What is 
Polyvagal Theory?

Polyvagal Theory is a way of understanding how our nervous system responds to different situations, like stress, danger or safety. It was developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, a neuroscientist and psychologist, in 1994. In simple terms, Polyvagal Theory helps us understand how our body and brain work together to respond to stressors that are a part of everyday life as well as experiences that are more significant, such as trauma.

According to the theory, our nervous system has three main response states, or "branches."

1. The first is the "fight or flight" response, which is activated when we're in a dangerous or threatening situation. Termed ‘mobilization’ in Polyvagal Theory, this is our body's way of preparing to either fight the threat or run away from it.

2. The second response state is the "collapse” response, which is activated when we feel overwhelmed or powerless. In this state, our body shuts down and we may feel numb or disconnected from our surroundings. In Polyvagal Theory, this is called ‘immobilization.’

3. The third response state is the "social engagement" response (termed ‘ventral vagal’ in the Theory), which is activated when we feel safe and connected to others. This is when we are relaxed and open to social interaction, and is communicated in our eyes, facial expressions, and tone of voice.

These three states are not entirely separate but rather a continuum through which we move on a daily basis. Although the three states are controlled by different parts of our nervous system, they are all directly managed by the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a large nerve that goes from the base of the brain to the gut, connecting the brain to the body. The vagus nerve plays a key role in regulating our heart rate, breathing, and digestion, as well as our emotional state.

Polyvagal Theory suggests that by understanding the fluctuation of these different response states, we can better manage our own health and wellness and better understand the behavior of others.

Excited to learn more? We invite you to join us for an event or sign up for one of our courses! Feel free to download and share our pdf, "What is Polyvagal Theory".

Polyvagal Theory is a framework that helps us understand the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in our emotional and behavioral responses to stressors.

Here are some ways to apply Polyvagal Theory to everyday life:

1. Recognize your physiological response to stress: The ANS controls our bodily responses to stressors, and the different branches of the ANS are associated with different physiological responses. These responses happen even if we don’t realize that our brain has detected danger or threat. By paying attention to your bodily sensations and responses, you can recognize when your ANS is activated and what response is dominant.

2. Practice self-regulation: Self-regulation is the ability to manage your emotional state and physiological responses to stressors. Many methods for self-regulation are based on activation of the vagus nerve, such as slow, diaphragmatic breathing, gentle touch, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as yoga or meditation.

3. Build social connections: According to Polyvagal Theory, having connection with others and exercising our social engagement system helps us regulate our emotional state. Building positive social connections can help us feel safe and secure, which can reduce stress and soothe our nervous system..

4. Identify triggers: Polyvagal Theory suggests that different stimuli can trigger different branches of the ANS. By identifying your triggers, those events or situations that are threatening to you, you can better understand what situations or stimuli might activate your stress response and work to avoid or manage them.

5. Seek professional support: If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health issues, working with a mental health professional who is familiar with Polyvagal Theory can help you understand and manage your ANS responses to stressors.

Download and share this guide on how to apply Polyvagal Theory to your daily life.

Polyvagal Theory can be a useful framework for understanding and addressing trauma. In the context of trauma, Polyvagal Theory suggests that traumatic experiences can cause individuals to become stuck in a state (referred in the theory as the ‘dorsal vagal complex’), which is associated with immobilization, disconnection, and a sense of hopelessness. Therapists use various techniques to help clients release the trauma from their bodies and minds.

Therapies that draw on Polyvagal Theory, such as Somatic Experiencing and sensorimotor psychotherapy, often involve focusing on bodily sensations and helping clients to develop a greater awareness of their physiological responses to stress and trauma. By doing so, individuals can learn to regulate their autonomic nervous system and reduce their experience of trauma-related symptoms.

Polyvagal Theory can provide a helpful framework for understanding how trauma impacts the body and mind, and can guide effective interventions for individuals who have experienced trauma.

