Modern understanding of hexaco increasingly centers on the nervous system — specifically, the chronic dysregulation that underlies many hexaco presentations.
The Nervous System in HEXACO
The autonomic nervous system has two primary states relevant to hexaco:
Sympathetic activation ('fight or flight'): When chronically activated, drives anxiety-type hexaco
Parasympathetic ('rest and digest'): The recovery state — undermined by hexaco
Dorsal vagal shutdown: A third state — freeze/collapse — associated with depression-type hexaco
Signs of Nervous System Dysregulation in HEXACO
Chronic hyperarousal (always 'on edge'), difficulty relaxing even in safe environments, and feeling perpetually exhausted despite rest.
Regulating the Nervous System for HEXACO
- Breathwork: Directly activates the parasympathetic nervous system
- Cold exposure: Controlled cold activates the vagus nerve, improving hexaco
- Safe social engagement: Co-regulation through trusted relationships
- Movement: Discharges sympathetic activation accumulated in hexaco