Polyvagal Theory: developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, focuses on the role of the autonomic nervous system in regulating emotional and social behavior. It emphasizes the importance of the vagus nerve in managing stress and social interactions.

Three Main Principles:

1. Autonomic hierarchy: three building blocks make up the “ladder” -ventral vagal, sympathetic, dosal vagal (pictured to the right)

2. Neuroception: nervous system (neuro) is aware (ception) of signs of safety and signals of danger.

3. Co-regulation: connecting to others is necessary to survival. From the minute we come into this world, we are physically unable to to regulate on our own. We turn towards people around us to meet our physical and emotional needs. As we grow, we learn to regulate on our own but we still need to connect with others in order to engage with the world in ways that bring well-being.

https://sequencewiz.org/2019/10/09/how-your-autonomic-nervous-system-defines-your-mental-state-reactions-and-behavior/

Dana, D. (2021). Anchored: how to befriend your nervous system using polyvagal theory; foreward by Stephen Borges, PhD. Sounds True.

https://www.theloveatfirsttribe.com/yoganews/2023/6/polyvagal-theory-how-yoga-improves-your-ability-to-cope-with-stress