You may look around and see no one else is bothered, but something still feels off to you.
We are constantly observing and interacting with the world and others as part of the human experience.
As we have these interactions with others, oursense of selfis being shaped.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
We learn who we can trust and who feels dangerous to us.
Our bodies are processing this jot down of information constantly through these interactions with the world.
There are two main parts of the nervous system: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
From there, the two sides of the vagus nerve run down throughout our body.
They are considered to have the widest distribution of nerves within the human body.
A baby responds to the safe feelings of closeness with their parent or caregiver.
We scan for cues of safety and danger our entire lives.
As part of our autonomic nervous system, this process is happening without us being aware of it.
The vagus nerve is of particular interest during this process of neuroception.
In the process of neuroception, both sides of our vagus nerve can be stimulated.
The ventral side of the vagus nerve responds to cues of safety in our environment and interactions.
It supports feelings of physical safety and safe emotional connection to others in our social environment.
The dorsal side of the vagus nerve responds to cues of danger.
It pulls us away from connection, out of awareness, and into a state of self-protection.
Danger cues can become overwhelming in these moments and we see no viable way out.
An example of this could be moments of sexual or physical abuse.
As our surveillance system kicks into overdrive, it can also incorrectly read cues in our environment as dangerous.
For those who have experienced trauma, a danger cue can move them directly to immobilization.
In these situations, mobilization may not be registered by the body as an option.
Recap
As humans, we are constantly scanning the environment around us for safety and danger.
Ways to calm the vagus nerve are mostly physical, including meditation, exercise, and breathing exercises.
Dana, D.A beginner’s guide to polyvagal theory.
Porges, S. Neuroception: A subconscious system for detecting threats and safety.
