Polyvagal Theory and The Mind-Body Connection

Fire, Soul & Grace Podcast

In this episode of the Fire, Soul, and Grace podcast, Dr. Kristi Tompkins interviews Madelaine Golec, a physiotherapist specializing in pelvic floor physiotherapy and her application of the Polyvagal Theory. They discuss various topics related to pelvic floor health, polyvagal theory, social connection, stress, and nervous system, and the mind-body connection. Madelaine shares her knowledge and passion for these subjects, providing informative and exciting insights for the listeners. Tune in to learn more about this important and often overlooked aspect of women's health.

Madelaine Golec: https://www.ecophysio.com

Madelaine's Bio: Madelaine is a pelvic health physiotherapist practicing out of Mississauga, Ontario Canada. She has been supporting clients in their pelvic health journey for almost 10 years. Pelvic health is not just about the pelvis, it’s about systems and as such Madelaine has undergone a multitude of training to better support the systems that impact pelvic health. That is when she came across the poly-vagal theory that provided a framework for explaining and supporting a biopsychosocial model of care. Handles: Instagram @madelainegolec @ecophysiotherapy TikTok: @madelainegolec Episode Time Stamps:

[00:02:56] Polyvagal Theory & Personal Story

[00:05:18] Polyvagal Theory Meaning.

[00:10:16] Evolutionary perspective on social engagement.

[00:15:23] Sense of belonging and support.

[00:18:01] Polyvagal theory and safety.

[00:22:06] Exercise and Social Support.

[00:27:15] Creating more safety.

[00:30:35] Supporting the body's healing.

[00:34:03] Emotions and physiology.

[00:37:28] Overactivity in the immune system.

[00:41:05] The mind-body connection.

[00:44:46] Exercise and stress reduction.

[00:50:41] Body-based techniques for stress.

[00:53:08] Somatic coaching for entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Dr. Kristi Tompkins and Madelaine Golec discuss the meaning, definition, and physiology of the Polyvagal Theory. Madelaine shares how she personally came to understand and implement the Polyvagal Theory into her practice with her patients, specifically with Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy.

They discuss the detrimental effects of chronic isolation on the body, brain, and nervous system. They emphasize the importance of community and relationships in mitigating this stress and highlight the calming effect of reaching out to a supportive community. The speakers also delve into the biopsychosocial approach to health and wellness, emphasizing the significance of being present in the body for overall well-being.

They address the challenges of practicing meditation in the face of trauma and stress. They acknowledge that trauma and stress can make it difficult for individuals to be fully present and engage in mindfulness practices. They emphasize the need to understand and address what it means to create a sense of safety in your own lives and in the world and how a meditation practice can support that.

Madelaine explores the idea that deeply connecting with the body can calm the mind and enhance productivity. She uses the analogy of a funnel to illustrate how slowing down and connecting with the body can create space for organized and productive thinking. Trusting oneself, taking breaks, and mobilizing or exercising are highlighted as important factors in calming the body and mind.

Throughout the episode, the role of community and support in calming the body and mind is emphasized. Chronic isolation is identified as a source of stress, but having a community or support system can have a calming effect. By tapping into the resources of a community, individuals can enhance their ability to connect with their bodies.

Overall, the episode underscores the power and purpose of the Polyvagal Theory, and the negative impact of chronic isolation on the body, brain, and nervous system, while emphasizing the importance of community and relationships in reducing stress and promoting well-being. It also addresses the challenges of practicing meditation in the face of trauma and stress, and highlights the significance of connecting with the body to calm the mind and improve productivity.