The best-selling book on the topic now in 15 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 thirty 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.
