Vagus Nerve Stimulation is one way to help regulate your nervous system and heal trauma in the body. The Vagus Nerve, based on Polyvagal Theory regulates several systems in the body including our response to certain stimuli. If we get stuck in fight or fight or disassociation for extended periods of time because chronic abuse, trauma, and adverse experiences, it can cause damage to our vagus nerve. Vagus nerve stimulation exercises and practices can help you begin to tone and heal the vagus nerve so it functions properly. Healing the vagus nerve can help your body function better, help your body deal with stress better, and help you release trauma that has been stuck in the body. Before watching this video, I strongly recommend watching the video "Applying Polyvagal Theory to Heal Trauma" on this channel as a foundation of knowledge to understand this video better.
Resources:
How Does Vagus Nerve Stimulation Reduce PTSD Symptoms? In Psychology Today by Christopher Bergland explains what the vagus nerve does and how exercises can help heal PTSD.
Brief Explanation of Trauma and Vagus Nerve by Ohio Domestic Violence Network is a visual guide that helps you understand the function of the vagus nerve better. It also clarifies how you can heal vagus nerve function through exercises.
The Vagus Nerve in Trauma Recovery by Dr. Arielle Shwartz in Center for Resilience Informed Therapy is one of the main articles used for this video, and I created some visuals from this source. It breaks down the functions of the vagus nerve, problems that can be caused if it needs healing, and mind-body practices as solutions to help you heal this nerve for trauma healing.
What is the Vagus Nerve? in Healthline by Jill Seladi-Schulman, PhD helps you understand how the vagus nerve functions and how you can use different therapies to heal the vagus nerve.
5 Ways to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve in Cleveland Clinic includes five specific practices you can do to help heal your vagus nerve for trauma recovery. I used this article for the visuals in the video.
Books on Polyvagal Exercises and Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection by Deb Dana or any work on polyvagal theory by Deb Dana
Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve by Stanley Rosenberg
Daily Vagus Nerve Exercises by Milly Brown
Books on Polyvagal Theory to Heal Trauma
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolk is a good foundation for polyvagal theory and trauma healing in the body.
Anchored How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory by Deb Dana and Stephen Porges
The Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe by Stephen Porges
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