WHAT IS THE DORSAL VAGAL NERVOUS SYSTEM STATE?
Learn about the Dorsal Vagal state, its symptoms and causes, and how to overcome it within minutes.
The Dorsal Vagal state is one of the primary nervous system states, that can significantly impact our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As Co-CEO of NEUROFIT, I have seen firsthand how understanding and learning to address this state can transform lives, including my own.
What is the Dorsal Vagal State?
The Dorsal Vagal state is one of the three primary states of the autonomic nervous system, as described by Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory. This state is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the body's "freeze" response. When activated, it can lead to a sense of shutdown or immobilization.
This state is a dysregulated (stress) state sitting at the bottom of the NEUROFIT Ring:
The NEUROFIT Ring shows the six possible nervous system states, and the transitions between them.
Signs and Symptoms of the Dorsal Vagal State
When the Dorsal Vagal state is activated, you may experience:
Extreme fatigue or lethargy
A sense of numbness or dissociation
Difficulty concentrating or feeling present
Low motivation, or a sense of hopelessness
Physical symptoms like slowed heart rate and reduced blood pressure
These symptoms can be overwhelming and often misunderstood. Most people don't realize that these feelings are biologically driven responses by the nervous system, or that they can be overcome within a few minutes with the right techniques.
Causes of the Dorsal Vagal State
Several factors can trigger the Dorsal Vagal state:
Emotional distress, such as a fight or argument
Prolonged exposure to stressful environments
Overwhelming life changes
Understanding these triggers can help with recognizing when you or someone else is experiencing a Dorsal Vagal response. This state is more likely to occur when chronic stress has accumulated in the body over time, imbalancing the nervous system:
Chronic stress builds up in the nervous system, leading to mental and physical health challenges.
Practical Examples of the Dorsal Vagal State
Imagine you're in a high-stress job with constant deadlines. Over time, the unrelenting pressure can push your nervous system into a Dorsal Vagal state, leading to chronic fatigue and burnout.
Another example is experiencing a traumatic event, which can cause your body to shut down as a protective mechanism.
Practical Ways to Address the Dorsal Vagal State
Here are some practical steps to help you overcome the Dorsal Vagal state:
1. Grounding Somatic Exercises
Somatic exercises like Body Tapping and Arm and Leg Squeezes can help re-establish connection with your body and relieve Dorsal Vagal within a few minutes.
The NEUROFIT App's smart exercise library matches you with somatic exercises that relieve stress within three minutes.
2. Gentle Movement
Engaging in gentle physical activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can help activate the body without overwhelming it. These activities can gradually shift the nervous system out of the Dorsal Vagal state.
3. Social Engagement
The NEUROFIT App's AI Coach helps you resolve persistent stress with quick, secure and private text-based conversations.
4. Breathwork
Breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system, and reduce the intensity of the Dorsal Vagal response. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing are good for nervous system regulation.
5. Professional Support
Find a somatic or nervous system coach that can provide personalized strategies and support.
At NEUROFIT, we offer a certification program that trains health professionals to help others manage their nervous system health.
Personal Experiences with the Dorsal Vagal State
My wife Loren and I have both experienced the Dorsal Vagal state in our lives. Loren faced it after the sudden passing of her father, leading to severe grief, shutdown and physical ailments. For me, growing up in a neurodiverse family led to Complex PTSD, which often pushed me into the Dorsal Vagal state.
These personal challenges inspired us to create NEUROFIT, aiming to provide effective and accessible solutions for nervous system regulation.
NEUROFIT's Approach to the Dorsal Vagal State
At NEUROFIT, we focus on simple, data-driven methods to help individuals manage their nervous system health. Our app includes daily body-based check-ins, personalized data-driven insights, and a library of exercises designed to help balance the nervous system. These tools are designed to be easy to use, making nervous system regulation accessible to everyone.
The NEUROFIT App's guided nervous system program is designed to reduce stress and resolve burnout within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dorsal Vagal state?
The Dorsal Vagal state is the body's "shutdown" or "freeze" response - it can create feelings of numbness, dissociation, hopelessness, and extreme fatigue.
How do I know if I'm in Dorsal Vagal?
Signs include lethargy, reduced motivation, brain fog, dissociation, and physical symptoms like a slowed heart rate. Understanding these signs can help you recognize when you're in this state.
What are some practical ways to overcome Dorsal Vagal?
How does the NEUROFIT app help with the Dorsal Vagal state?
The NEUROFIT app offers daily check-ins, personalized insights, and a personalized exercise library designed to balance your nervous system whenever needed. These tools make it easy to manage and improve nervous system health.
Understanding and managing the Dorsal Vagal state is essential for overall well-being. By using tools like the NEUROFIT app, you can take proactive steps to balance your nervous system and improve your quality of life.
