Body Psychotherapy mechanisms for reorganization of trauma events: breath, polyvagal, sensation

Abstract

This study conducted a literature review on breath, polyvagal, and sensation, which are body psychotherapeutic mechanisms for remediation of traumatic events. In body psychotherapy, the comprehensive concept of ‘health’ emphasizes the embodied body as unity of mind and body. The key to trauma therapy is to have the power to “rearrange” the event. Recently, the bottom-up control method, that is, the bottom-up control method for emotional change in the limbic system through the senses of the body, has been welcomed. Trauma symptoms include extreme fear, helplessness, and pain. If we do not sufficiently release them these symptoms emotionally, the shock remains in our body unconsciously and when we experience similar events again later, the reaction is avoided or reenacted. It appears as arousal symptoms, etc. What is suggested as a solution to these symptoms is awareness through breathing and utilizing the role of the vagus nerve. Breathing, the vagus nerve, and sensations can change our perceptions and allow us to “recalibrate” events.