What you think and feel isn’t just “in your head” - it’s influenced by tangible structures and observable chemicals coursing through your physical body. The nervous system not only helps the brain control the body but also allows the body to tell the brain how to think and feel. 

After explaining the “wiring” of the central nervous system, Dr. Zelfand will introduce concepts like neuroception and the polyvagal theory (as proposed by Stephen Porges, PhD) and explain how shaking can help us recover from trauma (as explained by Peter A. Levine, PhD). She also offers simple, do-it-yourself hacks for stimulating the vagus nerve to help us feel safe. 

Dr. Zelfand will also explain the details of the gut-brain axis and how we can best use our bodies (and what we put into them) to help us heal from anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.

Who is this course for?

This course is for both new and experienced guides, students, healthcare professionals, people who are taking their healing into their own hands, and anyone interested in gaining insight into the human psyche.

Foundational Concepts

• 3 types of nerves; 3 branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
• Vagus nerve, its branches, and its afferent & efferent fibers
• Introduction to polyvagal theory, as proposed by Stephen Porges, PhD
• Exploration of shaking for trauma release, as proposed by Peter A Levine, PhD
• At home strategies for vagus nerve stimulation
• Alcohol and the nervous system
• Gut-brain axis
• Food as medicine

Learning Objectives

After this course, you will be able to:

1. List the branches of the autonomic nervous system, and describe the function of each.
2. Summarize the polyvagal theory, as proposed by Stephen Porges, PhD.
3. Explain how shaking can be used to heal trauma through the body, as proposed by Peter A Levine, PhD.
4. List several techniques for stimulating the vagus nerve.
5. Summarize how the gut regulates mental health.