See this helpful video about the Autonomic Nervous System:

The concepts of fawning and appeasement are an ongoing conversation and research topic for Dr. Stephen Porges. Because his ideas about fawning and appeasement are continually developing, they are not included on the ANS diagram available on this page. Dr. Porges and Seth Porges address this topic in their book, Our Polyvagal World, available in the PVI Bookstore. Here is an excerpt from the book that helps explain these nervous system hybrid states:

When faced with a threat, we sometimes fight or flee. Other times we freeze or shut down. But for some of us, the nervous system tries to navigate the treacherous journey from danger to safety with yet another strategy: an attempt to support, and even soothe, a perpetrator who means us harm. These responses are most common when somebody is surrounded by a pervasive and nearly nonstop threat, as is the case with those who have been abducted or who live in a chronically abusive environment. These seemingly supportive behaviors are often observed as “fawning” or “appeasement,” two terms that are frequently used to describe the paradoxical behaviors of survivors who seem to exhibit caring behaviors toward a perpetrator. Although fawning and appeasement are frequently lumped together, the Polyvagal Theory attempts to distinguish between them as separate survival strategies with their own autonomic signatures.

Fawning is an attempt to please the perpetrator through compliance, with the pragmatic expectation that such compliance will diminish aggression and reduce the threat. Appeasement, on the other hand, can be viewed as an attempt to convince the perpetrator’s nervous system that the victim is actually on their side.

When people freeze or shut down in the face of a threat, they are often met with a lack of understanding as to how and why they responded the way they did. The same sense of disbelief and dismissal often meets those who demonstrate fawning or appease-

ment behavior. After all: Why would anybody try to please or send signals of support to somebody who is hurting them? It is our belief that we should reframe these behaviors as bodily survival strategies and remove conscious intent from our judgment of such situations. And while understanding fawning and appeasement as a response to trauma is an evolving topic within the Polyvagal Theory, it is also our belief that these behaviors come from unique autonomic states as part of our body’s mission-driven desire to keep us alive.

As a defensive state that is called upon in times of severe duress, fawning likely involves activation of the Dorsal and Sympathetic systems. When we are dominated by these systems, our Social Engagement System and capacity for co-regulation are effectively disengaged. Without positive social cues to accompany the compliant behavior, a perpetrator may read this behavior as disinterested, disconnected, or dishonest, which can lead to further aggression and danger.

What makes appeasement different is that it also involves an activated Social Engagement System, which allows the victim to project signals of safety and co-regulation to their assailant. This allows the victim to functionally convince the assailant’s nervous system that the victim is on their side, increasing the chances of survival. It is possible that this appeasement behavior involves the recruitment of a unique autonomic state that combines elements of the Ventral, Sympathetic, and Dorsal systems at the same time. So the threat is detected, but the Social Engagement System is still sufficiently resourced to send cues of safety, sociability, and co-regulation to the perpetrator. These cues suggest to the perpetrator that the victim is on their team and offering co-regulation, which might help the victim survive the ordeal. These responses are not easily accomplished, and not everybody responds to trauma or abuse in this way. But rather than casting shame or doubt over those who do respond in such a manner, a more compassionate approach would be to view these behaviors as the result of a nervous system that has developed a remarkable ability to adapt and survive through challenging or life-threatening times.

© 2023 Stephen W. Porges and Seth Porges, adapted from Our Polyvagal World. Used with permission of the publisher, W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.

The ventral vagal state refers to a physiological and psychological state of calm, social engagement, and connection that is associated with the ventral vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is a major nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system that originates in the brainstem, and innervates many organs in the body including the heart, lungs, and digestive system.

When the ventral vagus nerve is activated, it triggers a range of responses in the body, including the release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, which helps to slow down heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress and anxiety. This state is often described as a feeling of safety, trust, and connectedness, and is associated with positive social interactions, emotional regulation, and resilience to stress.

The ventral vagal state is contrasted with the sympathetic state (as in sympathetic nervous system, not related to the word ‘sympathy’), which is associated with the "fight or flight" response and is activated in response to perceived threats or stressors. When the sympathetic system is activated, the body releases adrenaline and other stress hormones, which can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, and prepare the body for action.

The ventral vagal state is an important aspect of our nervous system and plays a key role in regulating our emotional and physical responses to stress and social interactions.

There are several ways to activate the vagus nerve and promote a ventral vagal state.

Here are some techniques you can try:

1. Deep breathing: Slow, deep breathing can stimulate the vagus nerve and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

2. Mindfulness meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation has been shown to increase activity in the ventral vagus nerve, promoting feelings of calm and connection.

