EP 37: POLYVAGAL THEORY

POLYVAGAL THEORY

 Why are we going into this much detail regarding the autonomic nervous system?

To see that there has been a recent upgrade (1994) in information that is relevant to our evolution as human beings.

We are much more nuanced than just having to basic states of ‘rest and digest’ or ‘fight or flight’ regarding our nervous system.

You'll see in the practical side of our E U P H O R I A program how to elicit the positive sides both the parasympathetic and sympathetic parts.

You'll do this in your mental, emotional and physical approaches to movement.

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The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts:

1. the sympathetic and

2. the parasympathetic.

You will often hear people talking about the Sympathetic as ‘fight or flight or freeze’ and the Parasympathetic as ‘rest, digest and play.’

The Vagus nerve is the most important parasympathetic nerve.

You will learn below that the ‘freeze’ reaction is actually coming from the Vagus nerve, not from the sympathetic chain of nerves.

Vagus Nerve

“Our wellbeing is dependent on a functional and adaptive nervous system. At the heart our adaptability, especially to stress, is the vagus nerve. This cranial nerve is integrated into our entire physical and neurological matrix. The vagus nerve is central to every aspect of our life. It can provide us with deep relaxation as well as offer immediate response to life-and-death situations. It can be both the cause and the resolution of countless disorders. Additionally, the vagus nerve can provide us with deep personal connection to others and our environment.”

Benjamin shield PhD  - Foreword to Stanley Rosenberg’s ‘Accessing the healing power of the vagus nerve’

There are thus then three parts to the autonomic nervous system, not two:

1.      Ventral Vagus

2.      Dorsal Vagus

3.      Sympathetic

1. VENTRAL (originates in the nucleus ambiguous on the ventral i.e. front side, of the brain stem) It is myelinated, that is, insulated by a covering of Schwann cells (connective tissue cells) that enable it to transmit information more rapidly than non-myelinated nerves.

Relaxation and Social communication (eg, facial expression, vocalisation, listening)

2. DORSAL (arises in the floor of the fourth ventricle in the brain, next to the back side of the brain stem.) It is not myelinated and thus the nerve signals move slower than the ventral vagus

 Immobilisation - slowdown, shut down, and depressive behaviour

“The differences between the functions of the ventral and dorsal branch of the vagus nerve have profound implications for physical and behavioural health and healing.” Stanley Rosenberg ‘Accessing the healing power of the vagus nerve’

3. Spinal SYMPATHETIC chain - Mobilisation (eg, fight–flight behaviours).

There are FIVE states of the autonomic nervous system - three distinct and two hybrid systems

1.  Ventral vagus - positive social engagement

Positive emotions of joy, satisfaction, and love. In terms of behaviour, expresses itself in positive social activities with friends and loved ones. The state of social engagement support social behaviours in which we support and share with other people. Cooperation with others usually improve our chances of survival.

2. Spinal sympathetic - mobilisation with fear

This is activated when our survival is threatened. We mobilise our body with this response so we can make an effort to help us respond when we are not safe, or do not feel safe.

3. Dorsal vagus — immobilisation with fear

This pathway is activated when we face an overwhelming force and imminent destruction. When there is no point in fighting or running away, we can serve what resources we have a – we immobilise. Activation of this pathway fosters feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and apathy, manifesting in withdrawal and shut down. This can also be a purely physiological response due to a shock, such as fainting.

The two hybrid circuits

4. Spinal sympathetic and ventral vagus. - Mobilisation without fear.

An example of this is friendly competition. The sympathetic chain allows us to mobilise ourselves in order to achieve our best performance. Activation of the engagement circuit – ventral vagus – keep things friendly, so that we can play safely within the rules and avoid hurting each other.

5. Dorsal and ventral Vegas activation combined - immobilisation without fear

Example - intimacy and intimate behaviour. This is characterised by calm trusting feelings, allowing us for example to feel safe to lie still and be physically and emotionally close to another person. p34

The new understanding of the Polyvagal theory regarding the vagus nerve has now shown that the only thing that one thing the ventral and dorsal branches have in common is immobilisation, even though two very different states of immobilisation. They are associated with two different types of behaviour, evoke to different emotional responses, and have different effects on the visceral organs.

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The Quote in Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert:

“Dearest Fear: Creativity and I are about to go on a road trip

together. I understand you’ll be joining us, because you always

do. I acknowledge that you believe you have an important job to

do in my life, and that you take your job seriously. Apparently

your job is to induce complete panic whenever I’m about to do

anything interesting—and, may I say, you are superb at your

job. So by all means, keep doing your job, if you feel you must.

But I will also be doing my job on this road trip, which is to work

hard and stay focused. And Creativity will be doing its job,

which is to remain stimulating and inspiring. There’s plenty of

room in this vehicle for all of us, so make yourself at home, but

understand this: Creativity and I are the only ones who will be

making any decisions along the way. I recognise and respect

that you are part of this family, and

so I will never exclude you from

our activities, but still—your

suggestions will never be followed.

You’re allowed to have a seat, and

you’re allowed to have a voice, but

you are not allowed to have a vote.

You’re not allowed to touch the

road maps; you’re not allowed to

suggest detours; you’re not

allowed to fiddle with the

temperature. Dude, you’re not

even allowed to touch the radio.

But above all else, my dear old

familiar friend, you are absolutely forbidden to drive.”

― from Elizabeth Gilbert’s book "Big Magic: Creative Living

Beyond Fear”