Polyvagal Theory Explained Simply

[@SukieBaxter]

What do you think is the most interesting part of Polyvagal Theory? How will this understanding of your body's stress response help you to better navigate your life?

[@Ddub1556]

I constantly move from stress to depression and finally know why. After years of attempted support from counselors, doctors, and coaches I've never heard of this theory until now. I used to think I just needed to "chill out" more, yet this felt even more unfulfilling to me usually and I couldn't understand why. I've always felt fearful around other people yet I'm an extrovert so that's been interesting. Your video gave me clarity around myself and what's going on under the surface. Next time I'm stressed I'm going to focus on seeking authentic human connection

[@44soma]

I never realized that my anxiety predated 'thinking' - that the nervous system was triggering it so unconsciously. YOU explain things well and later my husband will watch this with me. We wish we understood this while we were practicing psychotherapists.

[@LenaP1998]

Sorry typo ... my dizziness has not gone away in months also after receiving bad news recently it became worse, then a few weeks after more bad news I had another vertigo attack...

[@patriciamorgan2501]

Yes. Thank you!!!

[@annemehr9680]

I really like your information. I have been applying some of the exercises with success. Thank you. However, a comment re the music: it's awful and very weird. I don't understand why you have music in the background at all for your videos, much less the strange choice in the videos I have watched so far. Is it a marketing thing?? For content-rich technical/instructional videos like yours, the music/noise in the background distracts from your content and delivery - which I think happens to be very good overall. I'm on the autism spectrum so my neurology is already keyed up. I have to pause the videos to get through them. The music makes me nervous, a little sick to my stomach and my back muscles tense up even more - so then I really need your exercises!! Please make more videos, but please lose the music. ANY music. Your presentation and content are more than enough! Keep up the otherwise really good work! I'll subscribe based on your content and to support more videos - sans music if you please.

[@jamesweb4898]

Its funny how there is no doctor that will attempt to explain this to you but just tell you that you are just stressed or you just have anxiety. Thank you very much for this. A big eye opener.

[@oscarwhitehead3546]

Polyvagal theory is not generally part of medical school curricula, but if you speak to a doctor who works with persistent pain, it is likely that they will at least be aware and able to offer an explanation; maybe even exercises and/or a referral... :-)

[@Kellystella97]

Treu but if they would though … they’d know you be healing something at the root instead they rather just re patch the wound as to have you pay more often

[@rickw7903]

Interesting THEORY ; )

[@taylordarnell1416]

That’s because doctors won’t make money off of people if they aren’t prescribing pills, curing people hurts their pockets

[@No-ky3kb]

That's because it isn't accepted scientifically

[@webds]

Yes! Thank you! I've been in fight or flight since i was a child and it is hard to explain to people that my chronic tension and pain cant be controlled by my thoughts and that my body just doesn't remember ever being relaxed. Glad i found your channel!

[@ajl2232]

I wonder what it is like to be truly relaxed too. I think my vagus nerve has been affected after an injury so I am sensitive to stress. Look into that too.

[@atiger4716]

It is a really profitable Business to speak about thought and even therapy that doesn't help but keep the client stuck in circles. That is the reason for many self help books to exist or so many branch of psychology that even contradict each other.

[@mariearchambeault145]

Woah Me Even when I am relaxing my body is tight and ready to jump at any moment

[@terabyte6166]

Same here. Even meditation for me does not work. Just a few of these simple routines from Sukie changed me and it was immediate.

[@TheAttackTaitan]

I noticed that childhood trauma tends to manifest as physical pain more so in women than it does in men. Because I went through a lot of trauma as a child and have ASD but I've never experienced chronic pain like many women I know who had similar experiences.

[@henryahoy]

The KZbin gods brought me here after learning about The Body Keeps the Score, trauma & why talking to a therapist doesn't help. Your information is so clear and precise I genuinely congratulate you for your incisive and intelligent explanations. I'm so grateful.

[@ksweet696]

Have you heard Peter Levine? He's wonderful.

[@lesleymelendez5554]

that book is like my bible. Van der Kolk is a genius

[@vg7083]

@@lesleymelendez5554 I love ❤️ him too

[@KiroPhoto]

Ohhhh...now I want to look up “The Body Keeps the Score”. Thanks! I have never benefitted from talking to a therapist and I’d love to know what that’s all about.

[@cmo5150]

I don’t think it was a point of The Body Keeps the Score that “talking to a therapist doesn’t help.” That’s a pretty nasty generalization.

[@KarenLorre]

We are not victims of our brains, nor our nervous systems. Growing up, I had intense trauma, CPTSD, Panic attacks anxiety, narcolepsy and chronic pain. I was stuck in that sympathetic physiology for decades. I was trained by therapists and psychiatrists that I was a victim of my body and brain. When I took total responsibility for how I feel, my whole physiology shifted. I am now super calm, happy, playful, funny, light, energized, easy, connected, and successful. We can shift our perspective and our brains and nervous system will change as well. I have healed all the issues I had and now am in love with everyone and everything. We can heal from anything. Thanks for explaining this. I may have healed my Vagus nerves through the intuitive practices I did. I def healed my whole brain. Now my amygdala and adrenals and my whole system is drenched in love and security. Life is soooo fun.

[@viniquoz]

This is so lovely to hear. What did you do to get better?

[@tanyawieczorek6603]

What intuitive practices, please? What did you do exactly, to heal?

[@joyhancock8596]

This explains why even when I have had no stressors in my life, I still feel incredibly stressed! It's like being stuck in a state even though you try to tell yourself to chill.

[@leoniphelan5278]

Agree

[@sidlerm1]

My biggest wow moment was the "you can't control your body (or your mind I guess) with your mind. I am super cerebral so it was kind of a shock lol. So your mind can't tell your body to relax. Breathing exercices will do this for you and your body will signal to your brain to calm tf down. Which will in turn relax your body. We get it the wrong way around by thinking the mind is where the process starts, it's actually in the body;-) knowing this allows to start an amazing journey

[@marianmartin9441]

@@leoniphelan5278 me also!

