Our Polyvagal World

The Three Faces of the Nervous System

According to Porges, our autonomic nervous system operates in three distinct modes:

🔹 Ventral Vagus (Social Engagement) – This state activates when we feel safe and connected with others. It helps us communicate, experience empathy, and build relationships.

🔹 Sympathetic System (Fight or Flight) – Mobilizes us when we sense danger, enabling us to take action.

🔹 Dorsal Vagus (Freeze Response) – Engages in extreme situations when we feel helpless. The body shuts down, leading to lethargy or dissociation.

These systems do not function in isolation but constantly interact based on the signals our environment provides.

How Does Polyvagal Theory Help in Therapy?

Understanding these mechanisms can be transformative, not just for therapists but for anyone wanting to navigate their emotions more effectively. When we recognize that our responses are not simply "good" or "bad" but are rooted in deep evolutionary strategies, we can work with them rather than against them.

This theory emphasizes that our body constantly assesses the environment through a process called neuroception. Without conscious awareness, we detect signals of safety or danger, adjusting our physiology and behavior accordingly.

In practice, this means that creating environments that foster a sense of safety is essential for our well-being. This can involve building strong social bonds, practicing stress-reducing techniques, and becoming aware of our body's signals.

The Link to Craniosacral Biodynamics

In the context of craniosacral biodynamics, which I practice, understanding polyvagal theory is invaluable. Gentle touch therapy and the creation of a safe, calm space can support nervous system regulation, enhancing the body's innate healing processes and restoring balance.

Dr. Porges' book provides not only a theoretical foundation but also practical guidance and real-life examples of how these insights can be applied in daily life. By doing so, he equips us with tools to understand ourselves better and to cultivate a deeper sense of well-being in today's often stressful world.

Want to Learn More?

For those eager to dive deeper, I highly recommend "Our Polyvagal World" as a valuable resource for understanding the intricate connection between our nervous system, emotions, and overall health.

And what about you?
How does your nervous system respond to daily situations? The answer might lie in polyvagal theory...

Source:
PORGES, Stephen W. Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2023. ISBN 978-1-324-03557-5.