1

Chiropractic Newsletter WellbeingTopic Polyvagal Theory In his influential book The Polyvagal social behavior. Because of its capacity to Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations rapidly depress or recruit the SNS in of , Attachment, response to environmental demands, the Communication and Self-Regulation, brake gives us the opportunity to Stephen Porges, Ph.D., examined the willfully regulate our behavior during phylogenic evolution of the human stressful circumstances. nervous system, and the role of the

in the development of social behavior. In his decades of research, he found that the more recently evolved, myelinated branches of the vagus nerve found in mammals play a distinct role in attention, self-regulation, communication, emotional expression, resilience to , and other capacities central to social functioning. These myelinated vagus fibers, which Numerous studies with infants and young send signals to the brain more quickly children show that is an than the phylogenically older, important indicator of self-regulation, unmyelinated fibers, inhibit these older sustained attention, resiliency, and the systems. As a result, the newer, ability to calm down after experiencing a myelinated vagal system in mammals stressor. This capacity to regulate behaviors can override the signals of the SNS is a critically important function in (sympathetic nervous system), a relationship. Those who are able to think phenomenon that Porges refers to as the and act flexibly, maintain attentional vagal brake. control, and regulate emotions and The Vagal Brake and Social Behavior behaviors are far more able to respond According to proponents of polyvagal appropriately to interpersonal stressors and theory, the vagal brake plays a pivotal demands than those who cannot. role in the development of appropriate Continue reading on page 2 Provided and published by ICPA. For more information, visit discoverkidshealth.org 2

This capacity to regulate behaviors is a Vagal Tone and Intentional Breathing critically important function in In addition to its impact on facial muscles, relationship. Those who are able to think the vagus nerve both controls and is and act flexibly, maintain attentional influenced by how you breathe. Here is the control, and regulate emotions and key: By slowing down your respiration behaviors are far more able to respond through deep, intentional breathing and elongating your exhalation, you can activate appropriately to interpersonal stressors the vagal brake and begin the process of and demands than those who cannot. relaxation almost immediately. What’s Here’s the catch. This system only works more, with the resumption of the relaxation properly when stress is intermittent. response, brain networks in the prefrontal When real or perceived stress is chronic, cortex inhibit your circuitry, allowing the sympathetic nervous system “gas you to regain your composure and relate pedal” gets stuck, making it more difficult mindfully to others. With time and practice, for the vagal brake to be applied. intentional breathing can be used as a powerful tool to defuse stress and manage How does this relate to social behavior? daily hassles and challenging interactions. In addition to its role within the PNS Even better, it takes no special equipment, (parasympathetic nervous system), the training, or cost to breathe mindfully, you vagus nerve controls the movement of can begin right now, and you can use it muscles associated with facial expression, anywhere. speaking, swallowing, sucking, and, most importantly, breathing. As such, your by B. Grace Bullock ability to regulate the vagal brake is directly tied to your ability to regulate Pathways Issue #55 your emotions, behaviors, and facial expressions—all essential ingredients for good communication.

Provided and published by ICPA. For more information, visit discoverkidshealth.org