Polyvagal Theory Explained: How Massage Supports Your Nervous System
Massage Wimbledon | Myofascial Release | Vagus Nerve Regulation
Ever feel anxious, overwhelmed, or wired for no reason?
That’s your nervous system talking.
In my massage studio here in Wimbledon, I see it all the time — clients who come in with shoulder tension, headaches, jaw pain or fatigue, only to discover there’s a deeper layer of stress held in the body.
Let me introduce you to Polyvagal Theory, a powerful way to understand how your body shifts between stress, safety, and connection — and how massage can gently support your nervous system back into balance.
In this blog i will cover:
• What is Polyvagal Theory?
• How the vagus nerve affects your body
• How massage regulates vagal tone
• What we do at Fascia Massage Studio Wimbledon
What Is Polyvagal Theory?
Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory explains how your autonomic nervous system moves through different physiological states depending on how safe (or unsafe) you feel — based on both internal sensations and your environment.
These states are controlled largely by the vagus nerve, a key part of your parasympathetic nervous system. It influences your:
• Heart rate and breathing
• Digestion and immune function
• Emotional regulation and social engagement
Polyvagal Theory outlines three primary states:
• Ventral vagal (safe & social): calm, open, grounded
• Sympathetic (fight or flight): anxious, tense, hypervigilant
• Dorsal vagal (shutdown): numb, disconnected, low-energy
Your body is constantly scanning for cues of safety or danger — and shifting between these states without you even realising it.
What Is Vagal Tone?
“Vagal tone” refers to how well your vagus nerve regulates internal functions.
A healthy vagal tone helps you move out of stress and into calm more easily.
Poor vagal tone can leave you feeling stuck in fight, flight, or freeze — leading to chronic tension, fatigue, digestive issues, or anxiety.
How Massage Can Support Your Nervous System
Massage and myofascial release do more than relax tight muscles — they can help rewire your body’s stress response and bring you back into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state.
At Fascia Massage Wimbledon, I offer treatments that work gently with your nervous system, including:
• Jaw, face & neck massage – calming the cranial nerves and reducing TMJ tension
• Abdominal massage – stimulating vagus nerve endings and supporting gut-brain communication
• Breath-led relaxation techniques – bringing awareness to your breathing patterns
• Slow fascial work & interoceptive touch – helping the body feel safe and grounded from the inside out
When your body feels safe, your nervous system can start to shift — naturally and without force.
Why This Matters
So many of us operate in constant survival mode.
Even when life looks “fine,” our systems are often stuck in hyper-alertness or shut-down.
This is where bodywork becomes such a powerful tool — not just to treat symptoms, but to reconnect you to your own sense of safety.
Clients often say they feel “more present,” “lighter,” or “emotionally released” after a session — that’s your nervous system resetting.
Massage for nervous system support in Wimbledon can be the missing link when other approaches haven’t quite landed.
Want to Feel More Grounded?
If you’re experiencing overwhelm, jaw tension, fatigue, or just feel stuck in your head — fascia-focused massage might help bring you back to yourself.
I’m based in Wimbledon and work with both stress-related and chronic tension patterns through myofascial release, soft tissue therapy, and nervous system-informed treatments.