[@debbielefleur-gilley8976]

Me too!😮

[@debbielefleur-gilley8976]

Wow!! ❤ THANKYOU!! I'm looking forward to more videos from you!! THANKYOU for not telling us we are just stressed and crazy!! 😢

[@airenmoonwolf2520]

As a sufferer of CPTSD this explains SO MUCH. I loved how you explain that there's no way to talk to your polyvagal system...it was created before speech (we think at least) so it makes sense that there's a limit to how helpful self talk is. Finally something I can DO to help my body calm down and realize the world is not actually a horrible dangerous place. Maybe for the first time in my life I can learn how to relax from a nervous system level.

[@SukieBaxter]

I love this, Airen! I’m glad you found your way here!

[@rachelkingsley668]

Have you looked at EMDR also for the CPTSD? It’s a “rewiring” system which bypasses the need to speak about trauma but processes the trauma quickly from the amygdala to the verbal part of the brain.

[@zonderbaar]

self talk can help, not for the words but for the warm, caring and empathic energy You direct to yourself

[@ANANDALEEMA]

@@zonderbaar The therapist is a witness to your life story and having someone witness it all through your telling about what happened to you is the crucial part of psychotherapy. This is what I have found both as a client and a therapist (now retired).

[@Chingon6969]

“C”PTSD isn’t a diagnosis found in the DSM5-TR.

[@fmcanene]

As a person who has experienced complex trauma, I found that your exercises are the first time I have ever experienced a state of relaxation, probably in my whole life. These exercises are so good, I'm doing them daily and I find they really put me in a state of feeling calm. Thank you!

[@williamgreen2673]

Find a PRI physical therapist.

[@thuriaramadan7336]

❤🎉please send me a link to the exercises 😊🔦

[@jmc8076]

@@thuriaramadan7336 All on this channel for you to find and use.

[@francescoromito198]

Which exercises?

[@kathyrajecki2555]

Where do o find the exercises

[@sheilasmith1109]

I’ve known that I’ve been in sympathetic dominance for years after suffering from a terrible domestic violence abuser and the trauma he caused to me until I escaped! I’ve been searching for something to help my autonomic nervous system relax and get into the parasympathetic rest state. Following your two videos on this subject has been the first time I’ve actually felt it starting to release! You’re really a great instructor! I’m planning to share your site with my psychologist who’s really helped me, but ADDING your knowledge and directions is what I have been searching for! I can’t thank you enough!

[@veryskeptical2409]

Sheila You would be wise to change you monicker and become anonymous. No reason to identify yourself to the world. Love ...

[@leonafanning8566]

I have been through the experience & other traumas. Justin Caffery's videos & Dr Brí of FemFusion also helped me a great deal. You really need to disconnect your Soul Ties also. Everything is available on KZbin. God bless Leona

[@angiebaby1976]

Thank you both for speaking up. I've been out of the abusiveness for almost 10 years now, & this truly sounds like exactly what I need & have been searching for for many years longer!! Thank you for the other suggestions for more info too!! Best wishes!!

[@ann5944]

this allows me to understand my dad more... how intense depression could give way to such outbursts when he was activated. my little self deserved more from her parent, but this allows more empathy to come in. he was in such deep sympathetic/dorsal survival. thank you 💓

[@dfun13]

As someone who has experienced childhood trauma and grew up anxious, this is such a helpful way of understanding what's happening. As a yoga instructor, I've been studying trauma, the psoas and the body for years and found your explanation of the Polyvagal Theory to be relatable and clear. Thank you for putting this out into the world to help others heal.

[@grits8284]

Are these exercises part of Yoga or something else.

[@Schnüsch-r6b]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@JanetHarrington-s3u]

Right, that is great

[@marial3231]

Wow that “capped” theory is the first time I’ve encountered an actual explanation for why I appear like such an incredibly calm and collected person on the outside yet on the inside there’s WW3 happening. Indeed it’s when I’m feeling especially hopeless and unsafe that I become even more quiet, introverted and “collected”… All spontaneity shuts down and I sort of become almost robotic. People often tell me how wonderfully calm I am and I’ve always been so surprised to hear it because of how I really feel on the inside :(. So happy to have come across your videos Sukie! I’ve never come across a healer-type on KZbin who resonates so much with me. Your approach and understanding is very intellectual without getting lost in explanations or losing the deeper meaning. Absolutely brilliant!

[@lornaconway2380]

Yes

[@marie-claudedupuis2366]

Same here, Maria ! 🙏

[@juleo6873]

Yes!!!

[@AleynaChan8]

Exactly the same state and response for me Maria

[@mariettanoordewier-kenkel5040]

Same here. Thanks!

[@gloriamc8385]

Thank you for saying you can't think your way out, I've long had the feeling that no matter how much therapy or self examination I do, there is something inside that won't let me believe in myself or truly be confident. Your explanation of dorsal vagal shutdown feels life-changing! I'm looking forward to further exploration.

[@Jillady]

I am so grateful for finally being led to this potentially life changing information too! See ya in the comics…comments, whatever lol. 💛🌼🐝

[@juleo6873]

Did you find more helpful exercises?

[@janetsalifeworthliving]

@@juleo6873 I would like to the same thing. At one point I had a yoga instructor who worked in Somatics??? I think it is called that. Soma. Body work. It helped.

[@juleo6873]

@@janetsalifeworthliving thank you 🙏♥️

[@neva.2764]

@@juleo6873 Check out tapping. It works! (Brad Yates channel). It's important to allow yourself to feel safe and to allow yourself to relax.

[@tetethatsme28]

Thank you for this. My therapist told me to look into this, as I was just diagnosed with CPTSD. I'm really struggling with this news and all that it entails and I started crying watching this, not because it's sad but because it explains so much of my behavior I'm not even aware; more so of the diminished energy and the really calm I usually have before blowing up all of a sudden. Sorry to be long winded, I just really appreciated your video and subscribed. Thank you

[@SukieBaxter]

Hey TM, welcome. It's so relieving sometimes to have an explanation of why things are, isn't it? I'm so glad you found your way here. Thank you for subscribing.

[@tootstoyou1]

You weren’t being long winded AT ALL, only expressing genuine appreciation at finding some answers. I’ve just discovered this channel and am really enjoying it. Try the vagus nerve exercises. Very helpful.