3. Social connection: Engaging in positive social interactions with others, such as talking with friends or participating in group activities, can activate the ventral vagus nerve and promote a sense of safety and trust.

4. Physical activity: Regular exercise can help to regulate the autonomic nervous system and promote a balanced state, including the ventral vagal state.

5. Yoga: Certain yoga poses, such as the downward dog and the bridge pose, can stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation and emotional regulation.

It's important to note that achieving a ventral vagal state can take practice and patience. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. It's also important to seek professional help if you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.

Polyvagal Theory has implications for classroom settings as it highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive learning environment that promotes social engagement and reduces stress for students as well as for teachers. Download a pdf of this Polyvagal Classroom Guide.

Here are some practical applications of polyvagal theory in a classroom setting:

1. Create a welcoming and safe environment: A safe and supportive environment can help students feel at ease, which promotes engagement and learning. Teachers can create a positive classroom environment by greeting students warmly, using positive language, and acknowledging students' efforts.

2. Use calming techniques: Teachers can use calming techniques to help students regulate their emotions and reduce stress. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can be used to help students relax and reduce stress.

3. Encourage social interaction: Social interaction is an important part of polyvagal theory. Teachers can encourage social interaction in the classroom by promoting group work, collaborative learning, and peer-to-peer teaching. This can help students feel connected to their peers and build positive relationships.

4. Provide opportunities for movement: Movement can be a powerful tool for regulating the nervous system. Teachers can incorporate movement breaks into the classroom, such as stretching, dancing, or taking a walk outside. Movement breaks can help students regulate their nervous system, reduce stress, and increase focus.

5. Use positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement can help students feel valued and appreciated, which can promote engagement and learning. Teachers can use positive reinforcement by acknowledging and praising students for their efforts, providing incentives for good behavior, and celebrating student achievements.

Incorporating Polyvagal Theory into a classroom setting can help create a positive learning environment that promotes social engagement and reduces stress. By creating a safe and supportive environment, using calming techniques, encouraging social interaction, providing opportunities for movement, and using positive reinforcement, teachers can help students regulate their nervous system and achieve their full potential.

Interested in learning more about using Polyvagal Theory in the classroom? Visit our Courses page and learn from experts including Dr. Lori Desautels, Dr. Niki Elliott, and Dr. Mona Delahooke.

Polyvagal Theory can inform clinical approaches to patient care and management. Here are a few ways that Polyvagal Theory can be applied in healthcare settings (or download a pdf version of the Polyvagal in Healthcare guide):

1. Understanding patient and colleague responses: Healthcare providers can use the theory to better understand a patient’s physical and mental state, as well as uncover stressors that might help explain problematic behaviors or symptoms. This knowledge can inform the medical team’s understanding of the patient in ways that lead to more informed quality of care.

2. Trauma-informed care: Polyvagal theory can inform the development of trauma-informed care, which emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment. By understanding the role of the autonomic nervous system in trauma response, healthcare providers can create a safe and supportive environment for patients.

3. Mind-body interventions: The theory suggests that the vagus nerve plays a critical role in social engagement and emotion regulation. Mind-body interventions such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can activate the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.

4. Pain management: Polyvagal Theory training helps medical professionals understand the physiology of threat and safety, and thereby inform their understanding of symptoms.

5. Caregiver/Patient Relationship: Polyvagal Theory training can improve a caregiver’s ability to relax and calm a patient. Once a patient is in a state where they feel calm, relaxed and safe, they are more open to the healing process.

Interested in learning more about Polyvagal Theory in a healthcare setting? Check out our Courses page where we have options specifically for medical doctors, chiropractors, and others in the healthcare field.

Polyvagal Theory is increasingly being utilized in equine therapy due to its emphasis on understanding the role of the autonomic nervous system in social engagement and emotional regulation. Equine therapy is a type of experiential therapy that uses interactions with horses to promote emotional and behavioral changes in humans. The presence of horses is believed to help individuals increase their awareness of nonverbal communication, regulate emotions, and build trust and empathy.

