Understanding Somatic Trauma Healing: Applied Polyvegal Theory

Understanding Somatic Trauma Healing: Applied Polyvegal Theory:

Somatic trauma healing, often grounded in Polyvagal Theory, is an approach to trauma recovery that focuses on the body’s response to traumatic experiences and how to regulate the nervous system to promote healing and resilience. Let’s break down the key components:

1. Somatic Trauma Healing: Somatic means related to the body, and in the context of trauma healing, it refers to the understanding that trauma affects not only the mind but also the body. Trauma can become stored in the body in various ways, leading to physical sensations, symptoms, and emotional distress. Somatic trauma healing aims to address and release this stored trauma from the body.
2. Polyvagal Theory: Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the Polyvagal Theory is a neurobiological framework that explains how the autonomic nervous system (ANS) responds to stress and trauma. It highlights the role of the vagus nerve and how it influences our physiological and emotional responses to threats.
   • Vagus Nerve: The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and plays a crucial role in regulating our autonomic nervous system. It has two main branches: the ventral vagus (associated with social engagement and safety) and the dorsal vagus (linked to immobilization and shutdown responses). The ventral vagus is responsible for promoting a state of safety and social connection, while the dorsal vagus is associated with freeze and collapse responses.
   • Fight-Flight-Freeze Responses: In response to a threat, the autonomic nervous system can trigger various physiological and emotional responses. These include the fight-or-flight response, characterized by increased heart rate and arousal, and the freeze response, characterized by immobilization and a sense of dissociation. The Polyvagal Theory helps us understand how these responses relate to the vagus nerve’s function.

Applied Polyvagal Theory in Somatic Trauma Healing involves:

1. Regulation of the Nervous System: One of the primary goals is to help individuals regulate their nervous systems. This can involve exercises, practices, and therapies that help activate the ventral vagus, which promotes a sense of safety and connection. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and certain bodywork approaches can be used to help regulate the nervous system.
2. Resourcing: Somatic trauma healing often emphasizes the importance of “resourcing.” This means helping individuals identify and cultivate inner and external resources that can help them feel safe and grounded. This might include developing a supportive social network, finding safe spaces, and engaging in self-care activities.
3. Reconnecting with the Body: Trauma can lead to dissociation from the body, and somatic trauma healing encourages individuals to reconnect with their bodily sensations and emotions. This may involve body-centered therapies, movement practices, and grounding exercises.
4. Trauma Release: Somatic techniques can help individuals release stored trauma from the body. This can be done through practices that encourage the safe expression of emotions and sensations related to the traumatic experiences.
5. Integration: Ultimately, the goal is to integrate the mind and body, allowing individuals to process their trauma and move toward healing and resilience. This may involve various therapeutic modalities, including talk therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and other trauma-informed approaches.

It’s important to note that somatic trauma healing is a comprehensive approach that can be tailored to an individual’s specific needs and experiences. Additionally, it often involves working with trained professionals who have expertise in trauma and somatic therapy.

Shervan K Shahhian