[@bcarr1122]

All the best, my friend. :)

[@airenmoonwolf2520]

I felt the same way watching this video TM Williamson! I HATED not knowing why I would go from sort of a numb calm to complete blow up seemingly without warning and over relatively innocent things. Isn't it a relief to know it's not a character flaw but a natural body response to stress?

[@rickspalding3047]

Well where are all her exercises, there has to be more than the four basics I just came across

[@spinnie0]

I really relate so much to this. The way you talk about the capped stress response is exactly how I have always explained what I feel happened to me, but it's so nice to have it confirmed by someone else. I had a period of really extreme chronic stress from a failing relationship for several months, during which I had non stop debilitating pain in my stomach. Over time I felt my body started to overrule the stress response because it was simply not manageable. The physical pain started to go away, but I developed this permanent brain fog and general discomfort in my stomach instead. Even when the relationship stress ended, those symptons remained, it was no longer linked to a specific thought or stressor. I believe that is indeed why I have been unable to get rid of it through conventional therapy. Like you say, people always describe me as appearing extremely calm, but your description of lathargic / lack of agency is much more accurate. It makes it even harder that on the outside nothing seems off, because it means it's hard for people to understand or empathize that I am actually seriously unwell. I hope your exercises can help release some of this trauma so I can finally start to become better.

[@kmcq692]

One thing I am appreciating about all of my forays into, and my my own thoughtful curation of, the flood of KZbin health information I’ve been encountering over the last ten years is how a video like this comes along and succinctly makes connections in a new, almost radical way. Thank you for showing a new paradigm of self understanding that is rooted in my body and in my humanity. Thank you.

[@mariocossa991]

I have watched a lot of videos on PolyVagal Theory and I like this the best, for its clarity , simplicity, and practicality.

[@SukieBaxter]

I'm glad to hear that, Mario!

[@chriscowan8749]

@@SukieBaxter Nice video... I wouldn't mind if you did an even more nerdy one... with diagrams, on the ventral vagal's pathways to the facial muscles, and tone of voice, and heart, which enables us to harmonise with others. Thanks for all the good work.

[@ryan3442]

@@chriscowan8749 Yes, please!

[@Linusrox123]

@@SukieBaxter I would love to see a collaboration with Dr. Huberman

[@SassyST]

I agree 100%!

[@Memeaux2]

As someone on the autism spectrum, I really wonder how much this relates to the neurology of autism spectrum. How much of Stimming is a natural attempt to disrupt and self-regulate back to a ventral state. Thanks so much for this post. You got a sub from me and I’m off to dig deeper

[@EcleticSunnyBunny]

I was literally sitting here stimming about to comment something similar. Since, to our understanding, autism is often so highly related to anxiety and our struggles with regulating in combination with (for many) hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli, it would make a lot of sense that self soothing through stimming is our effort to come down the Vagal latter effectively. As someone who masked for a lot of my life and was ignorant to my own autism until adulthood, even now I find it hard to relax into a state where I even remind myself to stim. I find myself anxiously sitting still trying to self regulate without stimming - and I find no success beyond further agitating myself. But then the moment that I remember that I am “allowed” to do it i have sudden clarity. Once recall how much it helps and start to flutter my fingers or play with the fabric of my shirt or whatever I have access to, it feels like a switch being flicked and I can start to regulate again. And then, stimming isn’t even a conscious activity and once more comes naturally. When I get into an unregulated state of mind/body and I physically try to hold myself together, I neglect my own self soothing techniques. It’s so helpful to consider stimming as a natural self soothing as I continue to work past subconscious masking/self restricting. I wonder if a lot of other people deal with this as well - if so, any thoughts??

[@TheChurchofCacti]

Everyone is autistic now. When I was a kid, the autistic students you could pick out of a lineup. Now they just diagnose anyone as autistic or "on the spectrum". Not to be a jerk, but just like ADHD and Depression people somehow survived for hundreds of thousands of years without needing to know about these words. Big Pharma is playing on peoples natural self. Not everyone is the same. We used to understand that. Now, anything considered abnormal is diagnosed and prescribed.

[@Mysticinalabcoat]

As a neurodivergent person, I gravitated to things that made me feel better. I’m a PT and do biofeedback and other stress Mgmt things. I found that we Stim to come to center and people with excess flow of unrelenting energy may shut down or take drugs that full to self treat.

[@dryfastingclub]

Please look into fasting, specifically dry. Kids can't really dig into it deeply, but Ramadan style fasting might be an option if they are past puberty. Huge vagal activation in a pretty simple way

[@virginiacraft4331]

Just beware of unintentionally initiating an eating disorders. Speaking from firsthand experience here.

[@yogainthehousewithcheryl1524]

As a therapist who specializes in trauma, I thought this was an excellent explanation or what is happening in the body when anxiety is aroused. I have been geeking out in Porgess's theory and find it useful in my EMDR work but I've never tried to explain it like this. Thanks for this great explanation!

[@LondenVR]

Wauw, nice to meet you, I am also a psychotraumatologist, but in Belgium. Using EMDR in therapy.

[@ruthtait9440]

Excellent clear explanation, especially the shutdown cap on the fight or flight response. Did your ear exercise too really great. I'll be watching more of these.

[@jessbrown24]

The Dorsal Vagal makes a ton of sense. Especially if you are forced to function at "normal" capacity while dealing with PSTD - your body then needs to shut down once you've reached your max. It's frustrating as part of the process of healing but totally makes sense.

[@cathyfiermonti8401]

YES! I have worked with animal behavior for years and fight and flight are definitely a part of their every day lives, even with domesticated animals. We are no different than that, except we have to live in the everyday world and not react very often. Stress builds up, illness happens and breakdown occurs. You are doing wonderful work here. Please keep it up :)

[@catherinecampinos5331]

Great video! thank you. I'm a 60 year old womyn who has struggled my whole life with depression and pain. A couple of years ago, in my life long search and work to get better, I discovered somatic therapy. A handful of sessions allowed me tremendous progress on which I have continued to build my healing. I am for the first time in my life experiencing true joy and able to feel deep love and connection. Keep spreading the word, it makes a difference!!!

