Table of Contents
Foreword Stephen Porges, PhD xi
Foreword Benjamin Shield, PhD xv
Acknowledgments xvii
Preface xix
Introduction: The Autonomic Nervous System xxv
Part 1 Anatomical Facts Old and New: The Polyvagal Theory 1
Overcoming Health Challenges: Are You Fighting the Heads of the Hydra? 1
The Heads of the Hydra: Common Problems Related to Cranial- Nerve Dysfunction 3
Chapter 1 Get to Know Your Autonomic Nervous System 7
The Twelve Cranial Nerves 7
Cranial Nerve Dysfunction and Social Engagement 13
Treating the Cranial Nerves 21
The Spinal Nerves 22
The Enteric Nervous System 26
Chapter 2 The Polyvagal Theory 29
The Three Circuits of the Autonomic Nervous System 29
Goldilocks and the Three ANS States 30
The Five States of the Autonomic Nervous System 33
The Vagus Nerve 36
Two Branches of the Nerve Called "Vagus" 39
Stress and the Sympathetic Nervous System 49
Chapter 3 Neuroception and Faulty Neuroception 57
Faulty Neuroception and Survival 57
Other Causes of Faulty Neuroception 61
The Story of Antaeus 62
Chapter 4 Testing the Ventral Branch of the Vagus Nerve 65
Simple Evaluation from Facial Observation 65
Objectively Evaluating Vagal Function through Heart Rate Variability (HRV) 69
Testing for Vagal Function: Early Experiences 71
Discovering the Polyvagal Theory 73
Testing for Vagal Function: Cottingham, Porges, and Lyon 78
A Simple Test of the Pharyngeal Vagus Branch 81
How to Test for Pharyngeal Ventral Branch Function 82
Therapists can Test for Vagal Function without Touching 84
Chapter 5 The Polyvagal Theory-A New Paradigm for Health Care? 87
A Polyvagal Approach for Psychological and Physical Conditions 88
The Healing Power of the Polyvagal Theory 91
Relieving COPD and Hiatal Hernia 91
Trea ting a Hiatal Hernia 98
Diaphragmatic Breathing 101
Shoulder, Neck, and Head Pain: CN XI, Trapezius, and SCM 102
The Levator Scapulae Muscle 104
The "Trap Squeeze Test" for Shoulder and Neck Problems 115
Health Problems Related to Forward Head Posture 117
Relieving Migraine Headaches 123
Chapter 6 Somatopsychological Problems 131
Anxiety and Panic Attacks 135
Phobias 141
Antisocial Behavior and Domestic Violence 143
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 151
Depression and the Autonomic Nervous System 156
Bipolar Disorder 157
ADHD and Hyperactivity 161
Chapter 7 Autism Spectrum Disorders 163
Hope for Autism: The Listening Project Protocol 166
The Role of Hearing in Autism Spectrum Disorders 171
Treating Autism 177
Technique for Rounding a Flat Back of the Head 178
Concluding Remarks 183
Part 2 Exercises to Restore Social Engagement 185
The Basic Exercise 186
Neuro-Fascial Release Technique for Social Engagement 195
The Salamander Exercises 199
Massage for Migraines 204
SCM Exercise for a Stiff Neck 206
Twist and Turn Exercise for the Trapezius 208
A Four-Minute Natural Facelift, Part 1 212
A Four-Minute Natural Facelift, Part 2 217
Severing all the Heads of the Hydra 219
Notes 221
Index 233
About the Author 239
Appendix 245