Abstract
Does compassion itself benefit the healing process or does the activation of neurophysiological processes, from which the experience of compassion arises, trigger a cascade of physical and psychological changes that support health and well-being? Exploration of the neurological substrates of compassion reveals multiple healing pathways that can be activated by mind-body processes. Furthermore, these pathways affect physical health, emotion regulation, and how we perceive and relate to other people. Physiological states affect the capacity for empathy, compassion and understanding. A state of calm alertness based on sympatho-vagal balance may support these high-level prosocial functions. Evidence suggests that polyvagal-informed mind-body practices, particularly Voluntarily Regulated Breathing Practices (VRBPs), efficiently induce such physiological states and that these same states can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, while improving cardiovascular function, respiratory efficiency, and physical health. Mind-body practices, such as Coherent or Resonant Breathing can balance, strengthen, and increase the adaptive flexibility of stress response systems, potentially counteracting the detrimental effects of excess stress, neglect, and trauma on emotion regulation, physical health, and the ability to experience love and compassion. Research is needed to support integration of mind-body practices into healthcare systems. The methods for studying mind-body techniques may be further refined by considering the target symptoms, population being studied, specific parameters of each practice, and method of teaching subjects. The current state of global health calls for treatments that can be delivered to large populations by small numbers of healthcare providers under conditions where resources are limited. Slow gentle Coherent or Resonant Breathing and related mind-body practices are low cost, low risk, easily taught, rapidly effective, scalable, non-stigmatizing, and sustainable. At the convergence of neurophysiological research with contemplative and other mind-body practices, we marvel at the possibilities for relieving emotional and physical suffering as well as improving how we relate to one another.
Highlights
The neurophysiological processes that underlie our capacities for connection, self-regulation, compassion and cooperation are subject to positive and negative influences
Evidence suggests that polyvagal-informed mind-body practices, Voluntarily Regulated Breathing Practices (VRBPs), efficiently induce such physiological states and that these same states can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, while improving cardiovascular function, respiratory efficiency, and physical health
Evidence suggests that polyvagal-informed mind-body techniques focused on VRBPs have the potential to enhance our capacities for connection, self-regulation, compassion, and healing [3, 4]
Summary
The neurophysiological processes that underlie our capacities for connection, self-regulation, compassion and cooperation are subject to positive and negative influences. Evidence suggests that polyvagal-informed mind-body techniques focused on VRBPs have the potential to enhance our capacities for connection, self-regulation, compassion, and healing [3, 4]. These states of flexible, adaptive sympatho-vagal balance significantly improve mental and physical health by a multiplicity of synergistic mechanisms, including: reduced oxidative damage and inflammation; improved cardiovascular function; and increased respiratory efficiency and oxygenation [1, 3, 5, 6]. This article begins with a discussion of the scientific basis for understanding the effects of slowpaced breathing and related mind-body practices on neurophysiological states, emotion regulation, and prosocial functions. Lapses in the maintenance of these distinctions may be a factor in vicarious trauma and burn-out among caregivers
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