Polyvagal Theory
Despite the fact that it floated around me for years, I never paid attention to the word “polyvagal.” My (incorrect) assumption was that if polyvagal theory really worked, I’d hear about it via word of mouth. I’ve begrudgingly accepted that I am that word of mouth.
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What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal is a new understanding of how the autonomic nervous system regulates behavior to keep us safe pioneered by Stephen Porges in 1994. In the same way that critical somatics helped me establish a daily foundational practice for nervous system regulation, polyvagal theory has given me in-the-moment techniques that help me regulate.
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All About the Vagus Nerve
I encourage you to dig into this summary, but then go deeper with Rosenberg’s book if you have the bandwidth. It is pretty mind-blowing stuff. Even though we still don’t understand all of the mechanisms of the vagus nerve, we understand a lot more than we used to, and this information can be a gamechanger for overthinkers who learn to harness its healing power…
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Three Vagus Nerve Reset Exercises
In my latest Substack post I mention three polyvagal exercises I’ve been doing regularly to reset my nervous system. I wanted to share the details of those exercises here in case they help you, too…