The brain, in right profile with the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. Photolithograph, 1940, after a woodcut, 1543. Source: Wellcome Collection.
 

What is the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is a major pathway for sending sensory information from the body to the brain, with signals traveling up from nearly every organ to the brainstem. This major cranial nerve governs our inner awareness and controls the autonomic nervous system states. Therefore, when regulating our nervous system, a "bottom-up" body-based approach is more efficient than trying to think our way to a different state. A toned, healthy vagus nerve promotes greater health and wellbeing and more time in the optimal states of rest, digest, connect, create, and play.

What is the Polyvagal Theory?

In a nutshell, Polyvagal Theory explains the different vagal (vagus nerve) pathways involved in our autonomic nervous system response. The nervous system states that support wellbeing and social connection come online when our systems perceive safety, while other states that support defense and self-preservation come online when our systems perceive danger. This perception of safety vs. danger occurs at a brainstem level (beneath our conscious control), and therefore it is important to send our body signals of safety if we want to move from a stress response back to a calm, regulated state.

The three main Polyvagal states are:

  1. Ventral Vagal – calm, connected, creative (social engagement system)

  2. Sympathetic – high-energy stress response (fight or flight)

  3. Dorsal Vagal – low-energy stress response (shut-down)

I will help you understand and navigate these states, plus the blended/hybrid states as described by Dr. Stephen Porges, creator of the Polyvagal Theory and Deb Dana, expert in the clinical applications of Polyvagal Theory in therapy.

Primary & Blended States in the NeuroFit Ring

 

I am a Certified Neurological Fitness™ Trainer through NeuroFit. The NeuroFit app is your personal nervous system regulation companion that assists you between coaching sessions. Learn more here.

 


What does it mean to have a “healthy” Vagus Nerve?

“Vagal Tone” is the measure of the vagus nerve’s ability to return us quickly to the ventral vagal state after a stressful event, and high vagal tone is synonymous with a healthy vagus nerve. Remember, the goal is not to always stay in ventral vagal—stress is a natural part of life and we’re meant to move into defense states as we respond to stress. However, it’s a problem when we get stuck in sympathetic or dorsal vagal and our vagus nerve can’t effectively return us to the ventral vagal state.

we’re In This together

A key component of Polyvagal Theory is social engagement—healthy co-regulation with others plays a major role in proper vagal functioning. Unfortunately, the increasing isolation brought about by modern society, technology, and most recently the pandemic is a huge contributor to poor vagal tone.

The somatic exercises I share will help restore vagal tone, but the singular most effective method to build healthy vagal tone is co-regulation and attunement with a person or people you feel safe with. In addition to support from my 1-1 sessions, you can also check out my workshops for safe places to connect with others in a heart-centered way.

I’m here to walk with you as we navigate the path of your healing and growth, one step at a time. Through our work together, you will restore balance and find solace within the sacred realm of your own nervous system.

3 Pillars of Nervous System Development

    • Learning the states of the nervous system as described by the Polyvagal Theory and how to navigate each one

    • Mapping your own unique responses to stress so you can relate to your inner experience with greater skillfulness and choice

    • Integrating the wisdom and intuition from all 3 of your brains – head, heart, and gut

    • Strengthening your vagus nerve’s pathways of safety and regulation

    • Implementing resources and techniques to help your body quickly recover from stress

    • Lowering your stress baseline through consistency and repetition

    • Increasing your “Window of Tolerance” so you can remain balanced amid intensity

    • Developing the stability to skillfully navigate a wider range of energy, emotions, and sensations

    • Meeting challenges gracefully and having greater courage to take risks

 
 
 

Book a free call to learn more:

 

Testimonials

 
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Testimonials

Pauline’s presence is nourishing and kind. Her capacity for unconditional love and attunement is incredibly deep, grounding and healing.

- Marion S.

I thoroughly enjoyed my session with Pauline and I felt very seen and heard. She has a way of gently affirming and empowering you with knowledge of the nervous system and the tools to support you after the call.

- Kāya H.

Pauline is a truly empathetic listener and skillful coach. Her knowledge of nervous system regulation is a huge help for navigating stress, and her somatic exercises have aided me in feeling more calm and grounded. I highly recommend working with Pauline!

- Rebecca C

So long as you are genuine and authentic, as Pauline is, you will connect with her. How? Because she’s one of those rare beings that you intrinsically feel you can trust—this is the fundamental requisite that must be present in abundance before the relationship with any teacher can flourish.

- Tom J.

 
 

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