Polyvagal Theory
How Understanding Your Nervous System Supports Healing
Have you ever noticed how your body reacts to stress before your mind even realises what’s happening? Perhaps your heart races, your stomach tightens, or you suddenly feel the urge to escape. These reactions aren’t random—they come from your nervous system’s built-in survival responses.
Dr Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory explains how our nervous system constantly scans for safety or danger and responds accordingly. It helps us understand why we sometimes feel calm and connected, other times anxious or shut down, and how we can use this awareness to support healing.
Your Three Nervous System States
Polyvagal Theory describes three key states of the autonomic nervous system:
The Social Engagement State (Ventral Vagal Activation)
This is when we feel safe, connected, and able to engage with others. Our heart rate is steady, our breathing is deep, and we experience a sense of ease. This is the foundation for healing, growth, and feeling "ourselves."
The Fight-or-Flight State (Sympathetic Activation)
When we sense danger, our body speeds up. Our heart races, our muscles tense, and we’re ready to either fight or flee. This response is useful in real emergencies but can become overwhelming if we get stuck here.
The Shutdown or Freeze State (Dorsal Vagal Activation)
If the nervous system perceives a threat as too overwhelming to fight or escape, it shifts into a "freeze" mode. We might feel numb, disconnected, or even dissociated. This is the body’s way of protecting itself when fight-or-flight isn’t an option.
How This Supports Therapy and Healing
Understanding these states allows us to work with our nervous system rather than feeling trapped by it. Many healing approaches—such as breathwork, mindfulness, movement, and trauma-informed therapy—help guide the nervous system back towards safety and connection.
Trance states, such as those experienced in meditation, hypnosis, or deep relaxation, are directly linked to this system. When we enter a trance, we shift into a deeply focused, receptive state where healing and transformation can take place. A safe trance state can activate the ventral vagal system, allowing old wounds and stress patterns to be processed in a way that feels less overwhelming.
By learning to regulate our nervous system, we can create new patterns of calm, connection, and well-being. Instead of being stuck in survival mode, we can move towards a life where we feel more present, empowered, and in control of our healing journey.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, book your online consultation.