Porges Polyvagal Theory: The Six States of the Autonomic Nervous System
Today’s blog post is meant to be educational and fun! Some of you may be saying to yourself, fun, how could talking about the autonomic nervous system be fun? Well, for one we are not going to go into the nitty gritty details of biology and the structures like we have in the past. Two, you will be able to take this knowledge, apply it to your life, and at the next party you go to you will be able to impress your friends. Okay, so if you don’t find it fun, maybe you will at least find this information interesting. I find it utterly fascinating!
Polyvagal Theory
This theory introduced by Stephen Porges, PhD focuses on the role of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the vagus nerve, as it relates to the physiological/psychological states related to our daily behavior. There are three defining principles (Polyvagal Institute, n.d.):
Hierarchy of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) per Polyvagal Theory (PVT)
Neuroception
Co-regulation
Hierarchy of the ANS
Evolution has gifted the mammalian ANS with 3 principle states that are able to functionally and adaptively shift based on how safe one feels at that moment without being aware of it. These states, independently and their hybrid states, are the underlying neurophysiological foundation of what we know as our feelings and emotions.
Neuroception
The ANS is regulated via a built-in surveillance system that uses higher brain structures that is constantly and dynamically interpreting incoming information about safety from sensors in our bodies. This incoming sensory information is constantly being scanned without the need to activate the thinking parts of our brains. So what is being scanned by our systems? Our neuroception is evaluating other people, our body, and the environment for cues that would indicate safety or even danger.
Co-Regulation
Again, so much happens without us being consciously aware, which is great because imagine how much energy that would take the brain and how long it would take us to decide if things are safe if we were having to make this process conscious. Everyone, unconsciously, send safety and danger signals to other people which then encourages or discourages the psychological and physical distance that governs our behaviors related to social engagement. In PVT terms, the social engagement system or the ventral vagal complex calms our reactions to threats while also enabling facial expressions, head movements, and vocal intonations that cue others to know we are open to friendly engagement.
Six States of Autonomic Nervous System
Now that we have the basics, we can talk briefly about each of the six states of the ANS (Polyvagal Institute, n.d., Rosenberg, 2017). Remember, this is just a quick snapshot and you are always welcome to dive in further.
Social Engagement System (Vental Vagal)
Ventral branch of vagus nerve (CN X) and four other cranial nerves ( CN V, VII, IX, XI)
When in this system there are feelings of calm, soothing effect, and promotes rest and relaxation
Promotes emotions like joy, satisfaction, and love and behaviors related to positive prosocial behavior where we support and share with the people around us
Spinal Sympathetic Chain
Activated when our survival is threatened
Can be described as as “mobilization with fear”
When feeling unsafe related to the emotions of anger and fear which can lead to behaviors like fighting with the intention of overcoming a threat or fleeing to get away from a threatening situation
When feeling safe related to feeling energetic, active, playful, or motivated
Dorsal Vagal
Activated when we are faced with an overwhelming force and imminent destruction
Immobilize to conserve resources
When feeling unsafe related to feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and apathy that looks like withdrawal and shutdown
Can be described as “immobilization with fear”
When feeling safe related to feeling blissful, dreamy, tranquil, or meditative
Three Hybrid States
1st Hybrid State: Intimacy
Dorsal vagus slows down physical activity
Ventral vagus invites a feeling of safety with another person
Can be described as "immobilization without fear”
Feelings of calm, trusting feelings that allows us to cuddle, for example
2nd Hybrid State: Friendly Competition (aka. sports!)
Fight hard to win in sorts or games but the key is that these occur within the context of safety and rules agreed to
Fight or flight response of spinal sympathetic chain activation to mobilize for best performance
Feelings of safety connected with the activation of ventral vaus branch and keeps things friendly
Can be described as “mobilization without fear”
3rd Hybrid State: Freeze Sate of Definese
If this topic really interests you, take a look at the resources below and dive in! You will learn a lot more.
A picture of the brain from underneath.
take action today moment:
Take some time to consider what you just learned, if this is your first time reading at Polyvagal Theory. What do you think? How could you use this information in your life? If this is not your first time reading about Polyvagal Theory, then consider the importance of the theory as it relates to the mind-body connection. What does this say about how we interact with others? How and why do we ask for support? Why are humans social creatures? Consider doing some journaling or just engaging in self-reflection.
Learn More About polyvagal Theory:
Trauma and the nervous system: a polyvagal perspective (YouTube Video)
Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety (Scientific Paper Alert!)
Polyvagal Theory The Science of Safety & Trauma with Dr Stephen Porges (YouTube Video)
References
Polyvagal Institute. (n.d.). What is Polyvagal Theory?. https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheory?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhr6_BhD4ARIsAH1YdjA_Ax-eHz1C39gW_AVEQVWxgleiyRBcmldG3VDP7xwfOMo3TEVPrVIaAuisEALw_wcB
Rosenberg, S. (2017). Accessing the healing power of the Vegas Nerve: Self-help exercises for anxiety, depression, trauma, and autism. North Atlantic Books.