In this episode of the Red Beard Embodiment podcast, Alex Greene  interviews Liz Arch, a somatic coach specializing in a polyvagal approach to help individuals find balance and safety within their bodies and nervous systems. Liz shares her personal journey of healing from trauma and panic disorder, which led her to discover the polyvagal theory and its profound impact on her understanding of the nervous system.

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Liz's Personal Healing Journey

Liz's journey began with her own experiences of trauma, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. Traditional methods like yoga provided some relief but lacked a deeper understanding of her nervous system responses. Discovering the polyvagal theory and the nuanced functions of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems was a turning point in her healing process.

The Polyvagal Theory and Yoga

Liz discusses how her understanding of the polyvagal theory enhanced her yoga practice and teaching. She realized that the traditional view of "fight or flight vs. rest and digest" was overly simplistic. The polyvagal theory revealed the dual nature of the parasympathetic nervous system, which can activate both healthy relaxation and defensive responses like collapse or immobilization.

The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

Liz introduces the SSP as a five-hour listening program designed to stimulate the vagus nerve and create a sense of physiological safety. She emphasizes its gentle and non-invasive nature, making it accessible to individuals who might find other modalities intimidating. The SSP has shown promising results in improving sleep, focus, and social engagement.

The Science Behind the SSP

Alex explains the scientific basis of the SSP, highlighting how it utilizes specific frequencies to tune the middle ear muscles and influence the vagus nerve. This process helps individuals attune to the frequencies associated with human voices, promoting a sense of safety and connection.

Applications of the SSP

Liz and Alex discuss the diverse applications of the SSP, ranging from anxiety and panic disorders to trauma recovery and even long COVID. They emphasize the importance of titration, adjusting the listening duration and frequency to suit individual needs and sensitivities.

Integrating Polyvagal-Informed Practices: Liz shares her approach to working with clients, which involves nervous system education, somatic work, and tools like yoga, TRE, and the SSP. She emphasizes the significance of creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their nervous system responses and develop self-regulation skills.

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Conclusion

The conversation between Liz Arch and Alex Greene offers valuable insights into the polyvagal theory and its practical applications for healing trauma and promoting nervous system regulation. Liz's personal journey and expertise highlight the transformative power of understanding and working with our physiological responses. The Safe and Sound Protocol emerges as a promising tool for creating a foundation of safety and facilitating healing in a gentle and accessible way. As the field of polyvagal-informed therapies continues to evolve, it holds the potential to revolutionize the way we approach trauma recovery and overall well-being.

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