Yogi explains Steven Porges' Polyvagal Theory

Summary

November 4, 2018, 18 min

An introduction to Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory: the dorsal vagal freeze, the sympathetic fight-or-flight response, and the myelinated ventral vagal social system in the face. Covers therapists' use of it for PTSD, anger as a cover for sadness, and why the freeze response, seen as bad in therapy, is a friend in meditation.

In this video

Teaches

Polyvagal TheoryDorsal Vagal ComplexVentral Vagal Complex

Discusses

Deb DanaStephen PorgesSympathetic nervous systemParasympathetic nervous systemTraumaNegative emotionsFreeze Response

Mentions

HRV ResonanceMedullaDepression

Key moments

00:02Introducing the polyvagal theory 01:08Porges' difficult books and Deb Dana's readable guide 02:40Porges' dissatisfaction with the fight-or-flight maxim 03:26Aside: Darwin and intelligence behind evolution 04:28The dorsal vagal nerve: freezing like a lizard 05:14Fight or flight: the mammalian mobilizing response 06:02The myelinated ventral vagal social system in the face 06:46Two parasympathetic systems, and fainting as a freeze 08:40Therapists and PTSD: mobilize first, then socialize 10:39Anger covers sadness, explained by the nervous system 12:45Next step: integrating heart rate variability and meditation 13:56The dorsal vagal nerve is your best friend; jog before sitting 15:09The glorious freeze: newborns, sunsets, aha moments 15:54Thanks to Porges and Dana; therapy has it upside down