02/23/2026
Hello, Dee Wagner here, the originator of Chi for Two. Chi (energy) for Two (relational). A mindful embodiment method, which I have been formally developing since 2017. I’m writing today because I wish for a world-healing resolution to an intensifying scientific debate. This debate is brewing over polyvagal theory. And I can explain why this resolution will likely not come from everyone being “calm.”
A recent article by Grossman et al. calls polyvagal theory “untenable.” Then, in one of his responses, Porges—creator of polyvagal theory—suggests a critique could be “untenable.”
Could the awakening of what seemed settled, create useful forward movement for our world? Yes.
The debate is creating space for the voices of helping professionals who have been itching to challenge ideas that celebrate “calm.” Voices are rising to say, “Hey, there has been a polyvagal celebration of calm without adequate anatomical understanding of the activation, which makes it possible to feel calm!”
The most important part of polyvagal theory is the identification of the active state that is not Fight/Flight. Sports professionals are stepping forward to demonstrate big, fast movements can be mobilized with Play/Dance, not Fight/Flight.
Chi for Two invites awareness of how polyvagal theory can help us see two continuums of active and calm created by two types of mobilization. If we can mobilize with Play/Dance, our bodies will naturally Rest and Digest.
Chi for Two invites awareness of key preverbal percussive rhythms and oppositional movements, which help us find our authentic movement within group movement. Being our unique authentic selves requires percussive rhythm and oppositional movement.
To dig deeper into vagal anatomical functioning and see how this knowledge could help move the scientific debate forward in a world-healing way, you can check out my latest blog post: https://www.chifortwo.com/blog/deewagner-addresses-polyvagal-grossman-porges
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