Here is my new post exploring what polyvagal theory is and how it relates to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome.
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Table of Contents
What is Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal theory, developed by Stephen Porges, describes how the autonomic nervous system regulates feelings of safety and how these feelings can support social interactions. Polyvagal theory can help explain social, emotional, and communication behaviors and disorders. It can also help explain how trauma can cause physical symptoms and can help people build resilience and regulation.
Neuroception – is the term in Polyvagal Theory for how the nervous system evaluates risk through an involuntary neural process called neuroception.
What is the ANS?
The primary role of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is to keep us alive, especially in response to stress. The ANS regulates essential bodily processes, including heart rate, breathing, and digestion. The ANS operates below our conscious awareness, meaning it works without us having to think about it.
Core Principles of Polyvagal Theory
According to Polyvagal Theory, the Autonomic Nervous System Has Three States. Polyvagal Theory describes three hierarchical states in the ANS, driven by evolutionary adaptations:
Ventral Vagal State (Safety and Social Engagement):
- When we feel safe, the ventral vagus nerve (part of the parasympathetic nervous system) is active.
- This state promotes calmness, connection, and the ability to engage socially.
- Characteristics: Slow heart rate, relaxed breathing, and a sense of well-being.
Sympathetic State (Fight or Flight):
- When we perceive danger, the sympathetic nervous system activates to prepare for action (fighting or fleeing).
- Characteristics: Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and heightened alertness.
Dorsal Vagal State (Shutdown/Freeze):
- When the threat feels overwhelming or inescapable, the dorsal vagus nerve (another part of the parasympathetic system) triggers a shutdown response to conserve energy.
- Characteristics: Lethargy, disconnection, reduced heart rate, and immobilization.
- These states are hierarchical, meaning the body first seeks safety (ventral vagal), then mobilization (sympathetic), and finally immobilization (dorsal vagal) if the threat persists.
What is nervous system dysregulation?
Nervous system dysregulation refers to an imbalance within the body’s nervous system, disrupting its ability to appropriately respond to stimuli, often manifesting as physical and emotional symptoms due to an overactive “fight or flight” response and an inability to properly transition to a “rest and digest” state. Essentially, it’s when the body’s internal alarm system becomes overly sensitive and can’t regulate itself effectively, leading to symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Nervous system dysregulation is often at the root of MCAS.
Vagus nerve health
The “vagal” part of Polyvagal Theory refers to the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the human body, running from the cranium, around the digestive system and lungs. It passes through the neck via the vocal cords and passes around the major organs of the liver, spleen, pancreas, heart, and lungs. The vagus nerve is an integral part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is key to our capacity to rest, digest, calm, and soothe.
Having a healthy vagus nerve enables you to adapt to stressful situations, helps regulate cortisol and blood sugar levels, and is associated with feeling more relaxed. Having a healthy vagus nerve equates to a higher vagal tone, whereas a low vagal tone is related to many maladies, including heart disease, diabetes, mood disorders, inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune dysfunction.
What is MCAS?
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) is a chronic condition that affects all organ systems. It can cause severe, disabling symptoms every day, including potentially fatal anaphylaxis. MCAS often occurs with other chronic conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Managing MCAS is challenging because many healthcare providers are unaware of it, and diagnostic tests can be unreliable. Treatments involve using antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and avoiding triggers. Check out this post on how to manage MCAS.
Top-down or bottom-up?
There are two types of therapies for healing the vagus nerve or nervous system dysfunction, and they are classified as top-down or bottom-up.
Top-down therapies work with your thoughts and beliefs while bottom-up therapies work with the body’s physiological responses.
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is considered a “bottom-up” therapy technique, as it primarily focuses on regulating the autonomic nervous system through sensory input via the auditory system, directly impacting the body’s physiological state before addressing cognitive thoughts or emotions.
How does Polyvagal theory compare to Sacred Self-Healing?
