149: Bodywork through the Polyvagal Lens (with Stephen Porges)

🎙In this episode, Til Luchau and Whitney Lowe speak with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges, originator of Polyvagal Theory. Together, they explore how our nervous systems respond to cues of safety, how touch can support regulation and connection, and what all this means for bodyworkers and manual therapists.

Dr. Porges shares the latest thinking on co-regulation, trauma, attunement, and the science of feeling safe—along with practical insights for practitioners working with the body.

🔍 Key Topics:

• 00:00 – 02:00 Intro, ABMP welcome & framing the Polyvagal lens for bodyworkers
• 02:00 – 07:00 Early research with Peter Levine and John Cottingham: how structural shifts (pelvic tilt, fascia work) alter autonomic regulation
• 07:00 – 12:00 Evolutionary foundations: fascia types, diaphragm function, and the hierarchy of autonomic response
• 12:00 – 17:00 Facial expressivity, voice prosody, and breathing as channels of co‑regulation
• 17:00 – 22:00 Identifying autonomic states (“tightly wrapped” bodies) and choosing when—not just where—to touch
• 22:00 – 27:00 The Body Perception Questionnaire: a tool for mapping clients’ interoceptive awareness
• 27:00 – 32:00 Trauma, autonomic reactivity, and parsing traumatic events vs. responses
• 32:00 – 37:00 The Safe and Sound Protocol: acoustic interventions for nervous system safety
• 37:00 – 42:00 Vagal “hacking” misconceptions: why rhythm and safety signals matter more than stimulation
• 42:00 – 47:00 Feedback loops: tissue ↔ nervous system ↔ fascia → chronic pain
• 47:00 – 52:00 Therapist intuition: physiological co‑regulation, broadcasting accessibility, therapist self‑state
• 52:00 – 57:00 Finding safety in a chaotic world: why therapists need safe colleagues and co‑regulation too
• 57:00 – 60:00+ New resources: Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety, the Norton-edited somatic therapies volume, Safe & Sound Protocol book, Our Polyvagal World

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode

 • Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety

Stephen W. Porges (2022)

A foundational, peer-reviewed article exploring how our nervous system detects safety and threat.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fnint.2022.871227

• Somatic-Oriented Therapies: Embodiment, Trauma, and Polyvagal Perspectives

Edited by H. Grassmann, M. Stupiggia & S. W. Porges (2025)

A rich collection on body-centered therapy approaches and trauma healing through a Polyvagal lens.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1324052724

• Safe and Sound: A Polyvagal Approach for Connection, Change, and Healing

Stephen W. Porges & Karen Onderko (2025, Audiobook)

A warm, practical guide to healing and connection through nervous system regulation.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Safe-Sound-Polyvagal-Approach-Connection/dp/B0DGGZLJ3J

• Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us

Stephen W. Porges & Seth Porges (2023, Audiobook)

A father-son conversation exploring how trauma and safety shape our bodies, brains, and relationships.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B0CW5CPPFP

• Polyvagal Perspectives: Interventions, Practices, and Strategies

Stephen W. Porges (2024, Audiobook)

Hands-on insights for bringing Polyvagal ideas into therapy, education, and everyday life.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D9PJQC55

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🎁 Get the full transcript at Til or Whitney's sites! 

• Whitney Lowe’s site: AcademyOfClinicalMassage.com 
• Til Luchau’s site: Advanced-Trainings.com  

About Whitney Lowe  | About Til Luchau  |  Email Us: info@thethinkingpractitioner.com

(The Thinking Practitioner Podcast is intended for professional practitioners of manual and movement therapies: bodywork, massage therapy, structural integration, chiropractic, myofascial and myotherapy, orthopedic, sports massage, physical therapy, osteopathy, yoga, strength and conditioning, and similar professions. It is not medical or treatment advice.)