Restoring the Body's Rythym: Polyvagal Theory and the Healing Potential of Yoga for Trauma
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Authors
McCarthy, Christina
Issue Date
2026-03-17
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
polyvagal theory , trauma , trauma-informed yoga , embodied healing
Alternative Title
Abstract
Trauma is increasingly understood as embodied and neurophysiological in nature, characterized by impaired autonomic and emotional regulation, a reduced sense of safety and connection, and physiological and body-based impairments. This capstone examines the integration of polyvagal theory (PVT) and yoga as frameworks for understanding and supporting embodied trauma healing. This project is guided by two questions: How does PVT deepen therapeutic understandings of yoga as an embodied intervention for trauma healing? And how might an integrative framework support autonomic regulation, a sense of safety, and embodied healing in trauma affected individuals? Through critical review and synthesis of relevant literature, this capstone suggests that both PVT and yoga are strong frameworks for understanding and supporting trauma recovery from both a neurophysiological and embodied lens. There is a significant convergence between PVT and yoga; both frameworks share a trauma-informed emphasis on regulation, safety, and embodied awareness. While yoga literature describes the healing capabilities of experiential body-based practices, it lacks articulation of neurophysiological mechanisms. PVT provides a framework for understanding the neurophysiology of trauma and offers an interpretive lens for embodied trauma healing, yet this theory only very recently encompassed applied interventions. Building on these understandings, this capstone presents a restorative, polyvagal and trauma informed yoga practice as an applied contribution. This integrative approach positions yoga within an applicable neurophysiological framework that grounds its therapeutic potential and clinical relevance in trauma recovery.
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Citation
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License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States
openAccess
openAccess