Scientific Papers, Chapters, Books, and Interviews
Reading the actual research is important, but it’s also helpful when the research is connected to the larger picture and the dots are connected. The papers and books listed below do just that.
Scientific Papers
Chapters
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The Vagus: A mediator of behavioral and physiologic features associated with autism
Observations of autistic behaviors, facial expressions, and physiologic responses suggest challenges with the social engagement system and tendency towards defensive behaviors of mobilization and immobilization. This implicates the vagus nerve in the pathophysiology of autism including the dysregulation of the HPA Axis, the gut, and the immune system.
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An application of the Polyvagal Theory to interpret the involvement of mammalian vocalization in reciprocal communication, socialization, and adaptive survival behavior. Acoustic features, neural regulation, and middle ear anatomy are considered in this polyvagal hypothesis.
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Vagal Pathways: Portals to Compassion
Porges conceptualizes how ancient and ritualized contemplative practices such as chanting, prayer, meditation, and dance employ breathing, vocalization, and posture to shift into a physiological state mediated by the vagus nerve that enhances health and subjective experiences.