Behind the Smile

THE POLYVAGAL FACE

The Vagus nerve has become a major focus in many branches of therapy, including our own. However, the ventral vagal complex at the centre of social engagement has always been more than just the ‘new’ branch of the Vagus. Early in his research Porges wrote that ‘the social engagement system is conceptualized to emphasize a system that has a common neural substrate composed of several cranial nerves that develop embryologically together’ and this system ‘focuses only on the neural regulation of the striated muscles of the face and head and the specific autonomic functions mediated by the myelinated Vagus’. 

The entire group of cranial nerves, collectively known as Special Visceral Efferent, enables emotional communication trough the face and voice. How we look, how we sound, gives away a lot more than the words we use to interact with others. While the cardiovascular rate is modulated by the Vagus, in line with the emotional experience. In our practice we can work effectively with all these nerves, consequently improving vagal tone and making us more resilient to stress. 

In Behind the Smile, I will introduce clinical approaches to enhancing the function of these cranial nerves.