Understanding Your Nervous System Through a Functional Lens

You may have heard the term polyvagal theory—especially in conversations about stress, connection, or emotional resilience. While the science behind it can get complex, the heart of the idea is simple:

Your nervous system responds to the world in different states, and those states shape how you experience daily life.

At Ponoka Family Chiropractic, we take a nervous-system–centered approach to care. Polyvagal theory offers a helpful framework for understanding why your system responds the way it does, and why some seasons of life feel more adaptable than others.

What Is Polyvagal Theory?  

Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, describes how the autonomic nervous system helps us navigate the world around us.

Instead of the traditional “fight or flight vs. rest” explanation, it teaches that the body actually moves through three functional states:

1. Ventral Vagal State — Connection

The system feels grounded, open, and able to engage with others.

2. Sympathetic State — Activation

The system gears up for movement, effort, and alertness.

3. Dorsal Vagal State — Conservation

The system slows down or withdraws when things feel overwhelming or demanding.

These states shift naturally throughout the day. They aren’t good or bad — they’re simply how the body adapts.

Why This Matters for Everyday Life

Understanding polyvagal theory helps make sense of patterns like:

• Difficulty settling
• Restlessness
• Strong reactions to change
• Reduced adaptability
• Sensory overwhelm
• Physical tension
• Emotional intensity
• “Shutting down” during stressful times
  

It provides words for what many people already notice in themselves or their children:
 the nervous system is always responding, even when we don’t realize it.

How This Relates to Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic and polyvagal theory intersect through one shared focus:

The function of the nervous system.

Here’s how they connect in everyday, practical ways:

1. The nervous system and spine are deeply linked

Your spine protects the spinal cord — a major communication pathway between your brain and body.
 The way the spine moves and adapts can reflect what the nervous system is managing day to day.

2. Tension patterns often mirror nervous system load

People in high-demand seasons may notice tension in the neck, shoulders, or spine, changes in posture, or difficulty settling. These aren’t “problems”—they’re adaptations.

3. Gentle checks and adjustments provide new information to the system

Chiropractic adjustments offer light, specific input to the nervous system through the spine.
 Many people describe a greater sense of ease, connection, or groundedness afterward.

4. A calm therapeutic environment supports regulation

At our practice, care is intentionally gentle — all of which support the nervous system’s ability to shift, settle, and adapt.

Chiropractic doesn’t “fix” emotions or states — it simply works with one of the systems involved in how you experience them.

Why This Matters for Kids & Families

Children move through polyvagal states quickly and naturally — especially during growth spurts, transitions, or busy seasons.

Parents often notice:

• Big feelings
• Sensitivity to noise or changes
• Trouble settling at night
• Tension in posture
• Difficulty with transitions
• “Wired and tired” evenings
• Restlessness
  

Understanding the nervous system helps parents see these patterns with more compassion and clarity. Chiropractic assessments offer insight into how a child’s system may be managing ongoing input and demands.

Seeing Yourself With More Understanding

One of the most empowering parts of learning polyvagal theory is realizing:

Your reactions are not personal flaws.

They are your nervous system doing its best to keep you safe and supported.

That kind of understanding can change the way you see your own patterns — and your child’s.

Supporting Your Nervous System With Intention

Your nervous system thrives with:

• Routine
• Grounding environments
• Gentle movement
• Time in nature
• Deep breaths
• Supportive relationships
• Moments of quiet
• Chiropractic care that respects your pace and stage of life
  

Small, consistent choices create space for greater adaptability.

If You’re Curious About Your Nervous System, We’re Here to Support You

Understanding the nervous system is often the key to understanding yourself.
 At Ponoka Family Chiropractic, we offer:

• Gentle, specific chiropractic care
• Nervous system assessments
• Education that brings clarity
• Space to slow down and reconnect
  

If you’d like to explore this further, we’d be honoured to serve you and your families.