[@conniewolfe4943]

What a GREAT explanation of this theory. I worked with a psychologist who explained this to me and used this as a root of our treatment together (EMDR modifications). I also went to an acupuncture place and asked for NADA needle protocol - it is used in drug addiction, but essentially is a series of needles in your ears that promote ventral vagal nerve action. Thanks so much.

[@conniewolfe4943]

@kailee borklund Yes!!

[@johnmcgaheran3576]

Several times i sought help and all that was asked of me is what my thoughts were. When i said it wasn't connected to my thoughts, they shut me down, and i just walked away. Thank you. I knew that i was correct, but couldn't properly explain myself. I now have something to work with. Luv the channel.

[@davida4769]

Yes. I am an HSP INFJ and empathetic. stress management is necessary for my survival. I often feel other peoples stress. But I also have the ability to calm them down. Your video is giving me tools to use to develop my gift to help other people. I’d like to see more videos on how we interact with people. Thanks.

[@missyscott99]

Just left my career after 19 years of teaching middle school. This information is making so many things clearer! Wow

[@theintangiblealchemist3057]

Wow. I have spent 4 years healing from CPTSD by somehow becoming my own therapist, being able to step outside myself when I’m “triggered” by emotional responses and working through them. It’s been a long 4 years but I am in an amazing place because of the work I’ve been able to do. Thankful for channels like this for helping to define these things better.

[@roberttweten]

I’m having to heal myself too...

[@MelisIliz]

Wow so strong! 💪🏻💪🏻 what do you mean by stepping out of yourself? Do you mean Stepping out of your triggered self and going into your higher self and reacting from that position?

[@theintangiblealchemist3057]

@@MelisIliz I kind of pretend I’m someone else. It’s easier to help others sometimes then it is to help ourselves so I act like I’m dealing with someone who isn’t myself.

[@MelisIliz]

@@theintangiblealchemist3057 thank you 🙏🙏

[@maryc4463]

@@theintangiblealchemist3057 Are you talking about dissociating? Because I dissociate a lot and it's actually not really helpful, although it does feel helpful at the time

[@sfdennis1]

16:00 onward/ effects us on ALL levels physical, mental, emotional....and we can't "positive thinking" our way out of this complex polyvagal response...just brilliant, thank you so much. I've tried SO many things, over SO many years, feeling like I'm a failure at healing or getting "better". Hoping that integrating Polyvagal understandings into my ungoing therapy/recovery will be one of the missing ingredients I've longed for in my healing journey.

[@jacquelineyvonne188]

Oh my god! I have been diagnosed fibromyalgia due to many years of chronic pain and fatigue. I’ve been studying and practicing mind body medicine for months and never heard it explained in this way before. This totally makes sense and your description of the “chill, subdued” person is totally me even though I’m full of anxiety most of the time. I am definitely subscribed and want to know more.

[@Bitachon]

Good for you!

[@ksweet696]

Check out Peter Levine. Somatic Experiencing Therapy.

[@ReclinerBabe]

Yeah, Jaqueline....I'm in an amazed state right now. I'm 88, nearing the end of my journey....and hopeful of figuring out a lifetime of pain before I go. Maybe, just maybe, this is the answer I've been searching for. My fibromyalgia diagnosis was in 1976....I always knew there was something else going on. Naughty Vagus Nerve! Wish you the best on your journey of knowledge....mine was quite a ride. Recliner Babe.

[@ksweet696]

DEFINITELY you guys look up Peter Levine. He's the person who started the whole concept of theraoy for trauma stored in the body. His system is called Somaric Experiencing therapy. The vagal techniques are part of it.

[@richardhall5489]

@@ksweet696 Have you looked into NARM?

[@newfreenayshaun6651]

Thank you! Surely you have helped more than a half-million people with this, add me to that crowd! Ill have to watch this a few times, my concentration is nowhere to be found at the moment. I do feel for the many people who have lived with these problems for many years. My issues seem so small, however devastating they feel compared to those who have suffered for more than just a few months, its amazing what the human body and mind can withstand and survive through! Your message being volunteered to people is truly heroic and a gift that I am super thankful for! I wish i had found you long ago. So glad I have now, maybe I can survive too! ❤🙏 I appreciate you!

[@Kas0n]

I suffer from childhood trauma, that cap you talked about basically describes me over the past 25 years, most of my life, since I was a little girl. No wonder I've got sick, now dealing most recently with a hernia, solar plexus and lower back tension, IBS and longest ago dermatitis, and everyone in my life including me wondered if they were stress related. 🤯

[@Janeintheok]

I hope you're feeling better

[@heatherlentz5872]

Zach Bush MD (Home and KZbin) was talking about the importance of the vagal nerve too recently as another compliment to Sukie’s channel. Your explanations, insights and tips we can apply to our daily lives are truly appreciated Sukie! I’ve suggested your site to several people. Heart, Heather Glen Mills, PA

[@SukieBaxter]

Thanks Heather, I really appreciate that!

[@purplecleo]

OKAY!! Wow! I'm gonna be doing a deep dive into your content this week. I have a plethora of physical and mental issues that despite extensive "work" on over decades, I still struggle with on a daily basis to the point that they impair my ability to function normally, which is complicated by a history of trauma, addiction and so on. Two things you said really struck me and got me excited to think more about what you covered in this video - the first is, "Sensory stimulation that shouldn't be painful can be interpreted as painful by your brain" which I think a lot of people probably have some awareness of but is hard for most people to wrap their minds around if they've never experienced it. It's refreshing as heck to hear a professional person speak on this, because typically I only hear people who are personally in a state of struggle expressing this and not being sure what to do about it. If you were to say "certain stimuli that aren't supposed to be painful cause me physical pain" to your family doctor you probably wouldn't get a helpful response from them. The other thing you said is that these anxiety states are not simply a matter of changing your thoughts. The truth is, as you undoubtedly know, most people who know they have a mental illness and want to get better have done their due diligence to make changes that they are told by other people they should try to make.

