Emily Dolton
Balancing the Brain and Body
Support total child health using Polyvagal Theory Mental health has long been thought of as secondary in overall child wellness, and we often hold people more accountable for mental health diagnoses than those with disease of the kidney or heart. However, the brain and the central nervous system are responsible for the function of all bodily systems, so childhood trauma, ADHD, and depression can often present as digestive issues, shaking, changes in pallor, and other tangible manifestations; and physical symptoms can often be an indicator of trauma or a mental health issue. By understanding the function of the vagus nerve and the
use of multi-disciplinary and co-regulatory strategies, parents can improve selfregulation, nutrition and overall health in their children. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve (nerves that connect directly to the brain) and is unique in that it contains both sensory and motor fibers, so it is responsible for sensation and movement. The dorsal branch of the vagus nerve regulates organs below the diaphragm, and when under intense threat can affect the freeze or flight response. The ventral branch regulates body function above the diaphragm and has much to do with social engagement
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and the fight response under pressure. In his book, Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, Pete Walker identifies a fourth response, fawn, in which one continually forfeits their own needs to the needs and demands of others, which would also be a ventral branch response.
When children respond to a threat, real or imagined, they will have a fight, flight, freeze or fawn response. The vagus nerve senses information about pain, temperature and touch, regulates heart rate, and sends information back and
forth between the brain and digestive organs. It also controls key aspects of swallowing, speaking and recognition of facial expressions. Knowing that the vagus nerve responds to and helps regulate all these systems makes it easier to see how significant emotions can impact digestion, heart rate and the ability to express oneself. Polyvagal Theory, developed by Stephen Porges, suggests the two vagal branches work together to regulate the body, but when our defenses are engaged through threat or stress, they can also work together to deregulate the body or even shut it
