Description
This practical guide to understanding the cranial nerves as the key to our psychological and physical well-being builds on Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory—one of the most important recent developments in human neurobiology. Drawing on more than thirty years of experience as a craniosacral therapist and Rolfer, Stanley Rosenberg explores the crucial role that the vagus nerve plays in determining our psychological and emotional states and explains that a myriad of common psychological and physical symptoms—from anxiety and depression to migraines and back pain—indicates a lack of proper functioning in the vagus nerve.
Through a series of easy self-help exercises, the book illustrates the simple ways we can regulate the vagus nerve in order to initiate deep relaxation, improve sleep, and recover from injury and trauma. Additionally, by exploring the link between a well-regulated vagus nerve and social functioning, Rosenberg’s findings and methods offer new hope that by improving social behavior it is possible to alleviate some of the symptoms at the core of many cases of autism spectrum disorders. Useful for psychotherapists, doctors, bodyworkers, and caregivers, as well as anyone who experiences the symptoms of chronic stress and depression, this book shows how we can optimize autonomic functioning in ourselves and others, and bring the body into the state of safety that activates its innate capacity to heal.
Had I zoomed into the image of the book, I would have seen it was printed in large print. I did not see that in the description. The book is very thick and heavy and the words are enlarged for those with visual impairments. So, disappointed with it as it is cumbersome to hold and read. Would have preferred a version in its normal format.
This was a fantastic book and I love the simplicity of the attached exercises. However, I’m having an issue where some people I’ve introduced the basic exercise to don’t get the “sign” that their nervous system has relaxed (sigh, swallow or yawn) even though minutes have gone by. Has this happened to anyone else? Would love to compare experiences.
The material presented is fascinating, but the format and writing is more like a textbook. It can be dry and confusing at times. But, the material itself is eye opening and I love the exercises. I wish it came with more descriptive pictures or links to YouTube
This book has changed my life after years of anxiety I feel that I have finally been able to relax. I do this exercises daily. I extremely recommend it.
I am a hands on therapist..and this book charged my whole approach to helping people..a must for all that are helping someone..