To me, Polyvagal Theory is a coherent explanation of the connection between the autonomic nervous system (the part that does things without significant conscious thought such as breathing) and the events in the world around us. Developed by Dr Stephen Porges (PhD), you can find a starting point of hid work by clicking here.
The vagus nerve represents the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system ( a subset of the autonomous nervous system that kicks in to respond to the initial reaction), which oversees a vast array of crucial bodily functions, including mood control , immune response, digestion, and heart rate. It establishes one of the connections between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract and sends information about the state of the inner organs to the brain via afferent fibres. To appreciate the power of the vagus nerve, it may be helpful to see just how comprehensive its spread across the human body is:
YouTube videos and channels on Polyvagal Theory:
Suki Baxter - Whole body revolution channel.
Dr. Stephen Porges: What is the Polyvagal Theory on the PsychAlive channel.
The Polyvagal Theory: The New Science of Safety and Trauma on the Nerd Nite channel.
Vimeo videos and channels on Polyvagal Theory:
Embodiment through the lens of the Polyvagal Theory - Dr. Stephen Porges on the Embodied Yoga Principles channel.
Polyvagal Theory on the Beth Cox channel.
Polyvagal Theory: Science of Safety on the 100 Roads channel.
Books:
The Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges.
Clinical Applications of the Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges and Deb Dana.\
The Polyvagal Theory in therapy by Deb Dana.
Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection by Deb Dana.
Helpful websites and pages:
Dr Arielle Schwartz, author of "The Post Traumatic Growth Guidebook" .