Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve

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

By: Stanley Rosenberg, Benjamin Shield - foreword

Narrated by: Derek Botten

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

The best-selling book on the topic — now in 13 languages.

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 30 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2017 Stanley Rosenbery (P)2018 North Atlantic Books

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)

“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)

Enervative to the max

This book had incredible information. However, the author used the word ”enervate” uncountable times, which became discrediting. A professional medical document, or any document, should not use the same adjective more than once, and definitely not more than 20x. Additionally, I do wish I had this actual book because the author refers to exercises on a particular page. He describes them well, but the pictures would be a better reference for me personally.

Interesting but missing a piece

A lot of good information and interesting theory. Gets a bit technical when describing anatomy and can be hard to follow. The pivotal portion of the book is the exercises however, for some reason they did not include illustrations in the .pdf which feels like a disservice to the Audible customer.

A must read!!

From a professional to the novice this book will unravel the “mysteries” of the mind and body through the vagus nerve. Listen then buy the hard copy

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

Great content but not full substitute for the book

This is one book the audible version isn’t quite enough. The PDF doesn’t provide the illustrations to the exercises discussed. Will be supplementing with a actual book since I really enjoyed the content.

A Diamond in the Rough

one of the most empowering physical self-help books I have ever listened too! Get it!!

spend a credit

This book is such an informative book if you read bad reviews don't listen .