The Polyvagal Theory: Safety and Co-regulation

Our autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates our bodily processes—which are not primarily accessible to our conscious mind. It is responsible for adapting these processes to our current life situation and environment. It safeguards our well-being and reacts instantly in the face of danger. When the autonomic nervous system “knows” that we are safe, it can devote itself to restorative processes, healing, and—in children—healthy growth.

The signal of safety transmitted to our autonomic nervous system does not depend solely on the situation and circumstances at hand. To a certain extent, we can influence and train it ourselves. And—very importantly—it is contagious; it can be transmitted to the people with whom we come into contact. This is called co-regulation. That is why therapists, educators, and coaches are the ones who primarily engage with the research findings of the polyvagal theory.

The CANTIENICA® Method: Posture and Movement

The CANTIENICA® Method is a method of movement and posture. Benita Cantieni describes herself as a body researcher and has developed her very own Vivatomie®. Through this method, she directs awareness to specific areas of the body, which are then integrated into the flow of movement with alertness and attention. Her focus is on an upright, healthy body that, rather than wearing down during movement and work, repairs and refines itself. Those who practice the method consistently over time become more flexible, stand straighter, and walk more steadily. Lightness while walking and running, as well as the reversal of degenerative skeletal conditions, are common “side effects.”

In the following, I will discuss some details that illustrate how the CANTIENICA® method is intertwined with the polyvagal theory .

Movement as the Key: Integrating the CANTIENICA® Method and Polyvagal Theory

Stephen Porges often emphasizes how important exercise is. At the start of the 2020 lockdown, he was repeatedly asked what people could do to better cope with the widespread anxiety. “Exercise, exercise, and more exercise,” he advised. He himself stepped up his yoga practice.

When we’re afraid, our bodies tense up

Active stretching, as practiced in CANTIENICA® training, relieves these uncomfortable muscle tensions. At the time, Benita Cantieni made a one-hour CANTIENICA® training session available online for free. Many CANTIENICA® instructors began offering online group classes. The feedback was unanimous: people said how much this had helped them get through this extremely difficult time. In the CANTIENICA® method, the bones are consciously “lengthened” and the joints are expanded. Participants experience space and security within their own bodies, as well as stability and expansiveness. This has an effect on the voice, breathing, social interactions, and other areas of life.

What is referred to as “co-regulation” in polyvagal theory is related to the transmission of movement in CANTIENICA® coaching. The instructor participates—either internally or externally—in what is being guided and transmits this to the participants. This approach to guiding and touching during instruction creates an atmosphere of trust, including self-confidence. Everyone is capable; everyone faces challenges, and everyone receives support.

Posture and Muscle Tone: Their Effects on the Body and Mind

Every CANTIENICA® class focuses on upright posture: When you can stand up straight, you exude confidence. Sometimes people ask if standing so upright might come across as arrogant. That would be a shame. It’s human dignity, presence, and poise. And it’s also true that standing up straight has a positive effect on your emotional state. Insecurities fade away. Stretching and standing up straight require confidence and, in turn, build confidence. Active stretching is an important element of the CANTIENICA® method.

Muscles can tense up and shorten in the process; they can relax and become soft. And they can do a third thing: they can tone themselves. Every musician understands the big difference. If the drumhead is too tight, the drum doesn’t sound right. If it’s too loose, it sounds even worse. The exact right amount of tension is what makes it a musical instrument. The same goes for our muscles. Being stiff and shortened isn’t good for us in the long run. Being floppy makes us floppy. I can still hear Benita Cantieni saying inside my head, “When someone lets themselves go: that’s not relaxation—that’s collapse.”

A quote from the polyvagal theory by Stanley Rosenberg, author of the book *The Self-Healing Nerve*:

“Our muscle tone can remain strong over time without us collapsing or becoming overly tense.” (Rosenberg, p. 87)

CANTIENICA® Faceforming and the Polyvagal Theory

An important aspect is CANTIENICA® Faceforming. There are many exercises here designed to activate the facial muscles. Facial expressions depend on active, functioning facial muscles, a centered head posture, and, of course, the sense of security provided by the AN. As we age, some areas of the face begin to sag, while others remain in a state of constant tension. This, in turn, affects the entire system, including the AN. Time and again, people say they feel like a stranger when they look in the mirror: “That’s not me at all.” Or: “I can’t access my facial expressions anymore.” When facial expressions have become distorted or alienated for emotional reasons, the CANTIENICA® Faceforming exercises naturally harmonize this delicate interplay of skin muscles.

When we undergo cosmetic procedures in this important area—whether through injections or surgery—we alienate it from its own authenticity.

The Polyvagal Theory refers to the vagus group, also known as the social engagement system. This is a particularly important aspect of co-regulation and nonverbal communication. The vagus group specifically includes the nerves responsible for facial expressions: the anterior branch of the vagus nerve (X), the trigeminal nerve (V), the facial nerve (VII), the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX), and the accessory nerve (XI).

Here is another quote from *The Self-Healing Nerve* by St. Rosenberg: “Together with the other four associated nerves, it (the branch of the vagus nerve) promotes calm and relaxation, and ensures that the physiological conditions for optimal physical and mental health, friendship, collaboration, and mutual support (…) are in place. In a state of connection and communication, we can be creative, positive, productive, and happy.” From Rosenberg, p. 87, 2.3.

Personal experience with both methods

This is just a small selection of the similarities between the two methods.

I don’t know Stephen Porges personally, but I’ve followed him through online seminars and training courses. It has always been a pleasure for me to see and hear him.

I’ve known Benita Cantieni for 20 years now. I’ve learned a great deal from her and focus my work on her method. We’ve had wonderful conversations and exchanged ideas. I’ve grown very fond of her as a person and am always happy whenever I have the chance to see her, no matter how. I also know that I owe a great deal to her method. At 70, I feel more flexible and upright than I did at 50.

Solveig Hoffmann, physician, Tenerife
Named “Master Teacher for Life” by Benita Cantieni
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