22/04/2024
TOUCH AND THE VENTRAL VAGAL COMPLEX
In many forms of therapy, the Polyvagal Theory is used to understand and address behavioural and emotional outcomes arising from trauma. Yet Porges’ theory rests on the understanding of a neural substrate of cranial nerves, known as the ventral vagal complex, which co-ordinates the functions of breathing, swallowing, vocalisation, and facial expression while fine-tuning heart rate. In the theory, the social engagement system is portrayed in the language of anatomy and physiology. As touch therapists, the body is our domain, anatomy is our language, our sphere of influence.
Our soothing touch can modify the distress messages coming from the body, the throat and the face. As the Neuroception of our internal state changes from arousal to calm, the motor output of the three branches of the ANS comes into balance and vagal tone is increased. This supports pro-social behaviours and emotional stability.
