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