Trauma can have a long term effect both physically and mentally. Neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges, developed the Polyvagal theory after researching how to measure the vagus nerve. His theory  emphasizes that our nervous system has more than one defense strategy – and whether we use mobilized flight/flight or immobilization shutdown, it is not a voluntary decision.  Outside the realm of our conscious awareness, our nervous system is continuously evaluating risk in the environment, making judgments, and prioritizing behaviors that are not cognitive.

When the body has been through trauma,a deeply distressing or disturbing experience or physical injury Dr Stephen Porges asks:  “The problem, of course, is how do you get people back out of that?”

One way of initiating the healing process would be to use the Bowen Technique as a gentle treatment to create space in the soft tissue of your body and reduce tension on the Vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve. It contains motor and sensory fibers and, because it passes through the neck and thorax to the abdomen, has the widest distribution in the body. It contains somatic and visceral afferent fibers, as well as general and special visceral efferent fibers.

For the full article and more on Dr Stephen Porges Polyvagal theory go to :

http://attachmentdisorderhealing.com/porges-polyvagal/