A study published in Frontiers in Psychology highlights how Polyvagal Theory provides a framework for understanding the physiological underpinnings of trauma and the body's adaptive responses to perceived threats .

Research in The Journal of Traumatic Stress explores how interventions based on PVT can help individuals recover from trauma by engaging the social engagement system and downregulating defensive states .

When someone is in a dorsal vagal freeze response, their body may appear collapsed, with a flat affect, decreased muscle tone, and minimal movement. They may avoid eye contact, appear disconnected or non-responsive, and have a diminished capacity for social engagement. Physically, this state is characterized by slowed heart rate, reduced respiratory rate, and a general sense of "shutting down."

Internally, the dorsal vagal freeze response can feel like a deep sense of numbness, hopelessness, or disconnection from oneself and others. Individuals may experience extreme fatigue, a sense of paralysis, or a feeling of being trapped in a state of inaction. These sensations can be overwhelming and may contribute to feelings of despair or isolation.

Working with someone stuck in a dorsal vagal freeze response requires a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes safety and gradual re-engagement with the body and environment. Here are some somatic practices that can help:

1. Breathwork

Gentle diaphragmatic breathing can help engage the parasympathetic nervous system and bring the body out of the freeze state. Encouraging slow, deep breaths can create a sense of calm and begin to shift the body's state.

2. Grounding Techniques

Using the senses to reconnect with the present moment can help individuals anchor themselves in reality. Tactile stimulation, such as feeling the ground beneath their feet or holding a textured object, can be particularly effective.

3. Mindful Movement

Incorporating gentle movement, such as yoga, tai chi, or slow stretching, can help re-engage the body and release tension. These practices promote awareness of bodily sensations and encourage a gradual return to a more active state.

4. Toning and Vagal Stimulation

Sound-based practices, such as humming or chanting, can stimulate the vagus nerve and promote a sense of safety. These practices can help activate the ventral vagal state, which is associated with social engagement and relaxation.

5. Therapeutic Touch

Safe, consensual touch can help individuals reconnect with their bodily sensations and boundaries. This can be particularly useful in helping them feel grounded and present in their bodies.

6. Gradual Reintroduction to Social Engagement

Reintroducing safe social interactions, such as making eye contact, using facial expressions, and engaging in conversation, can help shift individuals out of the freeze state and into a more connected and engaged state.

The dorsal vagal freeze response is a powerful survival mechanism that can leave individuals feeling trapped and disconnected. However, by understanding this response through the lens of Polyvagal Theory and using somatic practices, it is possible to guide individuals towards healing and reconnection. Further research and application of these principles can enhance therapeutic approaches to trauma and support long-term recovery.