[@ericmercer1545]

I'm excited to have discovered your videos. I am finding answers to why I have been miserable for so long and this makes so much sense. Thank you

[@stephenscottjohnson532]

Sukie, thanks for this beautiful and accessible (as in easy to understand) explanation of Polyvagal Theory. I love how you distinguish between physiological and mental and that it's not about changing one's thoughts 🙏

[@raccoola5089]

Wow, this video. You pulled together SO many pieces of my experience and made them make sense as a bigger picture. The pressure cooker lid, the bursts of anger, the molasses energy/stuck feeling, the outward appearance of being calm, the way this state can deeply affect relationships and ability to connect, lack of feeling agency.. and why other methods for addressing all this this might not work or feel like it lasts. I feel really seen, and hopeful. I'm so glad I found your channel, thank you.

[@TwicePea]

I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and I've been struggling with a lot of back pain recently that seems to just stick around no matter what I do with it. I exercise, stretch, apply heat, anti-inflammatory meds etc. I straight up burst into tears on the sympathetic nervous system section where you said back tension is related to activation of this stress system. I've spent five years learning to deal with my fatigue and it's overwhelming to finally be finding answers for why I feel like this all the time. Thank you.

[@djVania08]

I have the same experience. My back actually is influenced by herniated discs but it all goes together in my view. Have you found any relief from CFS/pain or any symptoms? If yes, what were your practices?

[@wildernessdawn]

Look into TMS, dr. Sarno

[@mariadorothea9506]

the most powerful thing was that I can't think myself out of this. That I need to physically interrupt the pattern. thank you :)

[@kathyannk]

Me too. I've been spinning my wheels for years trying to heal mental issues with mental solutions. It's great to understand things from a mental level, but it's all meaningless without this important poly vagal, nervous system information.

[@JerseyLynne]

When anxiety comes from the lower brain up to the higher brain, you have no direct control like when it comes from the higher brain down.

[@astridjaye6224]

Did she say how you interrupt the pattern?

[@UltraFitDancer]

Ok this whole video blew my mind and I’ll have to watch a few times. The part about how back pain can be related to a state of stress made me say “wow” our loud.

[@TheYogaDeck13]

Yes! Thank you! I just did the vagal nerve activation and I had instant relief of my back and neck pain. I was in a car accident and I have been struggling with pain for months.

[@johnmejia4428]

This gives me so much clarity on what happened toward the end of my last marriage with my constant panic attacks and blowups after them. It also explains why they stopped when I no longer lived with my spouse. I suspect some of my aches and pains i've had the last couple years are a result of that. Definitely interesting information thank you for sharing this.

[@paulmartin3024]

As a mental health counselor in a community based clinic I deal with clients who have various difficulties related to anxiety and trauma. Covid has seriously exacerbated symptoms for so many. Your videos and links to additional information are a fascinating new resource I hope to exploit. Thank You.

[@Thelittleclipstore]

I recently had covid and developed a nurological issue Pots. And I feel like I really always had issues with my nervous system but covid made it more extreme so I can heal. Hopefully, cuz I see pots is giving me the exact same symptoms I had as a kid from prolonged stress

[@joannehooper518]

Sukie - I cried watching this!! Because it feels like finally someone understands and normalises what I've been living / struggling with for the last 4 or 5 years

[@jonnybgoode007]

Thanks for Your thorough explanations of these seemingly hidden barriers that I've been experiencing for decades. I will have to Re-watch these Helpful and insightful videos many times. I cannot thank You enough.

[@takiwahki09]

Thank you for this video! For years I've been trying to "read" my way around all the feelings discussed within this discussion. Realizing that I need to deal physically and internally to help myself was an aha! moment for sure. Makes much more sense now. After many years of dealing and struggling, it's great to have come across Sukie Baxter! This is my first video that I have watched, recommended by my therapist, and I can't wait to watch more, learn more, and hopefully work towards a brighter, less stressful and painful life ahead. Just can't describe enough in words how much clarity I have after seeing this one segment! Thank you again Ms. Baxter! *Hugs*

[@grahamlloyd2838]

Thank you for taking the time to explain some rather interesting concepts. I'm in my late 60s and over the period of my life I became more and more anxious and scared. Realizing that wasn't a healthy place to be I started long distance running, changing my diet, and meditating. But I still felt that I wanted to do more to live a happy, healthy life. I've subscribed to your channel because I think that your information could move me further along to letting go of being so scared.

[@sabinelloyd8532]

I also find now that I am in my 60s past stresses and trauma are catching up. When I was younger I just powered through it all.

[@juleo6873]

@@sabinelloyd8532 yep, If the need to power through lessens, its kind of creeping up!

[@heatherlentz5872]

For an introvert, you have put together a wonderful body of knowledge and easy to try neurological and body awareness exercises Sukie. My 16 year old daughter has been suffering from gut pain and anxiety for several years now and although she tries to reassure herself and talk herself through the bouts of anxiety, the tools you are sharing may help her help herself for easily. This also helps me understand my own single mom stress states too, to take better care of myself also. With sincere gratitude, Mom Heather Glen Mills, PA

[@bluefernlove]

A way to manage anxiety, is a very simple breathing technique. You breathe in deeply through your nose for let's say, for example, 4 or 5 seconds. You hold it for 7, and you breathe out slowly for 4 or 5 seconds. It really helps.

[@tedmom3029]

Try Coherent Breathing as another modality.

[@totalhorse6987]

These videos produced a breakthrough for me. Pain and trauma don't just go away at the hospital or in the therapy. It's so depressing dealing with people who don't respect the injury, who invalidate. It's isolating. People don't understand. People are difficult. Dr Ramani has helped me a lot in understanding other people and myself. These videos about the vagus nerve validate my experience and improve my quality of life. In the last week I've made more progress than in the last year. Thank you Sukie. Vagus naps are incredible. Vagus stimulation is a sedative. My back and neck thank you. I'm going to try to go back to work. Incredible. Thank you.

[@nateroscoe8012]

Awesome!

[@tuckyoubch]

This theory and the related exercises have honestly changed my life. The first time I did the basic exercise, literal years of shoulder and neck tension just melted away. Love your channel, thanks for such an easy to understand explanation!