Polyvagal Theory is used in equine therapy by helping therapists understand the autonomic nervous system of both the horse and the human. Equine therapy practitioners can observe the behavior of horses, such as their movements, facial expressions, and vocalizations, to gain insights into the state of their own clients' nervous systems. Horses, as social animals, are highly attuned to the cues of others, making them ideal co-therapists in this context. With this understanding, therapists can use equine therapy to help individuals learn to regulate their emotions and improve social engagement through interactions with horses.

To learn more about Equine Assisted Therapy and how it uses Polyvagal Theory, please check out our equine related courses.

Polyvagal Theory is a trans-disciplinary theory drawing on Dr. Porges' observations and insights in the fields of neuroscience, psychology and evolutionary biology. Since 2007, a few papers have been published which dispute its claims in the areas of phylogeny (evolutionary biology) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Specifically, the criticism argues that Dr. Porges’ theoretical description of the evolution of the vagus nerve during the transition from reptiles to mammals (approximately 250 Million years ago), and Dr. Porges' depiction of RSA, are debatable and may not be accurate. For more specifics on this discussion, see our page on Critical Discussion of Polyvagal Theory, where the critiques are listed, along with Dr Porges’ response.

The vagus nerve is one of the largest nerves in the body and plays a vital role in many of the body's functions. It starts in the brainstem and travels down through the neck and into the chest and abdomen.

The vagus nerve is involved in regulating important bodily functions including breathing, heart rate, digestion, and immune response. It also plays a role in controlling mood, emotions, and social behavior.

The vagus nerve is sometimes called the "wandering nerve" because of the many different parts of the body it interacts with. Stimulating the vagus nerve can have a calming effect on the body.

Humans have used a variety of methods to activate the vagus nerve, some of which go back thousands of years, such as music, dance, yoga and breathing techniques. In the 20th century, scientists and clinicians began developing devices, now termed vagal nerve stimulators (VNS), to artificially activate the vagus. Vagal nerve stimulators are typically small devices that work by delivering electrical impulses to the vagus nerve from areas near the chest, ear, head and neck. The electrical impulses are typically delivered in short bursts, with the frequency and intensity of the impulses adjusted to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

The exact mechanism by which vagus nerve stimulation works is not entirely clear, but it is thought to involve changes in the levels of various neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and norepinephrine. The stimulation may also help to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system.

Vagus nerve stimulators are a promising treatment option for a range of medical conditions, and ongoing research is helping to improve our understanding of how they work and how they can be used to improve patient outcomes. These devices may also be used to treat symptoms of various medical conditions, including epilepsy, depression, and migraines.

Polyvagal Institute is a non-profit organization founded in 2020 by Dr. Stephen Porges, Deb Dana, LCSW, Karen Onderko, and Randall Redfield, our Executive Director. Our mission is to advance social communication and connectivity by building community, facilitating research, improving quality of care, and offering education on this new understanding of the mind/body system. We bring our mission to life through our dynamic array of course and event offerings, our training for businesses and organizations to become polyvagal-informed, and by holding space for community in our Polyvagal Institute Community App and social media channels. Learn more about PVI, our team, and our vision here.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, is used by mental health professionals, therapists and sensory integration practitioners as an adjunct therapy to help their clients regulate their nervous systems, process external cues and signals more effectively, and attain a grounded state in which they feel safe and receptive.

An evidence-based and trauma-informed listening therapy, the SSP helps shift the nervous system to be more present and regulated while improving client capacity for connection and receptivity to other therapies.

Learn more from our friends at Unyte.

If you are experiencing an emergency, or are in danger of hurting yourself or others, please call 911 or your local emergency number, or go directly to the nearest emergency room.

The following resources are available to support you:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline (USA) at 1 800 799-7233

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA) at 1 800 273-8255 or visit their live online chat here: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) National Helpline at 1 800 662-HELP (4357)

• NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Helpline at 1 800 950-NAMI (6264)

• LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline 1 866 488-7386

• Veterans Crisis Line at 1 800 273-TALK (8255)

• Ayuda en Espanol: Lifeline ofrece 24/7, servicios gratuitos en español, y no es necesario hablar inglés si usted necesita ayuda. 1 888 628-9454

A comprehensive list of international crisis resources from To Write Love on Her Arms https://twloha.com/find-help/international-resources/