Trauma & The Polyvagal Theory

If you have grown up with long-term, chronic trauma exposure, you might find it difficult to perceive whether people or places are safe or trustworthy accurately. Sometimes, it can become challenging to see different experiences that occurred in the past and what is happening now, in the present moment. The polyvagal theory helps us understand the neural circuits involved in these types of symptoms of PSTD and can illuminate a path to freedom.

As a trauma patient embodying many distressing symptoms of post-traumatic stress felt in the body—a tight chest, a sinking feeling in the stomach, a familiar knot in the throat, or a chronic sense of exhaustion. I now recognize that attention in therapy must turn toward the body as part of the healing process like yoga, mindfulness, tai chi, and Qigong. Another gift in healing is the attention needed for the vagus nerve.

 The vagus nerve represents the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which oversees various crucial bodily functions, including control of mood, immune response, digestion, and heart rate. It establishes one of the connections between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract and sends information about the state of the inner organs to the brain via afferent fibers. By adding a nutrient-rich diet that included omega 3’s and all the external tools, the outcome of processing emotional dysregulation was easier to manage.

According to Dr. Stephen Porge’s Polyvagal Theory, the autonomic nervous system comprises a three-part hierarchical structure: the dorsal vagal system, the sympathetic nervous system, and the ventral vagal system. The dorsal vagal system, the oldest of the systems, is part of the parasympathetic nervous system.

 The dorsal vagal nerve immobilizes the body in response to life-threatening situations by facilitating a shutdown response. The sympathetic nervous system, which is comparatively newer to evolve, mobilizes the body in response to a threat by activating the fight-or-flight response. Most importantly, mind-body therapies help activate the ventral vagal system, the most evolved of the structures; this “social engagement” system is the branch of the parasympathetic nervous system that helps you relax and connect with others when you feel safe.

The polyvagal theory describes three neural circuits underlie different ways of negotiating with our environment. When we feel safe, we rely upon a neural circuit that promotes social engagement behaviors. He calls this the social nervous system. This part of the parasympathetic nervous system engages neural structures that inhibit our defensive systems. This relies upon the myelinated ventral vagus nerve, which allows us to engage socially by making eye contact, softening our voice tone, and expressing care with our faces. Significantly, the social nervous system can facilitate immobilization within a context of safety to promote greater closeness or intimacy.

Initially, when we experience a threat, we might rely upon our social nervous system to resolve the situation. We might reach out for connection or proximity with one another to reestablish safety. However, if this is unsuccessful or the threat is more extreme, we will begin to engage the sympathetic nervous system activation of fight or flight.

 Typically, referred to as the “faint” response. Sometimes, one can faint because the dorsal vagal pathway reduces blood flow to the brain. Short of fainting, this defensive pathway can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or fatigue, all signs of dissociation.

The Polyvagal theory points us toward another key to healing your capacity to engage the social nervous system. Your physiology not only holds the memories of trauma but also holds an important key to recovery. You can facilitate the health of your social nervous system by developing mindful awareness of your body sensations, such as your heart rate or breath. This helps you identify your signs of stress and allows you to respond immediately—before the pressure feels overwhelming or out of your control.

 It is vital to learn practices to help reset the vagus nerve; however, only some approaches are suitable for some. Instead, experiment and explore a variety of breath and movement practices to what works for the client. Self-study and mindful body awareness can help learn strategies for restoring a sense of safety that opens the doors to healing from trauma.

From my heart to yours, implementing a new practice habit with Inspiring Sound Sleep with benefit tremendously. Also, yoga to calm the body and Qigong, Tai Chi to move the stagnate energy has enriched my connection to body and mind. I find that complex PTSD has layers and layers of compacted information. Having the tools to honor the process is crucial; as a future trauma therapist, breathwork is essential. Moving forward with this practice of adding the polyvagal theory, meridian tapping, and the breath and movement exercises with Tai Chi offered a deeper connection to my own personal healing.