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Autonomic Nervous System: Traditional Theory

SympatheticsExcitement, MobilisationFight-or-Flight

ParasympatheticsVagus nerve is the main pathwayCalm, Rest and DigestImmobilisation and Freeze

The vagus nerve is like an alternative spinal cord

NEW Ventral Vagal Complex

Vagus

OLD Dorsal Vagal Complex

Autonomic Nervous System: Polyvagal Theory

SympatheticsExcitement MobilisationFight-or-FlightAdrenaline and Cortisol

Old VagusDorsal vagal complexImmobilisationDissociationOpioids

New VagusVentral vagal complexCalm, Rest and DigestOrient and Socially EngageOxytocin

Dr Stephen Porges

Joy, Presence, Love, Play, CreativityNew Vagus On: The ‘vagal brake’ is on inhibiting the sympathic nervous system.Happiness is being a ‘vagal superstar’. The new vagus fires in positive emotions and prosocial behaviour. It optimises regulation of the heart, breathing, digestion and immune function.

Polyvagal TheoryAs the perception of threat escalateswe default to more primitive responses

Orientation / Social Engagement

Immobilisation

Mobilisation

Polyvagal TheoryAs the perception of threat escalateswe default to more primitive responses

Orientation / Social Engagement ImmobilisationMobilisation

Images from http://www.liberationispossible.org/polyvagal/

The Defense CascadeVenn diagram showing, in a non hierarchical way, the ‘defense cascade’. Adapted from Kozlowska et al 2015.

Threat Causes ArousalMuscle tone, metabolism, emotion, presence, focus, thinking, behaviour all change.

Predators StalkThe image beautifully shows the poised,attentive state of arousal in a predator.

Threat Causes ArousalMuscle tone, metabolism, emotion, presence, focus, thinking, behaviour all change.

Prey OrientsFor most animals threat leads to vigilance. The body stills, the head turns, and the senses sharpen. We all have an inner meer cat.

Threat Causes ArousalMuscle tone, metabolism, emotion, presence, focus, thinking, behaviour all change.

Humans ‘Tend and Befriend’ and ‘Socially Engage’Humans learn safety from caregivers. Our first response is to check the humans around us. If we perceive people acting safely, we feel safe.

Threat Causes ArousalMuscle tone, metabolism, emotion, presence, focus, thinking, behaviour all change.

All Animals Can FreezeThere can be a fixed posture, but a huge amount of internal activity. Competing defense strategies can lead to ‘freezing’ as a state of ‘flight or fight put on hold.’

Jaw MusclesV Trigeminal

Facial MusclesMiddle Ear MuscleVII Facial

Saliva and SwallowingIX Glossopharyngeal

SCM and Trapezius MusclesXI Accessory

Heart and Lungs X Ventral Vagus

Throat Muscles X Ventral Vagus

Orientation / Social EngagementNew Vagus Off (Ventral Vagal Complex CN V, VII, IX, X, XI activity changes)Neck, face, throat and jaw muscles and oxygen control change in response to threat.

Narrow FocusFixed ThinkingGoing Quick

Breathing UpHeart Rate UpCold Hands and Feet

MobilisationSympathetic Nervous System‘Fight-or-Flight’, Adrenaline then Cortisol

Dry Mouth

Digestion Down

Stereotypical, Imprecise Action PatternsMuscles Tension Up

Libido, Immune, Growth and Repair Down

Dreamy DissociatedHard to ConcentrateSlow Thinking

Numb LimbsTingling

ImmobilisationOld Vagus (Dorsal Motor Nucleus)Dissociation, Opioids

Floating

Tonic Immobility: Stiffness Collapsed Immobility: FloppinessPassive Action Patterns

Absent BellyHard to Feel FeetBody Shape Distorted