The polyvagal theory is a theory that links the evolution of the mammalian autonomic nervous system to social behavior. Dr. Stephen Porges came up with this theory in 1994.

This theory is endorsed by many other scientists and has since been further developed.

The Polyvagal Theory explains:

The nervous system of people and animals is the basis of how they behave in different situations.

How the body works determines what a person or animal does and how it feels.

The evolution of the mammalian autonomic nervous system evolved to communicate automatically with other mammals. And to be able to activate different self-defense systems when necessary

The parasympathetic nervous system has two parts.

Each part helps with different ways of behaving.

The vagus nerve, a nerve in the body, works via two different pathways, the ventral and dorsal vagal pathways.

The two parts of the vagus nerve are:

The ventral vagal system: helps with social behavior.

The dorsal vagal system: helps with behaviors that require the animal to remain still, such as resting and digesting, or defending itself by standing still (freezing).

If the dorsal vagal pathway is active, and the nervous system remains stuck in this state, it can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, fatigue and fainting.

Sympathetic state:

In addition to this state, there is also the sympathetic state, which used to be referred to as fight or flight. However, this state also ensures that we get moving to undertake activities.

Combination states:

There are also times when different states are combined. For example, in sports there is a combination between sympathetic and ventral. The right balance is also important here, for example, too much sympathetic energy can lead to an aggressive form of exercise. After losing a match you often see the dorsal state switch on. Meditation also involves ventral and dorsal. The body and mind then relax in a pleasant and healing way.

Self-regulating

A healthy nervous system that is developed in a normal manner can switch well between the different states. In case of prolonged periods of stress or a nervous system that has developed under less than ideal circumstances. The nervous system can no longer return to the correct state on its own. 

Embraced by scientists

The polyvagal theory has been cited in thousands of scientifically reviewed publications.
In various disciplines such as neonatalology, obstetrics, anaesthesiology, biomedical engineering, internal medicine, psychology, psychiatry, dentistry, ergonomics, sociology and philosophy.