Frequently asked questions
WHAT IS THE TRIPLE VAGAL METHOD?
The Triple Vagal Method (TVM) was developed by Majda Zachari, founder of the Integrated Somatic Institute, after 7 years of applied research and thousands of documented sessions. The Triple Vagal Method is a somatic trauma transformation method that aims to release & heal trauma while increasing vagal tone through physical manipulation of the main branches of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is responsible for fight or flight, freeze, and social engagement responses in the body and we engage the branches responsible for these responses safely in each TVM session. This is done through physical touch and stimulation of the nervous system; safely, effectively and rapidly.
The Triple Vagal Method is a bottom up somatic approach to trauma healing that is achieved by releasing trauma from the nervous system in order to complete any unresolved trauma cycles. This encourages the releasing of oxytocin and the breaking down of calcification in the fascia, all the while reducing the levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body.
TVM is an applied modality based on the Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges. We understand that the body stores different types of trauma in different parts of the nervous system, soft tissue and even organs, as noted by experts in the field of trauma healing such as Peter Levine, Bessel Van Der Kolk, Gabor Maté and many other pioneers in the field of somatics. All that may be released through physical stimulation of the vagus nerve to rapidly switch from sympathetic (threat or survival mechanism) to the parasympathetic system (rest and digest).
HOW DOES TVM WORK?
TVM actively engages the polyvagal nervous system to manually stimulate oxytocin release in a calculated approach, to rebuild the polyvagal tone and neural pathways to rehabilitate trauma responses in the body. This is done through structured and controlled release of energy surges (“charges”) and allowances of time to facilitate neuroplasticity and reprogram a new baseline of neural-pathways for trauma responses.
Basically, we’re training your nervous system that it’s safe to go through the trauma cycle, which allows your body to release any traumatic experiences it’s been holding on to.
The Triple Vagal Method is a somatic and holistic approach aimed at the resolution and healing of trauma and its manifestations in both physical and emotional aspects. The modality allows neuroplasticity to take place and for the body and nervous system to rebuild itself in the fastest, most effective, and safest way; as a means to resolving trauma and building vagal tone. This is done by stimulating the nervous system to complete the trauma cycle, releasing any trapped emotions, and breaking down any calcification that has occurred in the fascia (tissue) as a result of trauma.
HOW IS IT APPLIED?
When applying The Triple Vagal Method® (TVM™), we rely primarily on physically stimulating the nervous system to complete the trauma cycle, thereby healing dysregulation and disassociation and restoring safety in the body. This is achieved by pressing onto different pressure points of the body to release calcification that is stored in the tissue, thereby facilitating trauma transformation and rapid healing.