The Polyvagal Theory – What Is It?

You are probably not aware of many of the unconscious processes that take place in your body and mind. The polyvagal theory tries to explain one of the automatic processes.

You have probably experienced moments where you feel you are in danger, but there is no obvious reason for it. No one else around you seems to be bothered by anything special even if you feel threatened.

You read social signs of all kinds every day. You unconsciously pick up facial expressions, body language and tones when interacting with other people. As your body and brain interpret these signs, your signs and surroundings also shape your self-understanding.

The information that your body processes through these signals tells you who you can and cannot trust. You interpret who or what may be a threat and react accordingly.

Neurosception and the polyvagal theory

Dr. Stephen Porges developed the polyvagal theory, which describes the process by which the biological neural network is able to read danger signs in your environment as ” neurosception “. Neurosception is what makes you explore people around you involuntarily to determine if they are safe or if they are a threat.

This is a completely unconscious process that takes place in the autonomic nervous system. You perceive the characters around you automatically, just as you breathe without any voluntary effort.

To scan your surroundings

This involuntary scan for potential danger occurs from birth. It is extremely important for survival. Your body is designed to observe, process and respond to what is happening around you.

Babies respond when they feel danger, safety or closeness to their parents. It happens from the moment you are born, and for the rest of your life you subconsciously scan these signs of danger or safety.

Three levels of response development

Porges describes three stages of evolution within polyvagal theory. The theory argues that the interplay between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems is not just about balance. Porges believes that a hierarchy of responses is part of the autonomic nervous system. He believes that the responses take place in three steps:

• Immobilization. This is the most basic step. The immobilization response to signs of danger involves the vagus nerve. The back of the nerve responds to signs of extreme danger and completely immobilizes you. It is as if your parasympathetic nervous system is activated at full speed and the body’s response causes you to freeze.

• Mobilization. This response comes from the sympathetic nervous system, which is what helps you in dangerous situations. It is a way to fight back against a threat.
• Social engagement. This is the last step and the last response that people develop in the hierarchy. It responds to the ventral side of the lower nerve which is part of the nerve that responds to feelings of security and connection. Social engagement is a process that allows you to feel rooted in feelings of security and peace.

The consequence of trauma

For people who have experienced trauma, especially when immobilization was an important part of the event, their ability to scan the environment for signs of danger can be severely distorted.

According to the polyvagal theory, one of the functions of the system is that you do not end up in a vulnerable position again. Consequently, your body acts to avoid it. As a result, you may be much more sensitive to the characters around you and perceive threats where there are none.

Many offensive or benign signs can thus be interpreted as threatening by someone who has been through trauma. A change in facial expressions, tone or a specific type of body language can trigger an unconscious defensive response.

The vagus nerve and the polyvagal theory

Your vagus nerve plays a role in many parts of your body. It has a significant influence on cranial nerves that regulate social engagement through facial expressions and vocalization.

People long for security and trust in their interactions with other people. We quickly learn to interpret the signs that tell us we are not safe. Consequently, it will be easier for you to establish healthy, high-quality connections with other people.