A brief rundown of the three major nervous system states: ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal.
•
CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
•
OCT 4, 2023
WHAT ARE THE THREE MAJOR NERVOUS SYSTEM STATES?
The three major states of the nervous system are important to understand because they have a major impact on our health and well-being. According to the Polyvagal Theory by Dr. Stephen Porges, there are three major states of the nervous system : ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal. The ventral vagal state is the body's resting state, sympathetic is the body's fight-or-flight state, and dorsal vagal is the body's freeze+shutdown state.
VENTRAL VAGAL: REST & DIGEST
The ventral vagal state (also known as the parasympathetic state) is characterized by slow, deep breathing, a relaxed heart rate, and a calm mind - it allows us to heal, to grow, and to thrive.
SYMPATHETIC: FIGHT OR FLIGHT
The sympathetic state is characterized by fast, shallow breathing, a racing heart, and a mind that is focused on survival - otherwise known as "fight or flight". When we are in a sympathetic state, we are in a state of elevated stress and responsiveness, which also inhibits safe socialization, openness, and compassion.
DORSAL VAGAL: FREEZE & SHUTDOWN
The dorsal vagal state is characterized by a complete shutdown of the body's systems, and the onset of dense emotions such as hopelessness and apathy. This state is triggered the gut, also known as the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) by external stressors that are perceived as dangerous and overwhelming.
RESPONDING TO THE THREE STATES
When we understand how each state of the nervous system feels and is activated, we can better take care of ourselves by communicating to the body through our nervous system. We can learn to shift into the ventral vagal state when we need to calm down, rest and heal. We can learn to up-regulate and tap into sympathetic when we need to be alert and focused. And we can learn to tap into stillness through the dorsal vagal when we need to calm down and de-stress.
80% of the nerves in the human body are 'afferent' - running from body to brain. Under stress, when the nervous system and thinking brain tell different stories, the nervous system almost always wins.
NEUROFIT is a nervous system trainer. Through daily check-ins, biometric measurements via your phone's camera, and tailored exercises, it removes stress at the source. Available for iOS & Android.
The ventral vagal nervous system state is a state of relaxation and calmness. It is characterized by slow and deep breathing, a slow heart rate, and a feeling of peace and openness.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NEUROFIT - available for iOS and Android.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This is the body's natural response to a perceived threat. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in and prepares the body to either fight the threat or run away from it. The body's heart rate increases, blood flow to the muscles increases, and the body releases adrenaline and other hormones.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NEUROFIT - available for iOS and Android.
The dorsal vagal state is characterized by a complete shutdown of the body's systems, and the onset of dense emotions such as hopelessness and apathy. This state is triggered the gut, also known as the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) by external stressors that are perceived as dangerous and overwhelming.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NEUROFIT - available for iOS and Android.