How Trauma Gets Trapped in Your Body (& How To Heal) | Dr. Stephen Porges | Align Podcast #529

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Feb 6, 2025

Dr. Stephen Porges is a pioneering expert in trauma and the originator of Polyvagal Theory. He discusses how trauma is stored in the body, affecting our nervous system and emotional well-being. Listeners learn about techniques to regulate their nervous system, such as breathwork and sound therapy. The conversation dives into the connection between emotional health and social engagement, the role of the vagus nerve in healing, and how environmental influences shape our perceptions. Practical insights for stress resilience and holistic healing are shared.

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INSIGHT

Trauma Definition

Trauma is a physiological state of life threat, not just a traumatic event.
It's stored in foundational brain circuits, disrupting homeostasis and causing numbness.

INSIGHT

Nervous System and Threat

The nervous system reacts to perceived threats, whether physical or psychological.
This reaction is crucial, and if the body perceives life threat, changes occur that are not easily resolved.

INSIGHT

Mammalian Vocalization

Mammals broadcast physiological state through vocalizations, especially prosody (intonation and melody).
This influences how others perceive and react to them, impacting social connection and co-regulation.

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Did you know that your body keeps the score on trauma? Even if you don’t realize it.

In this episode of the Align podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Stephen Porges to break down how trauma is stored in the body and its impact on the nervous system. Dr. Porges explains the Polyvagal Theory (a concept he coined and pioneered), the brain-gut connection, and why our physiological state shapes perception.

Expect to learn practical ways to regulate the nervous system, including breathwork, sound therapy, and social activities, and rewire your response to stress and build resilience through scientifically-backed methods.

OUR GUEST

Stephen W. Porges, Ph.D. is a Distinguished University Scientist at Indiana University and the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute. He is Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina and Professor Emeritus at both the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. As the originator of Polyvagal Theory, Dr. Porges has reshaped how we understand trauma, physiological state, and social engagement. He also developed the Safe and Sound Protocol™, a music-based intervention helping thousands of therapists improve nervous system regulation.

DR. STEPHEN PORGES

🌐 Website ▶ https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/

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▶️ YT ▶ https://www.youtube.com/@PolyvagalInstitute

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AARON ALEXANDER

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👉 SUBSCRIBE ▶ https://www.youtube.com/@AlignPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

🌐 WEBSITE ▶ https://www.alignpodcast.com

ABOUT

Aaron Alexander is a pioneering manual therapist and movement coach with over 5 years experience. He is the founder and creator of The Align Method, author of The Align Method book, and host of The Align Podcast which has ranked #1 in Nutrition on Apple Podcasts.

Aaron has worked with some of the world’s greatest professional athletes, performers, and celebrities to help relieve pain, improve strength, better flexibility, and ease the mind and body.

On this channel, Aaron interviews renowned experts in a range of fields focused on improving the mind and body. This mind and body podcast will teach you all that you need to know to become the healthiest version of yourself by integrating simplified ancient techniques and the foundational principles of The Align Method to strengthen your body, balance the mind, and activate healing systems in daily life.

The mission? To be the best personal growth podcast about healthy habits, redefine functional movement, and make fitness who you are; not what you do.

TOPICS

1. How trauma affects the nervous system

2. Polyvagal Theory

3. Stress management

4. Gut health

5. Music therapy

6. Breathwork

7. Perception, neuroception, and interoception