

Exploring Polyvagal Theory and Chronic Illness


In recent years, understanding the intricate relationship between mental and physical health has become a cornerstone of modern wellness. At the heart of this exploration lies the polyvagal theory, a framework proposed by Dr. Stephen Porges that offers profound insights into how our nervous system shapes our emotional states, behaviors, and overall health.
This revolutionary perspective is especially relevant for those navigating chronic illnesses, offering a roadmap to healing by addressing the root causes of stress and trauma.
Let’s take a closer look into the basics of polyvagal theory, explore its implications for chronic illness, and discuss practical steps to harness the power of the vagus nerve for better health.
What Is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal theory redefines our understanding of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Traditionally, the ANS was divided into two branches: the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for the fight-or-flight response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (which governs rest-and-digest functions). Dr. Porges’ theory, however, introduces a deeper understanding by identifying three distinct states managed by the vagus nerve:
1. Ventral Vagal State (Safety and Connection)
This state represents calm, safety, and social connection. It supports optimal emotional and physical health, enabling rest, recovery, and meaningful relationships. When we feel safe and grounded, the ventral vagal state is in charge, helping us engage with the world positively.
2. Sympathetic State (Mobilization)
When our brain perceives danger, we shift into the sympathetic state. This activates our fight-or-flight response, preparing us to act by increasing heart rate, breathing faster, and redirecting blood flow to muscles. While this response is helpful in real threats, staying in this state too long can lead to chronic stress and health challenges.
3. Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown or Immobilization):
The dorsal vagal state takes over if the threat feels overwhelming or inescapable. This response causes us to freeze or shut down, often leading to disconnection, fatigue, or even dissociation. While this response can protect us in extreme situations, being stuck here can have profound impacts on our physical and mental health.
These three states work in a specific hierarchical order. The ventral vagal state is where we feel safe and adaptable. Moving smoothly between these states is key to building resilience and recovering from challenges.
The Vagus Nerve: A Key Player in Healing
The vagus nerve, the 10th cranial nerve, plays a pivotal role in regulating our body’s essential functions and emotional states. As the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, it influences critical functions such as heart rate, digestion, and immune response. It also helps us connect with others through its role in the social engagement system.
Interestingly, 80% of the vagus nerve’s fibers send sensory information from the body to the brain. This means our body constantly communicates its state to our brain, shaping how we feel and respond.
For example, a sense of unease in the stomach or a racing heart may signal stress before we are consciously aware of it. This connection highlights why addressing vagal health is so necessary for managing stress and fostering healing.
Understanding Human Responses
Polyvagal theory helps us understand why we respond the way we do in different situations. Humans have three primary pathways that influence our reactions:
1. Ventral Vagal Pathways
These pathways support feelings of safety and connection. When activated, we are calm, grounded, and able to engage socially. Our heart rate slows, digestion functions well, and we feel ready to connect with others.
2. Sympathetic Pathways
When a threat is perceived, these pathways prepare us to act. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive system to our muscles, our heart rate increases, and we feel ready to fight or flee. This response is automatic and essential for survival but can become harmful if prolonged.
3. Dorsal Vagal Pathways
When a threat feels too overwhelming, these pathways take over, leading to a state of immobilization or shutdown. This can look like extreme fatigue, disconnection, or even fainting. While protective in the short term, being stuck in this state can contribute to chronic health issues.
These pathways work together to help us navigate our environment. However, chronic stress, trauma, or unresolved emotional pain can cause dysregulation, leaving us stuck in fight-or-flight or shutdown modes. Understanding these responses is the first step toward healing.
Polyvagal Theory and Chronic Illness
Chronic illnesses such as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), fibromyalgia, chronic Lyme disease, and long COVID often stem from prolonged nervous system dysregulation. When the nervous system is stuck in a state of sympathetic overdrive or dorsal vagal shutdown, it disrupts critical physiological processes:
- Immune Dysregulation: Chronic stress suppresses immune function, leaving the body vulnerable to infections and inflammation.
- Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: The vagus nerve’s role in digestive health means dysregulation can exacerbate conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and leaky gut.
