03/16/2025
Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, explains how the vagus nerve regulates our nervous system by shifting between three states: ventral vagal (safety and connection), sympathetic (fight or flight), and dorsal vagal (shutdown and freeze). When we feel safe, we engage socially and think clearly; when threatened, we mobilize to fight or flee; and when overwhelmed, we may shut down or dissociate. To regulate the nervous system and return to a state of balance, we can use breathwork, movement, grounding techniques, social connection, and vocalization, all of which help activate the ventral vagal system, fostering calm and connection.
