Yoga and Polyvagal Theory

2021 ◽  
pp. 391-409
Author(s):  
Marlysa Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Wide Spread ◽  
Polyvagal Theory ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Behavioral States ◽  
Biopsychosocial Health

This chapter explores yoga as a salutogenic intervention supportive of eudaimonic well-being with its wide-spread health effects for various patient populations. Autonomic nervous system regulation and resilience are considered as important meditators for the promotion of biopsychosocial health. Polyvagal theory offers a novel perspective on how underlying neural platforms support combined physiological, psychological, and behavioral states—inclusive of eudaimonic well-being. This chapter describes the convergence of neurophysiological ideas of neuroception, interoception, and neural platforms with yoga foundational concepts such as discriminative wisdom and the gunas. This translatory language of eudaimonic well-being and polyvagal theory offers a framework for yoga to be understood and integrated into current healthcare and research contexts while maintaining its unique perspective and foundational wisdom.

Comparison of the Effects of Tai Chi Chuan and Wai Tan Kung Exercises on Autonomic Nervous System Modulation and on Hemodynamics in Elder Adults

2006 ◽  
Vol 34 (06) ◽  
pp. 959-968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wan-An Lu ◽  
Cheng-Deng Kuo
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Health Effects ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Tai Chi ◽  
Aging Population ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Tai Chi Chuan ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Impact Exercise

The health of the middle-aged and elderly people is a major concern given the rapid aging population and rising costs of medical care. Low-impact exercise on a regular basis is ideal for maintaining the well-being of an aging population. Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is the most well-known and most widely practiced form of low-impact martial arts therapy and has been shown to have positive health effects. A lesser-known form of martial arts therapy is Wai Tan Kung (WTK), which our previous study found to have positive health effects as well. The present study compares the effects of TCC and WTK on autonomic nervous system modulation and on hemodynamics in adults among non-exercising control (30), TCC practitioners (30) and WTK practitioners (30). Our study found that in a short-term, WTK and TCC exercises enhanced the vagal modulation, lowered the sympathetic modulation and lowered arterial blood pressures in the practitioners. It was also observed that the forced vital capacity of TCC practitioners was significantly higher than that of WTK practitioners before exercise. There were no significant differences in the percentage changes in HRV measures and hemodynamics between WTK and TCC practitioners 30 and 60 min after exercise, indicating that the effects of WTK and TCC were similar in magnitude. In conclusion, TCC and WTK are comparable to each other in terms of their effects on autonomic nervous system modulation and hemodynamics, thus suggesting that WTK can be just as beneficial as TCC as a form of low-impact exercise for elderly adults.

scholarly journals The biological clock tunes the organs of the body: timing by hormones and the autonomic nervous system

2003 ◽  
Vol 177 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
RM Buijs ◽  
CG van Eden ◽  
VD Goncharuk ◽  
A Kalsbeek
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Biological Clock ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
The Body ◽  
Physiological Data ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Similar Organization

The biological clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), is essential for our daily well-being. It prepares us for the upcoming period of activity by an anticipatory rise in heart rate, glucose and cortisol. At the same time the 'hormone of the darkness', melatonin, decreases. Thus, the time-of-day message penetrates into all tissues, interestingly not only by means of hormones but also by a direct neuronal influence of the SCN on the organs of the body. The axis between the SCN and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) is crucial for the organization/synchronization of the neuroendocrine and autonomic nervous system with the time of day. This SCN-neuroendocrine PVN axis takes care of a timely hormonal secretion. At the same time, the SCN-autonomic PVN axis fine-tunes the organs by means of the autonomic nervous system for the reception of these hormones. Finally, the similar organization of the projections of the human SCN as compared with that in the rodent brain suggests that these basic principles of neuroendocrine autonomic interaction may also be true in the human. The physiological data collected in humans thus far seem to support this hypothesis, while pathological changes in the SCN of humans suffering from depression or hypertension indicate a role for the SCN in the etiology of these diseases.

scholarly journals Different Effects of Four Yogic Breathing Techniques on Mindfulness, Stress, and Well-being

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (03) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Janika Epe ◽  
◽  
Rudolf Stark ◽  
Ulrich Ott ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
Paced Breathing ◽  
Differential Effects ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Breathing Techniques ◽  
Yogic Breathing

