Dr. Stephen Porges developed the Polyvagal theory based upon his observations of human physiology, where the relaxation response was found to be linked with the myelinated vagus. He also refers to this as the "smart vagus", because this nerve is correlated with social communication and affective regulation. Through including additional myelin sheath around this nerve, the human organism accelerates nerve transmission to the rate required for social bonding. The other vagal pathways, which are not myelinated, transmit nerve signals more slowly, so these are not heavily involved with social interactions.
The Polyvagal theory posits that individuals regulate both themselves and others through brain to brain communication, which includes facial expression and vocalizations. Therefore, a warm, relaxed affect within one person triggers a similar response in the myelinated vagus of another person when they see the relaxed facial expression. That is, one person's physiological state triggers a similar physiological state in another observer. Porges believes this is mediated through the myelinated vagus.
The Polyvagal theory has also been involved in trauma healing theories, where the myelinated vagus may be regulated through heart rate variability and respiratory training protocols. That is, through regulating respiration and increasing heart rate variability, individuals may generate balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve responses, which are mediated through the myelinated vagus.
Dr. Porges discussed this subject with Erik Lenderman in a video hosted at the University of Indiana's video archives. This is located at the following link:
https://media.dlib.indiana.edu/media_objects/8k71nq59m
Lenderman has suggested this content may be of value for those who are interested in learning more about human physiology as related to psychology and self regulation.
To return to the home page, please click the link at the top of this page.
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Question: Do you have any Stanford University data on the benefits of nature for the brain?
Erik Lenderman: "Stanford University research has shown how preserving open spaces is critical for promoting psychological resilience and wellbeing. Their brain laboratory found increased activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex (sgPFC) when subjects are in an urban environment, which is correlated with degraded psychological function (i.e. Too much stimulus). However, when subjects walked through a natural space near Stanford's campus, the subjects exhibited reduced sgPFC activity (i.e. Soothing physiological correlates that could promote psychological resilience). Therefore, we must preserve the natural environment and encourage more students and business executives to spend time on our trails." (Study available on request)
The Polyvagal theory posits that individuals regulate both themselves and others through brain to brain communication, which includes facial expression and vocalizations. Therefore, a warm, relaxed affect within one person triggers a similar response in the myelinated vagus of another person when they see the relaxed facial expression. That is, one person's physiological state triggers a similar physiological state in another observer. Porges believes this is mediated through the myelinated vagus.
The Polyvagal theory has also been involved in trauma healing theories, where the myelinated vagus may be regulated through heart rate variability and respiratory training protocols. That is, through regulating respiration and increasing heart rate variability, individuals may generate balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve responses, which are mediated through the myelinated vagus.
Dr. Porges discussed this subject with Erik Lenderman in a video hosted at the University of Indiana's video archives. This is located at the following link:
https://media.dlib.indiana.edu/media_objects/8k71nq59m
Lenderman has suggested this content may be of value for those who are interested in learning more about human physiology as related to psychology and self regulation.
To return to the home page, please click the link at the top of this page.
-------------------------
Question: Do you have any Stanford University data on the benefits of nature for the brain?
Erik Lenderman: "Stanford University research has shown how preserving open spaces is critical for promoting psychological resilience and wellbeing. Their brain laboratory found increased activity in the subgenual prefrontal cortex (sgPFC) when subjects are in an urban environment, which is correlated with degraded psychological function (i.e. Too much stimulus). However, when subjects walked through a natural space near Stanford's campus, the subjects exhibited reduced sgPFC activity (i.e. Soothing physiological correlates that could promote psychological resilience). Therefore, we must preserve the natural environment and encourage more students and business executives to spend time on our trails." (Study available on request)