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