Yogic breathing techniques are fundamental to the physical and mental practice of yoga. They are closely connected to meditation, which involves the observation of breath. There are many yogic techniques based on the active regulation of the breath. Breathing practices influence many processes in the body, e.g. heart rate variability, and the mind, e.g. relaxation and stress, through their impact on the autonomic nervous system. This study intended to investigate differential effects of four yogic breathing techniques: (1) <em>ujjayi</em>—relaxation through slowing down the breath, (2) paced breathing—enhancement of concentration by following a precise protocol of slowdown breathing, (3) <em>kapalabhati</em>—raising wakefulness by mild hyperventilation, and (4) alternate nostril breathing—balancing the autonomic nervous system by alternating breath between the two nostrils. This study was conducted on 36 participants, who learned each technique within two weeks of an eight-week program and practiced them daily. After each technique, mindfulness, perceived stress, and physical well-being were assessed based on questionnaires. Ujjayi breathing, showed a relaxing effect, reduced stress, increased peacefulness, and the feeling of being at ease/leisure. Paced breathing resulted in a greater awareness of inner experiences. Kapalabhati showed a significant increase in vitality and joy of life, and alternate nostril breathing showed no hypothesis-compliant changes. The findings of this study suggest several beneficial and differential effects of these breathing techniques; therefore, they could be employed as tools for self-regulation in therapeutic contexts.

scholarly journals Craniosacral therapy in welfare and autonomous nervous system of fighters of mixed martial arts: cases study.

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 162
Author(s):  
Diane Nogueira Paranhos ◽  
Lia Medeiros Brandim ◽  
Ludmilla Karen Brandão Lima De Matos ◽  
Iara Sayuri Shimizu
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Craniosacral Therapy

Introduction: The Craniosacral Therapy uses tender and accurate touches to diagnose and treat the craniosacral system. The Mixed Martial Arts athletes are exposed at risk of injury during competitions, which can affect your welfare. The Craniosacral Therapy improves the functioning of the Central and Autonomic Nervous System, that promotes relaxation, sense of welfare and homeostasis in the body. Objective: to evaluate the effect of Craniosacral Therapy in welfare and Autonomic Nervous System in Mixed Martial Arts fighters. Method: We conducted a case study by analyzing the heart rate and general welfare of 05 Mixed Martial Arts fighters, eight sessions with Craniosacral Therapy, using respectively a frequency Polar RS800 and a Range of Subjective Well-Being for collection data, posteriorly it was submitted to the calculation of mean and standard deviation and "T Studant" test to compare the data before and after the treatments. Results: The initial evaluation of the athletes showed a high subjective well-being, that remained after the therapy. There was a statistically significant increase in one of the athletes with respect to positive affect (from 4.048 ± 0.5896 to 4.429 ± 0.5071). As for the negative affects three increased the score. There was a statistically significant reduction (p <0.001) between the initial and final heart rates in each service, with averages of 68.50 and 63.28 respectively. Conclusion: The Craniosacral Therapy increases the activity of the parasympatic nervous system, promoting decreased heart rate, providing better coronary flow and that alone is not sufficient to determine an increase or decrease of well-being.

scholarly journals The Effect of a Mindfulness-Based Education Program on Brain Waves and the Autonomic Nervous System in University Students

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 1606
Author(s):  
Mijung Jung ◽  
Mikyoung Lee
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
University Students ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Present Moment ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Brain Waves ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Mindfulness, defined as the awareness emerging from purposefully paying attention to the present moment, has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and, thus, promoting psychological well-being. This study investigated the effects of a mindfulness-based education program on mindfulness, brain waves, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in university students in Korea. Methods: This study is a quantitative and experimental research with a single-group pre-post design. Six sessions of mindfulness-based intervention were applied. In total, 42 students completed a mindfulness questionnaire before and after the intervention, and 28 among them completed pre-intervention and post-intervention measures of brain waves and ANS. Results: The level of mindfulness increased in the participants after intervention. Regarding brain waves, the alpha and theta waves increased, but the beta waves decreased. There was no significant difference in the ANS, presenting no change in heart rate variability. Conclusions: We identified the positive effects of the mindfulness-based education program for university students. The findings indicate that this program may help students not only relax, but also generate a mindfulness state in stressful situations, potentially leading to a successful university life. This study can be used as a basis for quality improvement and sustainability of mindfulness-based education programs for university students.

