Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga: Therapeutic Practices for Emotional Health

by Arielle Schwartz

Treat trauma holistically with the combined applications of yoga and polyvagal theory. This book focuses on the intersection of polyvagal theory, yoga, and psychotherapy by weaving together the wisdom tradition of yoga with neuroscience, attachment theory, somatic psychology, and traumatology. The application of polyvagal theory allows practitioners to compassionately support growth by enhancing the health of the autonomic nervous system, while therapeutic yoga allows one to attend to the interrelationships between mind, emotions, physiology, and behavior. Applied polyvagal theory in yoga provides conscious breathing, vagal toning, mindful movement, and meditation practices that aid in rewiring the nervous system. Readers will discover how to help both clients and themselves cultivate a felt sense of ease during times of safety; enhance their capacity to handle challenges with equanimity; and reclaim their ability to recover from stress swiftly and efficiently. Applied Polyvagal Theory in Yoga offers practitioners a new and effective way to support clients who are stuck in a trauma response mode. 23 black-and-white illustrations

Genres: Psychology, Health, Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2024

About the author

Arielle Schwartz PhD is a clinical psychologist practicing in Boulder, Colorado.

Reviews

[Ann Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written and seamlessly combines Polyvagal Theory, yoga and psychotherapy, which Arielle also refers to as ‘…where science, soma & soul meet.’ I’m not a psychologist or psychotherapist, I work as trauma informed specialist physiotherapist & integrative somatic practitioner (the latter includes yoga teacher training). I have included Polyvagal Theory, compassion and yoga in my work & personal practices for many years. There are many crossovers between yogic philosophy and Polyvagal Theory, some of which are highlighted in the book, for example with the three gunas and the three main Polyvagal states.

The first part of the book introduces Polyvagal Theory & bringing yoga into psychotherapy, there are some short clinical examples in each chapter, the parts of the book that include the practices are split into categories: centering, balancing, energising and calming. There are a variety of practices including different pranayama practices (breath practices), mudras (hand gestures), asanas (yoga postures/movements). A lot of the practices are ones I already use, some are presented in a different way which is a great way to deepen learning. There are some eye exercises in the book that I’ve not explored before, I will integrate these into my work and have started exploring them more within my own practice. There are a number of places where Arielle gently reminds us that doing the practices and our own inner work are really important. She also encourages us to do the practices in the book slowly and look after ourselves. There are some lovely diagrams, I think some more diagrams with some of the practices would have been helpful.

If you would like to deepen your knowledge of nervous system regulation in general, using somatic practices and Polyvagal Theory in trauma healing this is a wonderful book to read.

[Sheree Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a yoga instructor, this book is such a beautiful compliment to the practice AND science of yoga. Extremely well written, supported by facts, and a practical approach to a “woo woo” concept. Highly recommend for teachers and yoga enthusiasts alike.

[Darika Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical and informative

As a yoga practitioner I return to the exercise and practice in this book over and over. Each time I feel like I learn new things. Highly recommend to those to embark in yoga therapy and for those who seek a self-help book.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well organized, researched, and written, with helpful info for yoga teachers, therapists, and anyone who wants to understand the nervous system and practical applications of polyvagal theory.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a companion text for a 6-month class I am beginning with Arielle Schwartz.