volume paradox of pregnancy or the flares associated with menstrual cycles, hormones act as a powerful modulator of symptoms.
Validating PEM: Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) is real. Some people simply cannot follow standard, manualised exercise protocols. If this sounds like you, you absolutely are not meant to just push through - it’s your biology, and pacing is your medicine.

Practical Strategies for the Journey

There is no silver bullet. There was no surprise miracle drug. But there was hope with promising studies presented. While we wait, the most helpful strategies shared were grounded in practical, whole-person care:

Be Your Own Advocate: Finding a doctor who believes you is essential, even if it feels unfair that the burden of advocacy falls on you.
The Foundations: Medication is helpful, but don't overlook the big three: high salt intake, 2–3L of water daily, and medical-grade compression.
Floor Time: Incorporating daily horizontal time (like "legs up the wall" yoga) helps the system reset.
Somatic Tools: Use vagal toning, tapping, and intentional breathing to communicate safety to your nervous system.
Track Your Data: Use symptom diaries to identify your unique triggers and understand your energy envelope.

What’s Next: Deep Diving into the Science & Care

Being in a room full of brilliant minds and shared lived experiences was just the beginning. There is so much more from this conference that I want to unpack with you.

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing:

The Model of Care: A detailed breakdown of the somatic and autonomic regulation framework I presented at the conference.
Key Research & Expert Advice: The latest clinical data, treatment updates, and practical management advice discussed by leading specialists over the two-day event.

New to Northground?

If this article is your very first interaction with Northground, we are so glad you found us. Navigating POTS and dysautonomia can feel incredibly isolating, but you don't have to do it alone. While you wait for our upcoming conference deep-dives, here are a few ways to get support right now:

Explore Our Tools: We have a wealth of free tools, neuro-affirming strategies, and pacing guides waiting for you at our POTS Resource Hub
Connect For Support: If you are looking for individualised guidance to help map your nervous system and implement these somatic tools, we would love to walk alongside you. You are welcome to Reach Out Here so we can connect.