I’ve read a lot about Polyvagal Theory while researching and writing my three books on the Sacred Self-Healing Method because trauma healing was such a big part of healing my chronic illnesses. Polyvagal Theory is woven into my books on the Sacred Self-Healing Method, along with the need to address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of trauma for self-healing.
The Sacred Self-Healing Method and Polyvagal Theory both share a focus on understanding and supporting the body’s innate ability to regulate itself and heal. Their similarities include
- Mind-Body Connection
The Sacred Self-Healing Method incorporates holistic practices like meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, and spiritual exploration to align the mind, body, and spirit. It emphasizes self-awareness and nurturing the inner self with simple movements, vagus nerve toning exercises, meditation, and forgiveness. Like Polyvagal Theory, the Sacred Self-Healing Method explores how the autonomic nervous system (ANS), particularly the vagus nerve, influences our emotional and physiological states. It highlights the importance of recognizing bodily signals and using practices (e.g., deep breathing) to regulate emotional and physiological responses. - Emphasis on Safety and Regulation
The Sacred Self-Healing Method encourages creating a safe inner and outer environment for self-exploration and healing. Practices like grounding, affirmations, or rituals are designed to promote feelings of safety and trust within oneself. Like Polyvagal Theory, the Sacred Self-Healing Method describes how feelings of safety are essential for the nervous system to move into a state of social engagement and healing including neuroception. - Trauma and Emotional Healing
The Sacred Self-Healing Method addresses past trauma and emotional wounds through introspection (like looking at the client’s biography), forgiveness, and spiritual practices. The focus is on releasing stored emotional energy to achieve holistic wellness. Like Polyvagal Theory, the Sacred Self-Healing Method provides a framework for understanding and working with trauma to return to balance. - Techniques to Foster Regulation
The Sacred Self-Healing Method includes techniques such as guided visualization, sound healing, and breathwork, all of which can influence the nervous system and promote relaxation and healing. Like Polyvagal Theory, the Sacred Self-Healing Method uses practical tools like vagus nerve stimulation, rhythmic breathing, and body-based practices (e.g., yoga, humming) to shift the nervous system into a state of calm and connection. - Empowerment Through Self-Awareness
The Sacred Self-Healing Method encourages individuals to take responsibility for their healing journey, fostering self-awareness and empowerment through intentional practices. Like Polyvagal Theory it offers a framework to help individuals understand their physiological states and responses, empowering them to actively engage in their healing and self-regulation.
While Sacred Self-Healing leans more into spiritual and holistic approaches and Polyvagal Theory is rooted in neuroscience, both converge on the idea that healing is possible when individuals learn to regulate their internal states and create conditions for safety and connection.
The bucket theory
The bucket theory simplifies understanding symptom reactions with MCAS. Imagine your body as an empty bucket you don’t want to overflow. Reactions to various stimuli fill the histamine bucket at different rates, forming the total histamine level (how full your bucket is). More histamine means more symptoms. By managing triggers, reducing exposures, and taking medications and supplements, you can control your bucket’s level.
Know your typical symptom progression
Knowing your symptom progression in a symptom flare is the key to developing your rescue plan. This post discusses how to recognize your symptom progression so you can be prepared to address those symptoms.
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Sign up for the SSP!
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a listening therapy based on Polyvagal Theory that helps heal nervous system regulation. Many people with MCAS have nervous system dysregulation stemming from infections, toxic exposures, concussions, and trauma. The SSP is an easy-to-use app where you listen to specially filtered music for 30 minutes each day for a 5-hour cycle. Studies show the SSP has a profound effect on mental health and chronic conditions
You can sign up for the SSP here!
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Rocks and Roots chronicles my journey solo backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail and overcoming nervous system dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome symptoms to hike 328 miles successfully.
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Disclaimer
The preceding material does not constitute medical advice. This information is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, cure or treatment. Always seek advice from your medical doctor.
