Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, provides a neuroscience framework that explains many aspects of body language in terms of the nervous system's safety-detection mechanisms.
The Three States of Polyvagal Theory and Body Language
Ventral vagal (safe and social): Optimal state for connection, learning, and body language management
Sympathetic mobilization (fight or flight): Anxiety-type body language responses
Dorsal vagal shutdown (freeze/collapse): Depression and dissociation-type body language
Neuroception and Body Language
Neuroception — the body's unconscious safety-detection — can be dysregulated in body language, causing false alarms (sensing danger when safe) that drive body language responses.
Polyvagal-Informed Body Language Treatment
Therapy that acknowledges the body's state — helping clients move into ventral vagal 'safe and social' — transforms body language management.
Safe relationships, co-regulation, and body-based practices are particularly emphasized.