[@natjackson4880]

Yes. I've just discovered your channel and your videos are a revelation. I love the concept of having a physiological pathway to manage stress and emotions. My brain is just so tired and exhausted to think and reason most of the time, and cognitive therapy can feel so grueling and laborious. Being aware of this way to bypass thoughts by taking a physiological pathway is an absolute Godsend. It really works, very quickly. I can't thank you enough for providing such invaluable resources.

[@vickysharma754]

I felt very comfortable and relaxed after a very long time after doing the exercises which were taught in previous exercise. Thanks a lot. I felt life in me.

[@SukieBaxter]

I love this so much, Vicky!

[@wkrapek]

I’ve told people for years that “I’ve therapied until I’m blue.“ Now I know why it wasn’t very helpful! I’ve also been following your polyvegal reset videos and somatic meditation. Hope this works!

[@BluesJesus1959]

Sukie: Congratl! I fell in love with evolutionary psychology and evolutionary biology. I just started my therapy based in polyvagal therapy with a very good dame therapist in Mexico. Greetings for everybody!

[@SukieBaxter]

That's awesome, Jesús! I'm glad you found a great resource. Thanks for being here, and I look forward to seeing your thoughts in the comments on future videos!

[@a.maya12]

Hola. Puedes compartir el nombre de la terapeuta en México ? Could you please share the name of the therapist in México?

[@OmegaMochi]

I really enjoy the way she talks and her format for the videos. Instantly was able to notice the tension in the shoulders and relax them

[@freyaj.6746]

Finally, a fully useful and clearly explained polyvagal theory. Ive been looking for such an explanation for the past 3 years. Thank you,oh, so much. Bless your heart!

[@DrGlennChiarello]

a couple of things that are often overlooked but contribute to "sympathetic dystrophy" are how we breathe and sleep. Stressful breathing is a 24 hour a day thing but worsens at night. Imagine if we did not know that we are not breathing and or sleeping well but were doing everything else in our power to feel and be well. When I heard about the person who stretches and feels like it is always the first time I felt the need to share.

[@noblethoughts4500]

Why does stressful breathing worsen at night? I have long identified myself as someone who isn't very good at sleeping. I have gradually attributed it to baked in lack of safety issues.

[@DrGlennChiarello]

@@noblethoughts4500 “Safety issues “ is indeed a part of it. I’m thinking about the issues that we cannot identify or recognize because we are either sleeping or trying to sleep. Sympathetic activity can occur because of our own physiology. Specifically when our brain identifies that we may be experiencing a drop on blood oxygen saturation. It will stimulate a sympathetic response in the form of an arousal that we actually sleep through. Sometimes our arousal is in the form of a positional change such as from supine to a side position. Other times it may come in the form of teeth grinding. The typical goal is to get more oxygen in There are various physical things that can be identified clinically to determine if this is happening to you. Sympathetic responses are stress responses as you know, fight or flight essentially is ultimately all about safety

[@williamgreen2673]

Learn to breathe correctly, PRI physical therapy will help.

[@carolinehawkes5364]

Thanks- this is definitely one of the clearest explanations of Polyvagal Theory (clearer than how I was trained to teach it!) The most meaningful bit for me was the explanation of how the states of sympathetic activation and dorsal vagal shutdown interact/interplay and the idea of all three states being present - definitely not an on-off state. Well Done Susie!

[@SukieBaxter]

Thanks, Caroline! Glad the explanation was on point for you!

[@KassandraBrown3]

This is the best explanation of polyvigel theory I've seen so far. Thank you so much! Most interesting is the acknowledgment that dorsal vagal can require a lot of energy trying to keep the sympathetic system down regulated while it's also quite activated. Gas and brake on at the same time is exhausting. And that we will often go through more intense emotional states and expression on the way from dorsal to ventral.

[@Ifnotnowthenwhen-r8s]

Brilliant and lucid description of how the body holds onto energies emotions pain etc without our even realizing that it keeps going on under our surface emotions or attitudes You have found a believer in your therapy..thank you.

[@mariannegriego444]

Thank you for explaining this in a way I can actually understand. This explains so much! As a survivor of childhood trauma I realize that I attract and create stress and drama in my life because it feels normal to be affected by it and at the same time disassociate from it. When you've spent your whole life reacting to situations in the fight or flight response it's hard to shift energy and stay grounded. I'm working on it.

[@joanfox8817]

Hi Sukie. I am a psychotherapist and have been using your videos to educate my clients. They are wonderful. I have also used them myself, most recently to fly, which I hate. They were most helpful! I am also a horsewoman. THANK YOU for your work.

[@julieS3529]

As a PTA with scoliosis, I understand the general neurological connection to my acid reflux, hypersensitivity, anxiety, etc. I am now having a “wow” moment!

[@judithescamilla3729]

And you have to wonder why this isn't used in our schools and foster care programs.

[@hibikiame]

As someone who goes through periods of tense motivation filled with stress, quickly followed by "burnout", the "shutdown" descriptor feels a lot more accurate. Thank you so much for giving me some perspective.

[@yourstateofsoul]

YES! I'm a mental health therapist who has struggled all my life with binge eating. And for the past year I have been regularly unsubscribing from various KZbin voices. You're my first new subscription in a year! I look forward to more videos, more insights. Thanks again.

[@montseg8172]

YES! In my journey through chronic pelvic floor pain, I am rediscovering myself, healing huge emotional wounds, and creating a new social circle. Thanks

[@midnightgreen3924]

Came here to help myself with an assignment for uni but this info actually had such an impact on me! Living with cPTSD and chronic pain, it's all really starting to make sense explained this way. Thanks so much for making it easy for us to understand!

[@newcomedienne]

Thank you, Sukie! This is really valuable information for me. You explain it so clearly and with clarifying examples. You've sent me on a new path to understanding what is going on with me and how to help myself better. I loved your Pain Free at Any Age series. Thank you for that as well.

[@AnneWilkynson]

I've just started learning about this, your talk gives me a further understanding of the concept, I'll probably watch again to pick up more, thank you!

[@merriesand1878]

I've been in therapy off and on for most of my life, and I've just discovered this from working with a naturopath!! I found your videos last night and practiced some exercises. They really calmed me down and I slept great! Thank you😊. I've always felt that what I have experienced in my life (anxiety) has been largely neurological, not just psychological.

