Polyvagal Theory

The Polyvagal Theory Explained

It is widely accepted that there are two distinct and continuously active divisions in our autonomic nervous system

• The parasympathetic system is associated with you being calm. When your parasympathetic system is active, your heart rate is down, your breathing is regular, and your digestive system feels comfortable.

• The sympathetic–adrenal system is associated with you being on high alert, your heart rate is elevated, adrenaline is secreted, and ingestion and digestion is difficult.

The Polyvagal theory is the science of safety. It explains the relationship between the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and social behavior.

According to the Polyvagal Theory, the two systems noted above are in constant dialogue. When everything runs normally, there is harmony.

But, when there is a problem such as feeling threatened, that changes, and the primary survival mechanism takes over.

It’s important to note that it’s not always a bad thing. You’ve heard of it? Fight-Flight-Freeze-Fawn. Whether your ancestors were escaping a tiger, or you’re jumping out of the way of a truck, the need for heightened awareness, focus, and instantaneous action to maintain safety.

The Polyvagal Theory explains that even after a threat has passed, your body can remain in a state of perceived danger, defenses engaged, and you experience prolonged stress and anxiety. You can be left with trauma present in the body in the same way it stored in your memories.

Therefore, when we look at treating trauma, it may be less about managing the upsetting experience and more about treating the resulting physiological response.

According to Porges, the autonomic nervous system has three primary states:

• Ventral vagal state
  A calm and connected state that supports social engagement,  emotional regulation, and effective problem-solving

• Sympathetic state
  Includes the “fight or flight” response associated with fear and anxiety that helps individuals respond (though not always appropriately) to perceived threats

• Dorsal vagal state
  Connected with immobilization and shutdown responses, potentially leading to feelings of dissociation, numbness, and disconnection.