Time, Touch, and Compassion: Effects on Autonomic Nervous System and Well-Being

EXPLORE ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hossam A. Shaltout ◽  
Janet A. Tooze ◽  
Erica Rosenberger ◽  
Kathi J. Kemper
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Autonomic Nervous

scholarly journals The incretins: a link between nutrients and well-being

2005 ◽  
Vol 93 (S1) ◽  
pp. S147-S156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rémy Burcelin
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Insulin Secretion ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Remarkable Feature ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Glucose And Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Incretin Secretion

The glucoincretins, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP), are intestinal peptides secreted in response to glucose or lipid intake. Data on isolated intestinal tissues, dietary treatments and knockout mice strongly suggest that GIP and GLP-1 secretion requires glucose and lipid metabolism by intestinal cells. However, incretin secretion can also be induced by non-digestible carbohydrates and involves the autonomic nervous system and endocrine factors such as GIP itself and cholecystokinin. The classical pharmacological approach and the recent use of knockout mice for the incretin receptors have shown that a remarkable feature of incretins is the ability to stimulate insulin secretion in the presence of hyperglycaemia only, hence avoiding any hypoglycaemic episode. This important role is the basis of ongoing clinical trials using GLP-1 analogues. Since most of the data concern GLP-1, we will focus on this incretin. In addition, GLP-1 is involved in glucose sensing by the autonomic nervous system of the hepato-portal vein controlling muscle glucose utilization and indirectly insulin secretion. GLP-1 has been shown to decrease glucagon secretion, food intake and gastric emptying, preventing excessive hyperglycaemia and overfeeding. Another remarkable feature of GLP-1 is its secretion by the brain. Recently, elegant data showed that cerebral GLP-1 is involved in cognition and memory. Experiments using knockout mice suggest that the lack of the GIP receptor prevents diet-induced obesity. Consequently, macronutrients controlling intestinal glucose and lipid metabolism would control incretin secretion and would consequently be beneficial for health. The control of incretin secretion represents a major goal for new therapeutic as well as nutrition strategies for treating and/or reducing the risk of hyperglycaemic syndromes, excessive body weight and thus improvement of well-being.

scholarly journals Polyvagal and Global Cytokine Theory of Safety and Threat Covid-19 – Plan B

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 9-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hanscom ◽  
David Roger Clawson ◽  
Stephen W. Porges ◽  
Ray Bunnage ◽  
Les Aria ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Metabolic Response ◽  
Ketone Bodies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Polyvagal Theory ◽  
System Perspective ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

We are presenting this document to medical providers as a systematic approach to improve outcomes of patients with COVID-19. The following variables are considered: Autonomic nervous system viewed from the perspective of the Polyvagal Theory; Timing of interventions in terms of phase of the body’s defense (Fight, Flight, Freeze, Faint); The nervous system considered the context of a “One System” perspective; Protein/Enzyme function; Immune system; Cytokine load - activity, inflammation and metabolic response; Viral load; Angiotensin 2 load.The ARDS and multi-system organ failure of the COVID-19 is a complex problem. This approach acknowledges the complexity and presents a structure where the variables are systematically addressed.1. The common risk factors for death are associated with baseline elevations of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Measures can be taken to lower them before being exposed to the virus–Plan A.2. Strategies to optimize the body’s defenses should be assessed and optimized. These include nutrition, vitamins, and trace elements, sleep, exercise, and minimizing threat.3. The body’s own resources are utilized through recruiting the autonomic nervous system to counteract elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines. The interventions are implemented in the context of what stage of defense the body is in–fight, flight, freeze, or faint.4. Progressive pharmacological interventions are considered with the early interventions being those with minimal risk.We are asking the following:This approach is viewed as the foundation for clinical interventions. They should be implemented in a systematic and stepwise manner.Most of the treatments are already medically proven with minimal or no risk.All basic treatments are in place before more aggressive interventions are implemented.That this process be considered a framework to test clinical protocols and novel therapies. Much work needs to be done regarding dosing and timing.We are particularly interested in the potential of the following interventions, which do need to be looked at in a protocol.o Allowing ketosis in the Mid and Late Phases of the illness.o Considering the use of ketone bodies instead of glucose for fuel in Mid and Late Phases of illness.o Eliminating glucocorticosteroids in the Early and Mid-Phases the use of steroids.o Utilizing the anti-inflammatory cholinergic nervous system (vagal stimulation, nicotine patches, etc.).o Closer monitoring of IL-6 to in real time deliver the most appropriate interventions.

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