Ventral Vagal Complex: Feeling Safe, Spacious and Socially Connected

Our ability to feel safe, spacious, and socially connected is related to the functioning of our ventral vagal complex.

The ventral vagal complex refers to a functional concept within the autonomic nervous system (ANS). It involves the ventral (front) portion of the vagus nerve, a long wandering nerve that starts from our brainstem. It is associated with the calming, social, and more evolved aspects of the parasympathetic nervous system.

One of the important pieces to healing at the nervous system level is sparking up, or building up the ventral vagal complex. By doing so, it makes it easier for our mind-body to access states of relaxation and safety. We will also find that stressors in life that used to feel overwhelming may start to feel less so because greater nervous system resilience has been cultivated.

There are different ways to do so such as movement, breathwork, co-regulation, being in nature, and /or a safe therapeutic setting. Each nervous system is unique, what is supportive for one depends on a confluence of factors.

Learn more about the vagus nerve and polyvagal theory in the upcoming Vagus Nerve Masterclass, 30 November (Thu), 7 pm to 8.30 pm. Book here.

Limited slots are available.