Stephen Porges: POLYVAGAL THEORY [gives theoretical background for ANS work of Klinghardt]

The work of Dr. Stephen Porges, this helps explain some puzzling aspects of human Autonomic Nervous System behavior. Dr. Porges founded the Institute for Child Study where he has developed interventions that help children develop more control of their autonomic function and this improves the social dynamics of their relationships. I have talked with him and appreciate his insights. [Note -- Nov 2006: His work is gaining appreciation for its help in understanding nervous system function.]

Careful anatomical study has revealed nerve fibers from higher centers of the brain are contained in what is considered a main autonomic nerve bundle, the Vagus Nerve. These extra fibers in the Vagus Nerve contribute a third component to what used to be considered a two-part ANS (made up of Sympathetic and Parasympathetic components). This gives a scientific reason for observations that the functions of the Autonomic Nervous System are affected by sound and sight. In our clinic, the Autonomic Response Testing and Applied Psycho-Neurobiology techniques include assessment of affects of colored light and spoken information. [See Autonomic Response Testing]

In addition, the "Triune Autonomic Nervous System" gives added value to our recommendations that patient consider Family Constellation Work or Family Dynamics Work as part of their integrative medicine program.

Graphics re the Triune Autonomic Nervous System ("Polyvagal Theory")
Graphic above: From John Chitty's essay on the ANS and Craniosacral Therapy, and Porges' work. [VuewL PDF version; or Updated Brief PDF version] [See this online as a PowerPoint: Item #8 below]
Graphic of the Three Levels of the ANS: From Nexus Journal article [larger size] See this article, Item #1 below.

1. Interview with Dr. Porges: 2006: "How your nervous system sabotages your ability to relate." [PDF; from Nexus Journal]

2. Polyvagal Theory: Three Neural Circuits Regulate Behavioral Reactivity

3. The Polyvagal Theory -- Social Engagement and Attachment: A Phylogenetic Perspective [PDF; in Roots of Mental Illness in Children, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences]

4. Emotion: An Evolutionary byproduct of the Neural Regulation of the Autonomic Nervous System

5. Dr. Porges' professional Internet site

Three presentations from Chitty, that cite Porges' work:

6. Polyvagal Theory's value to psychology and interpersonal dynamics. [PDF document]

7. Polyvagal Theory...Triune Autonomic Nervous System & Therapeutic Applications [PDF]

8. Triune Autonomic Nervous System: Updated presentation also by Chitty. [PDF]

9. Schore on behavioral understanding, draws on Porges' work [website link]

10. A Voice For Freedom: Trauma & Civilization, draws on Porges' work [website link]

11. Dr. David Baldwin's Trauma Pages includes a section with papers by Dr. Porges.

12. He is spoken highly of by Dietrich Klinghardt, M.D., whose instruction manual had information about Dr. Porges

Related information:

13. Dr. Daniel Goleman writes about the "hard wiring" of the brain for social cues; this is exactly what Dr. Porges is talking about even though Goleman does not mention Porges on his website. Here is an entry in his blog about social cues that are missing in emails: [website link]

See also: Autonomic Response Testing | Craniosacral Therapy

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