- Cardiovascular Strain: Prolonged activation of the fight-or-flight response increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
Understanding these patterns through the lens of polyvagal theory allows individuals and practitioners to target the root causes of chronic illness rather than merely addressing symptoms.
Healing Through Vagal Toning
Vagal toning refers to activities that stimulate and strengthen the vagus nerve, promoting a shift toward the ventral vagal state. Incorporating these practices into daily life can enhance nervous system flexibility and resilience:
1. Breathwork: Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, and alternate nostril breathing activate the vagus nerve and reduce stress.
2. Meditation and Mindfulness: These practices foster calm awareness, emotional regulation, and improved vagal tone.
3. Cold Exposure: Brief exposure to cold (e.g., splashing cold water on the face or cold showers) stimulates the vagus nerve and boosts autonomic flexibility.
4. Vocalization: Singing, humming, and chanting engage the vagus nerve through its connection to the vocal cords, promoting relaxation and connection.
5. Safe Social Connection: Positive interactions with others reinforce feelings of safety and trust, activating the ventral vagal state.
Through consistently engaging in these practices, individuals can retrain their nervous systems to respond to challenges more adaptively.
Trauma, Stress, and the Window of Tolerance
Trauma profoundly impacts the nervous system, often narrowing an individual’s window of tolerance—the range of emotional and physiological states they can navigate without becoming dysregulated. A narrowed window leaves individuals more vulnerable to stress and less able to function optimally.
For instance, unresolved trauma may cause someone to oscillate between hyperarousal (sympathetic activation) and hypoarousal (dorsal vagal shutdown). This cycle perpetuates emotional reactivity, avoidance behaviors, and chronic illness symptoms.
Polyvagal-informed therapies, such as somatic experiencing, help expand the window of tolerance by safely processing trauma and building nervous system resilience. These approaches empower individuals to reclaim balance and connection.
Polyvagal Theory in Clinical Practice
Many healthcare practitioners now integrate polyvagal theory into their work to address nervous system dysregulation. Examples include:
- Mental Health Therapy: Therapists use polyvagal-informed techniques to create safe environments that promote co-regulation, where a patient’s nervous system attunes to another’s calm state.
- Functional Medicine: Practitioners address gut-brain axis dysfunction and chronic inflammation by targeting vagus nerve health.
- Mind-Body Programs: These programs teach clients vagal toning exercises, mindfulness practices, and stress management strategies to enhance well-being.
The Role of Co-Regulation in Healing
Humans are social creatures, and our nervous systems are designed to co-regulate with others. Co-regulation means that when we feel safe, we send safety cues to those around us, helping them feel safe as well. This dynamic is essential for building trust, fostering connection, and supporting healing.
Conversely, isolation can be traumatic. As Dr. Porges explains, “To connect and co-regulate with others is our biological imperative.” Whether through supportive relationships, group programs, or therapeutic interventions, creating opportunities for co-regulation is a powerful tool for nervous system healing.
Closing Thoughts on Polyvagal Theory and Chronic Illness
Polyvagal theory offers a revolutionary framework for understanding the interplay between our nervous system and chronic illness. Through addressing the root causes of stress and trauma, we can unlock the potential for root-cause healing.
If you’re ready to explore these transformative approaches, our Mind Body Program provides unparalleled guidance and support. Including principles of Polyvagal Theory, our program helps you develop nervous system flexibility through expertly designed practices, personalized coaching, and a supportive community. If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, discover how to expand your window of tolerance, restore a sense of safety, and finally get to root-cause healing.
Your healing and wellness journey begins here. Let’s take the first step together.
Join Our Mind Body Program for Polyvagal Theory and Vagal Tone Healing
The Nutrition with Judy practice is honored to be the trusted mind-body practitioner support serving patients from around the globe. We’re passionate about helping our patients achieve root-cause healing in order to lead the best quality of life possible that’s nearly symptom-free. Our team of functional mind-body practitioners, holistic nutritional therapy practitioners, and clinical therapists have developed our renowned Mind Body Program to support root-cause healing protocols and polyvagal theory. Join our Mind Body Program today.
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DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only. While we are board-certified in holistic nutrition and are nutritional therapy practitioners, we are not providing medical advice. Whenever you start a new diet or protocol, always consult with your trusted practitioner first.