Understanding Polyvagal Theory and Its Implications
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NEUROFIT merges the latest in neuroscience and nervous system regulation along with Polyvagal Theory to give you a simple, intuitive and powerful way to transform your life.
In this article, we’ll dive into some key concepts of Polyvagal Theory (PVT) and its groundbreaking approach to understanding the human autonomic nervous system and its connection to social behavior, emotional regulation, and physiological states.
What is The Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal Theory was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges and first introduced in 1994. It proposes that the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and the 3 main physical states it shifts between, are largely responsible for our adaptive behavioral strategies.
These three distinct neural circuits are:
1. The Ventral Vagal Circuit
2. The Sympathetic Circuit
3. The Dorsal Vagal Circuit
Each of these circuits is responsible for different aspects of the body's response to stress and danger. Dr Porges’s theory suggests that the different neural circuits that make up the autonomic nervous system are constantly interacting with each other, and that the balance between these circuits is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health. When one of these circuits is over-activated, it can lead to problems such as anxiety, stress, and trauma.
Core Concepts of Polyvagal Theory
The Polyvagal Theory proposes that our physiological state influences our range of behavior, and significantly influences the way we experience the world around us. In simple terms, our nervous system, outside of conscious awareness (this is called neuroception), has a significant impact on the way we perceive and move through the world.
Let that sink in for a moment: our nervous system significantly influences the way we experience the world around us.
The implications of this impact all areas of our life, whether we are consciously aware of it or not. This is why we are deeply passionate about helping people develop what we have coined “Nervous System Fitness” which is a measure of:
The overall flexibility, balance and resilience of the nervous system; and
The ability of the nervous system to adapt to changes in the environment, and to respond to demands placed upon it.
Without a strong Nervous System Fitness baseline, we are more susceptible to:
Chronic stress and burnout;
Anxiety;
Buildup of allostatic load in the nervous system;
Health issues; and
Emotional dysregulation.
Benefits of a regulated nervous system
On the plus side, the benefits of Nervous System Fitness and a regulated nervous system are numerous and include:
Improved mood and emotional balance;
Increased creativity;
Hormonal balance;
Improved digestive function;
Reduced stress, anxiety and overwhelm;
Better sleep and physical recovery; and
Increased overall resilience.
There are many benefits to having a nervous system that is fit and able to meet the demands placed upon it. So it became clear to us based on our research and studies that chronic stress and burnout (that we had both experienced over the years) had to be addressed through the body and not the mind.
Data from the app supports this well. After seven days of using NEUROFIT, our average active member reports:
54% less overall stress, and
35% greater sense of peace
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What’s really interesting is that this stress measurement spans 7 different life aspects. As people balance their nervous system, they don’t just experience less stress in one area of life, but in all of them.
Nervous System Fitness doesn’t just resolve stress: it changes the way we experience the world itself.
the stress response: According to Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory works from a hierarchy of how we respond to stress:
If the environment is perceived as safe, the body engages the social engagement system to promote calm, growth, and restorative processes.
If danger is detected, the body shifts to the sympathetic response, preparing for fight or flight.
If the threat is overwhelming and inescapable, the body may revert to the dorsal vagal response, leading to shutdown, dissociation, or collapse.
Let’s explore how this hierarchy works further…
NEUROCEPTION
Neuroception, a term coined by Porges, describes how our nervous systems unconsciously assess risk in our environment — without our conscious awareness. This process can activate different parts of the autonomic nervous system, leading to various physiological and behavioral responses.
THE TRIUNE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
As mentioned, polyvagal theory works within three distinct circuits of the nervous system:
Ventral Vagal — the ventral vagal circuit is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" response. This circuit is activated when the body is safe and relaxed. When the ventral vagal circuit is activated, the heart rate slows, blood pressure decreases, and the digestive system is able to function properly. The ventral vagal circuit also supports social engagement behaviors.
The Sympathetic Nervous System — The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response and mobilizes defensive behaviors. This circuit is activated when the body is under stress or in danger. When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, the heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, and the body's muscles are primed for action. Here we commonly experience anxiety, overthinking/looping thoughts, anger, and tension.
Dorsal Vagal — The dorsal vagal circuit is responsible for the body's "freeze" response. This circuit is activated when the body is overwhelmed by stress or danger. When the dorsal vagal circuit is activated, the heart rate and blood pressure drop dramatically, and the body's muscles tense up in order to protect itself.
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Put simply, our nervous system shifts states per cues from its environment and in response to our social engagement system.
The Social Engagement System
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The social engagement system is a unique aspect of the Polyvagal Theory that explains how our body responds to social interactions. Think of it as a built-in feature of our nervous system that helps us connect with others.
Here's a breakdown:
Safety First — The social engagement system activates when we feel safe. When our brain senses that the environment is secure, it tells our body it's okay to relax and interact with others.
Connection Through Facial Expressions and Voice — This system mainly uses our face and voice. For example, when we smile, make eye contact, or speak in a friendly tone, it's our social engagement system at work. These actions signal to others that we are friendly and open to interaction.
Calming Effect — When we engage socially, it can have a calming effect on our body. It's like telling our heart and other organs that everything is fine, which can help reduce stress and make us feel more relaxed.
Building Relationships — This system is crucial for building and maintaining relationships. It allows us to communicate effectively, understand others' emotions, and develop strong bonds with them.
In its essence, the social engagement system is about how our body and brain work together to help us interact and connect with other people in a safe and positive way.
Implications of The Polyvagal Theory
Polyvagal Theory has broad implications for understanding human behavior, particularly in the context of stress, trauma, and social interactions. Some of these key implications include:
Understanding Trauma: Polyvagal Theory provides a framework for understanding the physiological basis of trauma and its effects on the body and mind. The theory helps explain why trauma survivors may experience hyperarousal (sympathetic activation) or shut down (dorsal vagal response) in response to triggers.
Therapeutic Applications: This theory has influenced therapeutic approaches, particularly in trauma treatment. Therapies that focus on body awareness, breathwork, and fostering a sense of safety can help regulate the autonomic nervous system.
Social Behavior and Communication: The theory emphasizes the importance of facial expressions, vocal tone, and listening in fostering safe and positive social interactions. This has implications for social communication, particularly in disorders where these aspects are affected, such as autism.
Health and Wellness: Understanding the impact of the autonomic nervous system on overall health can lead to better approaches in managing stress, chronic illness, and mental health conditions.
CONCLUSION
NEUROFIT’s in-app data has shown that applying Polyvagal Theory can vastly improve the functional treatment of stress, anxiety and trauma. Understanding how and why the nervous system responds to stress addresses mental, emotional, and physical health from the root. Polyvagal Theory’s novel and influential perspective on the autonomic nervous system gives way for a systematic and wildly impactful approach to sustainable wellness.