When we experience chronic stress, burnout, or trauma, our bodies remember. Even when we logically know we are safe, our central nervous system can remain locked in hypervigilance or physical exhaustion.
1. What Is Polyvagal Theory?
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory explains how our vagus nerve regulates our internal sense of safety and danger. Our autonomic nervous system is constantly reading subcortical cues in our environment, our relationships, and our bodies.
2. The Three Autonomic Nervous System States
Our nervous system operates across three primary states: Ventral Vagal (the safe, calm, and socially connected state), Sympathetic (the active fight or flight state driven by anxiety or anger), and Dorsal Vagal (the shutdown or freeze state driven by numbness and burnout).
3. Understanding Neuroception and Emotional Triggers
Neuroception is our brain's involuntary background scanner. When neuroception detects conflict or environmental stress, it triggers physiological fight or flight shifts before our conscious mind has time to analyze the situation.
4. Somatic Exercises for Daily Nervous System Calm
As a Registered Nurse and LMFT, Christine Ochimas teaches clients practical body centered techniques such as vagal toning, rhythmic diaphragm breathing, and co regulation exercises to gently guide the body back to ventral vagal peace.