Healing Through Movement - Part 1 - Introduction

The concept of healing through movement is not new. However, it can be wildly complex with intricate parts, while also being extremely simplistic. Confused yet? Don't worry, lets dive into this idea and explore just some of the ways it works.

First, we have to go back to the core concepts of the central nervous system and polyvagal theory. Here is a quick reminder for those of you that are avid followers or a quick exposure if you just found this post. Our central nervous system is composed of a hierarchy of sorts, referred to as the autonomic ladder. The bottom of the ladder represents the Dorsal Vagal Pathway that is responsible for immobilization, shut down, or freeze response. Go up the ladder, and the middle rungs represent the Sympathetic Pathway that is responsible for fight or flight. The top rungs of the ladder represent the Ventral Vagal Pathway, which is responsible for feelings of safety, security, and connection. Location on the ladder does not equate to being better off than another location on the ladder. The top is not always the best. However, it does mean that you have to climb all the rungs to get to the next active pathway. You can't jump from being shut down to feeling safe and connected without moving up the entire ladder and through the other pathways.

Now, how does this relate to healing through movement? Well, one cannot heal while stagnant. Stagnation is a form of shut down, freeze, or immobilization...which means the Dorsal Vagal Pathway is in charge and active. The Dorsal Vagal Pathway is the oldest defense pathway in the central nervous system and it exists to protect you and help you survive. Sadly, you can not heal when stuck in a survival/protection mode. You have to move up the rungs of the ladder.

When we find healing through motion, we move the body forward in a safe environment or space that will promote the central nervous system to begin climbing that ladder towards safety and connection. In turn, it automatically assists the mind with moving forward as well. So, how does this relate to horses?

An easier question would be: "How does this not relate to horses?" As humans, horses allow us the opportunity for movement, whether we are riding, feeding, cleaning pens, brushing, walking, or whatever else. On the horse side of things, this concept can be very beneficial for the training and rehabilitation of horses.

Think about a horse that is stuck, or as I like to say, "sticky". The horse's feet may as well be glued to the ground, they do NOT want to move. When they finally do move.....the movement is most often explosive. Why is that? Well, think through the ladder. The horse's Dorsal Vagal Pathway was most active during the "sticky" action. The horse has to climb the rungs of the ladder. Meaning, the horse has to go through the Sympathetic Pathway or fight or flight. So, the explosive "fight or flight" movement that follows the "sticky" movement should be expected and not punished. Instead, we should encourage the horse to continue climbing and find connection and safety.

As training progresses, the goal is to assist the horse in moving up and down the ladder with ease. The horse can startle and then, just as quickly, recover, and be back to functioning in the Ventral Vagal Pathway of safety and connection. Training should NOT be about a "bomb proof" "de-sensitized" horse that never reacts to anything.....that can be more dangerous than a reactive horse (more on that in a future post).

Instead, the question becomes: "what is the horse's recovery time?"

So, here is your challenge....

Ask yourself, "What is MY recovery time?" and "What is my horse's recovery time?" "Can we improve our recovery time?"

Recovery time can be improved through movement. You have to move in order to work towards connection, safety, and "broke". When a horse heals through movement, they realize that breathing, paying attention, and going forward, results in safety and connection with their human counterpart. We begin to heal the nervous system when we allow it to go through the pathways necessary without punishment, but instead with encouragement to achieve feelings of connection and safety.

Next Challenge.....

When your horse reacts to something, ask yourself: "Is my horse simply working up or down the ladder?" "How can I support my horse to help him get to a point where he is functioning from the Ventral Vagal Pathway of safety and connection?"

Movement is an important part of the healing and learning process. Allowing yourself and your horse to internally and externally move will allow both of you to establish a better connection, resulting in feelings of safety and satisfaction for you both.