Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve

Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism

By: Stanley Rosenberg, Stephen W. Porges - introduction

Narrated by: Derek Botten

Unlock lasting healing through the power of the vagus nerve—the bestselling guide to understanding how vagus nerve dysfunction and trauma impact inflammation, emotional health, autoimmune disease, and more

With practical exercises and body-based tools for regulating your nervous system, balancing your fight-or-flight response, and restoring body and mind

Dr. Stanley Rosenberg, PhD, offers an easy-to-understand overview of the vagus nerve—and helps you regulate your body’s innate capacity to heal from stress, trauma, anxiety, and injury.

Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve dispels long-held myths about the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and offers readers a map to three neural circuits that are integral to whole-body healing and emotional wellness: the ventral vagal complex, the sympathetic nervous system, and the dorsal vagal complex. Based on Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory, this book shows how each circuit shapes our sense of safety, connections with others, and resilience to stress, trauma, and inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

You’ll learn:

• How to identify—and heal from—symptoms of ANS dysfunction
• Somatic self-help exercises that are safe, effective, and easy to learn
• Neurofascial release, migraine massage, and other hands-on techniques
• Polyvagal applications for stress, anxiety, ADHD, fibromyalgia, PTSD, chronic pain, and more
• How restoring health to the vagus nerve can enhance function throughout your whole body

This book is written for therapists, bodyworkers, trauma survivors, parents, and anyone struggling with chronic, embodied stress. Grounded in neurobiology research, clinical stories, and easy-to-follow exercises, this book gives you the tools to bring your body back into a state of safety, balance, and optimal functioning.

Critic reviews

“Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve is Stanley Rosenberg’s personal expression of his insight into and appreciation of the role that vagal pathways play in the healing process by calming the body and enabling the body to welcome touch. By intuitively understanding this integrated process, Stanley has developed a system of manipulations that promote states of safety, allowing the body to retune the nervous system, thus optimizing behavior, mental health, and physiological homeostasis.… His powerful insights, metaphors, and treatment models are beautifully conveyed and archived.”—From the foreword by Stephen W. Porges, PhD, Distinguished University Scientist, Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, and professor of psychiatry, University of North Carolina

“Stanley Rosenberg has put his encyclopedic clinical knowledge to work through the lens of the Polyvagal Theory, illuminating the path away from the underlying cause of so much of today’s disease: anxiety. A tour de force.”—Tom Myers, author of Anatomy Trains

“Stanley Rosenberg is one of the world’s most skilled and creative hands-on therapists. His diagnostic and treatment techniques have immediate application for everyone. Read and enjoy this book, and apply the techniques in your life or in your practice.”—James L. Oschman, PhD, author of Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis

“An excellent and most valuable resource, written by one of the true masters in the field.”— Dr. Robert Schleip, director of the Fascia Research Group

Just exactly what I was looking for

This just not only makes so much sense but it seems it should be common sense for us all. Having had Cancer I believe we can eventually prevent it and other illnesses with this deep understanding of the vagus nerve !! My father has COPD so I will be sending this book to him as well.

Most useful

I found this book full of useful information. I would likely recommend it. Good read!

Great topic

As an occupational therapist, I found this book fascinating. I can't wait to listen to it again and learn more about the hands on techniques.

Very Beneficial

This is so relevant & has answered many questions I have sought answers for. Excellent information

Must read to heal yourself

Love this book. Easy to understand and add into my daily practice which is incredible