Nervous System Regulation: Polyvagal Theory in Practice

Your nervous system is the key to trauma healing. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory provides a roadmap for understanding and regulating the nervous system's response to trauma.

In Unfiltered Wisdom, we explore how nervous system regulation is foundational to all trauma healing work.

Understanding Polyvagal Theory

Polyvagal theory describes three neural circuits: ventral vagal (social engagement), sympathetic (fight/flight), and dorsal vagal (freeze/shutdown). Trauma disrupts the balance between these states.

The Three States

Ventral vagal is the state of safety and connection. Sympathetic is mobilization for danger. Dorsal vagal is immobilization and shutdown. Healing involves expanding your ventral vagal capacity.

Neuroception

Your nervous system constantly scans for safety or danger below conscious awareness. Trauma creates faulty neuroception, detecting danger when you're actually safe.

Regulation Practices

Vagal Toning: Practices like humming, singing, or gargling stimulate the vagus nerve.

Co-Regulation: Safe relationships help regulate your nervous system.

Orienting: Looking around your environment to confirm safety.

Grounding: Physical practices that anchor you in the present.

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