[@leilanipolk4350]

I found your channel after working with a couple of clients with Parkinson’s. (As a massage therapist) Their tremors reminded me a lot of being in constant “fight or flight,” activating or sometimes freezing one side of the body. I sent them your videos and one client was able to use the vagus nerve exercise to calm down their tremors enough to start a mediation practice. Thank you so much for this information! Vagus nerve release as a gateway to help these systemic diseases has been a fascinating correlation. Now I’m off to go down the rabbit hole of the books you’ve recommended. Thank you again, so so much!

[@mflow6485]

In Dorsal Vagal shutdown for years. Long periods of rest/isolation haven't resolved things, so I'm really interested in techniques to start moving back into a Ventral Vagal state!

[@magorzatamaek5134]

@Aedan Douglas I've been in shutdown for years. Not even feeling my senses. And all I know is that body work can be helpful but I don't know what that means. Like focusing on my breath or exercising? Where can I find a concrete info on that? Thank you in advance.

[@magorzatamaek5134]

@Aedan Douglas thank you for your response. I'm already in EMDR therapy and I will definitely talk to my therapist about it. And I will definitely focus my attention to somatic work as well. That is so good to know that I can heal and that it's not my fault that years of talking therapies weren't enough. Good luck for you as well.

[@elokubano]

@@magorzatamaek5134 Część Małgorzata. Mateusz here. First of all congrats on taking first steps! I am in a process of searching for EMDR practiciomer in Poland. I would be interested to hear what are your experiences if EMDR so far?

[@pthaloblue100]

Yes, your video was very helpful! I especially appreciated the point that we can't talk to the polyvagal system through speech, we have to use different ways to communicate with that part of ourselves.

[@MilnaAlen]

Learning about polyvagal theory has definitely helped me regulate myself and be more productive. I wish my trauma therapist had taught me this, it wasn't until over a year after therapy an OT taught me to use cold water or fast paced exercise when in hypoarousal.

[@SukieBaxter]

Yeah, our healthcare system is broken in many ways, and one of those is that it views "brain" and "body" therapies as separate branches of medicine. I think this is changing, though, and hopefully we'll see more integrative approaches emerge over the next few years.

[@DarlinDD28]

Thank you for this 🙏🏻 I have been seriously healing my childhood trauma for about 2 1/2 years now and it's been an amazing journey. I've learnt so much and become aware of so much. I've even become a EFT practitioner because I love how it connects talk therapy with the body. I have changed so much in terms of my beliefs, awareness of self, forgiveness etc and I've now naturally realised that I now need to get rid of this deep trauma within my cells that no amount of talking will clear. I've started breathwork and will be looking into the other modalities that will connect me in with this primal state. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@susanburton7985]

This explanation helps me SO MUCH!! I hear about "polyvagal theory" and "co-regulation" all the time. I feel like I finally know what people are talking about. I learned the "on-off" theory of stress response back in the 1980's and have been stuck in that mindset! Your explanation is getting through to me. And now I can see why some people are unaffected by compassion and understanding! They are not in a state to receive it!

[@AnneCozean1]

I've used your technique since I had my head in the toilet Christmas Day and decided I was done with being ruled by my guts. MUCH improvement in 10 days!! How can we understand why the eyes are so important here? Thank you for keeping my head out of the toilet!

[@amyrussell7864]

This was very interesting and insightful. I need to watch this a few more times to get it completely digested. Thank you!

[@jimwheeler9840]

Not as "simple" as I'd anticipated from the name, but I think this explains why counseling and even medication may only accomplish so much. What hit me was the line about being in a certain state and that making the world seem more threatening. Have spent decades feeling as if "life" is just something to be survived day to day, rather than "lived". Lots to learn it seems.

[@Penswordman]

I tried your exercise of Vagus nerve reset, and it seemed quite effective so I came here to hear more about it. Thank you for creating these videos to help people understand this theory in a comprehensible way. I have been forced into a lifelong quest to find ways to make my life manageable, so new perspectives like this are important to me. Due to two devastating genetic conditions, reducing pain and tension and more importantly, not wasting energy on those evil twins is essential to managing my life. That's the second reason I made this post. The first one was to thank you for your efforts, and this second one is to caution you that you may encounter people such as myself, who have underlying conditions, making their core problem outside of what is normal. Because medical science is just recently learning about disease and conditions heretofore only vaguely understood, I personally know all too well that there are many people out there without proper diagnosis of underlying conditions which are causing the very symptoms that you are talking about. My fear is that such people who are desperate for answers might feel measurable help from this theory, only to be let down later when they find they don't fit the mold exactly, and also realize that one theory isn't the complete answer to their struggles. I hope that makes sense to you; it's very difficult to put large concepts into sound bite spaces (such as a single post), which our tech society facilitates so often.

[@brettlewington8952]

One of the best videos I’ve watched in a long time. Brilliantly explained subject matter. Thank you.

[@amberjean8408]

It makes so much sense and you explained it very well. I have fibromyalgia, I can now clearly see the link between complex trauma and this increased pain sensation, fatigue. I am always tense around others, in my therapist office I feel frozen and sedated. I constantly interpret people's faces, voice, tone as threatening. It is absolutely horrible. I am about to start the safe and sound protocol which is a tool to help train the inner ear to hear higher frequencies again. To feel calmer and connect better.

[@djVania08]

Have you made any progress in this regard, Amber?

[@nunilka]

I just discovered your channel and I'm very happy about it!! Thank you so much for spreading all the amazing knowledge we all need so badly!! :)

[@codacreator6162]

This is the final missing piece of the puzzle of CPTSD for me. Turns out it’s a HUGE piece that ties together and makes sense of the mechanism for symptom generation. Thank you!

[@laurenbrown412]

Yes Coda! I feel like that as well. Hope you're doing well on your path to recovery.

[@meganmigues4063]

Thank you for this! I've been been in a perpetual state of fight or flight for pretty much my entire life, and my therapist is starting me on a new path of DBT and recommended researching this theory. This has been incredibly insightful.

