Healthcare for Humans: Safety, Threat & The Nervous System (Part 1)

On this episode host Raj Sundar continues their Roots of Care series by exploring how symptoms serve as a form of communication, delving into the fundamentals of somatic experiencing and the practical application of polyvagal theory in clinical care. Together, they break down the nervous system’s adaptive states—including the social engagement system, sympathetic drive, and dorsal vagal shutdown—highlighting how trauma can shape the body’s responses. They reflect on their own skepticism about new models and discuss the value of separating emotion from physiology, expanding our capacity for self-awareness and connection with patients.

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