Each has its own function, and cause the body to react differently before, during, and after a traumatic or stressful event. Polyvagal theory emphasizes the evolutionary development of two systems: the parasympathetic nervous system which is ultimately connected to the vagal nerve and the sympathetic nervous system. It oversees a vast range of vital functions communicating sensory input from outside triggers to the rest of the body. The Vagal Nerve is the longest cranial nerve controlling a human’s inner nerve center, the parasympathetic nervous system. It isn’t because they don’t want to scream or run, their brain has shut down and they cannot. The polyvagal theory also explains why people who were victimized as children freeze when confronted with a sexual predator such as a rapist or other abuser today.
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There are many reasons one should become enlightened to the polyvagal theory, least of which is to understand why those bothersome behaviors such as hypervigilance are there and how to deal with them.Īnother reason to learn more is that it is horrible to be a mystery to oneself reacting to danger that is not there as though one is back in situations that happened decades in the past. Why You Should Learn More About Polyvagal Theory
This is the first of a series on the polyvagal theory and this piece will focus on what polyvagal theory is and why should you learn about it? For the sake of this piece, we shall examine the polyvagal theory in light of childhood trauma. Porges, a distinguished university scientist, the polyvagal theory has caught the attention of millions including therapists and theorists of all types. One of the most interesting of all of them is what is called the polyvagal theory.įirst described in 1994 by Stephen W. There are many theories about childhood trauma and how it affects the bodies and minds of children and how these experiences shape adults.