[@singingswanholistichealth]

I love your work Sukie! You're one of my go to-s for relief and learning! Clear, simple and yet not compromised.

[@Shirleysara_lifestyle]

YES! wow i needed this this is literally the deeper healing process i need to go thru

[@randomheadful7190]

I am definitely in dorsal vagal shutdown. This is exactly the information I’ve been seeking.

[@ceceliamaryn]

After 8 months of random acid reflux, I found out it was related to my vagus nerve! For the last week or so I found your videos and have been doing vagus nerve toning exercises, no more reflux! I had no idea it was so closely linked to digestion. Fascinating.

[@SukieBaxter]

That’s amazing! I’m so happy to hear that!

[@LenaP1998]

Sometimes when I feel anxious for no reason I notice I have acid reflux, so I just sit back completely relax and say to myself its only tense muscles it will pass its just feels a little weird I’m ok etc. I breathe a few long relaxing breaths and then it passes, If I tense up and freak out it gets so much worse... of course this took a few times to get this to work as I think deep down inside when I first did this I didn’t believe it would pass.. lol

[@LenaP1998]

Also now when I feel the acid reflux my body doesn’t think fear right away it’s no longer in that sensitized state for that acid reflux feeling.. of course still working on how my body responds to other pains and feelings... much luck

[@shigatsu3]

Yes!!! Omg, I’ve been searching for so long, and this explains every single health issues I’ve been dealing with from mental to physical. All tied to one thank god

[@carrie5980]

I really related to the section about dorsal vagal shutdown. I felt like it was describing where I am more often than not. I was really surprised when you said "hyper-mobile joints," because I have that, too. Glad I found your channel!

[@joannesteven3553]

Very very helpful. Thank you. I struggle with social anxiety, and am searching for embodied treatments because, as you point out, cognitive approaches are limited. I'm hoping polyvagal-based approaches can help me.

[@abhijitdan]

Wow. Thanks for de-cluttering this earlier “intimidati’ng” topic for me !!

[@SukieBaxter]

Glad I could help!

[@grapeypear4558]

Yes! Thank you so much. This feels like the very beginning of what I can tell will be a major focus of study for me, likely for the rest of my life! Points of interest that come to mind are: 1) the importance of facial expressions and of being physically close to other humans in order to down regulate fully. Obviously there are major issues with masks and social isolation because of this. If our bodies are constantly perceiving threat (I'm sure a masked face is a hostile face to our primal selves) they are not performing at their best. It is well understood how important a nutrient rich diet and the digestive system are to our overall health and well being, and as was mentioned in this video, we can not digest properly until we are resting. Add mask induced oxygen deprivation, a constant barrage of fear porn, varying shades of grief, and collective stress, just to name a few - and you've got a seriously immunocompromised otherwise healthy human mammal 🤔🧐. Crazy isnt it? And no, O2 deprivation is not negligible or controversial, so if you think I'm wrong by all means let me know and I'll gladly give you the receipts. This is just the tip of the iceberg. 2) I've been in the state (cant remember the name) where you become stuck, frozen, slow, sluggish, foggy, tired, depressed, unmotivated, etc almost constantly for at least a year and i have been so frustrated by it. My whole life I'd tend to do the opposite so it's been very confusing. I've also always had really tense upper back and neck muscles that get worse with stress, but overall I have felt very loose and almost numb in those areas since this started. At least comparitavely. I also have had a very hard time exercising and moving at all really which is really unlike me. I almost feel like Im covered in hardened wax, or like a boulder just stuck in place. I listened to a new episode of The Healing Trauma podcast where she talks about how messes can trigger this response, and I'll just say that a lot of pieces fell into place for me. That podcast is an awesome one to check out. It's why I'm here learning about polyvagal theory! The hosts name is Monique Koven. But anyway, I'm curious about why my muscle tension switched around and if that's something familiar to anyone else. Intuitively it makes sense to me but I've never heard of it before.

[@SukieBaxter]

You take very comprehensive notes!

[@jennaleighmoorhouse3779]

I have Fibromyalgia and I've been 5 yrs searching for answers and how to get better.... This is it... In a nutshell!!!!!! Thank you so much... I've just started doing your trauma exercises to reset my vagal nerve.... My pains already dropped hugely n my posture changed completely.... Even my mind feels more awake and motivated... I could literally cry... This is a life saver for those suffering chronic pain and nervous system troubles ❤❤❤

[@martagarcia1386]

Yes, this makes a lot of sense and answers many questions. It helps me visualize (interpret) happenings, events and experiences in my entire life. Thank you Feels like just a beginning to learning much, much more.

[@balaftuna]

Wonderful video! Thank you. I rarely have patience for informative videos but this was so engaging and clear that I didn't notice that the time passed and it really clicked. The description of the 'well' resonated with me strongly.

[@SukieBaxter]

Thanks, Shay, glad it was helpful and engaging!

[@georginajarrett9790]

This was a really clear explanation, thanks.

[@SukieBaxter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ennisiahenderson7624]

This is helpful. I'm going to watch a few more times so it can sink in

[@SukieBaxter]

I’m glad it’s helpful, E. It is a lot to take in. Let me know if I can answer any questions. Also, if you look in the description box, there are time stamps for different topics within the video that can be helpful if you just want to review a specific section. Thank you for watching!

[@ennisiahenderson7624]

@@SukieBaxter thank you for that. I'm in a doctoral program and we're studying the neurobiology of trauma. So I may have to take you up on that offer!

[@SukieBaxter]

@@ennisiahenderson7624 Oh, that is so cool! I look forward to hearing your questions and comments!

[@kathyannk]

@@ennisiahenderson7624 OMG, I'm so glad to hear this is being taught in med school!!

[@ennisiahenderson7624]

@@kathyannk thanks I'm in a doctoral program for social work

[@danieladam5524]

For me, understanding why I act the way I do is most important. I'm working with a therapist and we've started discussing some topics which lead to your video. Absolutely fascinating, thank you.

[@MichaelJones-zg6cr]

This is a real eye opener to me, I have been trying to think my way out of anxiety state for over 35 years with limited success. I look forward to trying your exercises daily and see if they are effective for me. Thanks