TVM FAQs

Why TVM? 

  • TVM is a holistic body-based approach which is fast and effective on emotional and physical trauma

  • Does not require re-activation or discussion of previous trauma. 

  • Transforms addictions and addictive patterns

  • Rapid healing of depression and suicidal thoughts

  • Decreases PTSD and C-PTSD symptoms

  • Heals physical injuries and physical trauma

  • Release and transformation of emotional trauma 

  • Decreases anxiety

  • Creates an instant surge of oxytocin throughout the body. 

  • Attunes the nervous system to relaxation

What to expect during a TVM session

Time on the table is an hour or 90 minutes. Appointment duration varies. Different packages are available to suit different needs and budgets. 

A pre-screening suitability form is completed prior to or during a 20 minute free consultation and information session. Depending on client suitability and readiness, goal setting, coaching and supported self help packages are available prior to TVM.   

Some individuals need to talk about their lived experiences. Some people find it helpful discussing changes and challenges as they arise. For others, talking about trauma is the last thing they need. Support needs and style may vary, but the body-work and process on the table remains the same. 

The first session is about mapping out where your body is at in terms of vagal tone, fascia calcification and posture. The session is outlined, touch points are shown on the body and there is time for questions. Consent exercises are undertaken between practitioner and you. If and when it feels right, the TVM session will begin.

Once consent is given for the session to start, manual stimulation of the nervous system begins and oxytocin is released. This is hands-on bodywork. The client may experience resurgence of trapped trauma as all the branches of the vagus nerve are being engaged. 

How will I react to TVM?

Many different states may be triggered, including shaking, spasms, coughing, sweating, crying, vomiting, and even some mild psychedelic-like experiences of visions, colours of feelings of being outside of the body. Individual response depends on vagal tone at the start of the session. Some individuals may have a freeze response, some may go into a trancelike state. This is normal and expected.   

The goal of the Triple Vagal Method is to travel through all three dominant circuits to complete any incomplete cycles or trapped traumas.  This also triggers oxytocin and builds vagal tone. 

Building vagal tone allows you to eventually have ventral circuit dominance - which means spending more time in ‘rest and digest’ state and have smaller peaks when entering and travelling between the other states of freeze and fight or flight.

What should I wear for a TVM session?

Dress comfortably, no jeans or heavy clothing that is difficult to move with. 

Please make sure you are not wearing a shirt with buttons or an under-wired bra. 

Layers are good as body temperature can fluctuate during a session. Blankets and cushions will be available for your comfort.   

How should I plan aftercare following a TVM session?

Once the session is complete, you will be given time to ‘land’, ground and drink some water. There will be time if there is anything you want to share or ask following your session. 

Integration afterwards is just as important as the work during the session. 

Be mindful of big plans, stressful work commitments and energy output following a session. 

Journaling, drawing, spending time alone in nature, electrolytes, weighted blankets, meditation and rest are all excellent ways to support integration and neurological reprogramming that may have been triggered during treatment. 

This is trauma work - as such, a myriad of emotions and physical sensations may arise. 

As with any deep treatment, be gentle with yourself for 24/48 hours - longer if needed. Hydration, electrolytes, nourishing meals, sunset / sunrise gazing and decreased nervous system stimulus will benefit during this time.

What is the Triple Vagal Method (TVM)? 

TVM is a somatic trauma transformation method which aims to release and heal trauma while increasing vagal tone. This is done via physical manipulation of the vagus nerve.  

This is an applied practice based on Polyvagal Theory. The vagus nerve is responsible for freeze, fight or flight and rest and digest states within the body. In each session, we stimulate the vagus nerve using gentle physical touch, allowing the body to complete any unresolved trauma cycles. 

Healing is achieved in TVM via the releasing of oxytocin, breaking down calcification of the fascia which may be storing trauma and emotions, while reducing cortisol in the body,  We understand that the body stores different types of trauma in different parts of the nervous system, soft tissue and organs. TVM allows this to be released. 

How does TVM work? 

TVM manually engages the nervous system and polyvagal ladder, using structured and controlled surges of oxytocin combined with time. This facilitates neuroplasticity and reprograms a new neural pathway for trauma responses. 

During each session, oxytocin is released and utilised, helping with the completion of the trauma cycle to heal dysregulation and restore safety in the body.