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The S.E.E.D. Institute

I.F.P.A. Aromatherapy Diploma, Massage, Ayurveda & Post-graduate Qualifications/CPD

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Engaging the Vagus (VAGUS50)

Tutor: John Wilks

In-house Location: Somerset, Surrey

Summary: Understanding how the autonomic nervous system works can assist us all and be hugely empowering for our clients. Understanding how we can regulate our nervous systems in response to current challenges is incredibly valuable and even more so within the present climate of the western world. Using some practical exercises involving breath, embodiment practices, movement, touch, play and social activities, we will explore some simple practical approaches that can engage our social nervous system and our ‘ventral vagus’. in order to calm our nervous systems and integrate experiences positively.


Somerset: 5-6 November 2026 (£240)
Book now
Surrey: 12-13 August 2026 (£240)
Book now

Overview

Now more than ever, it is incredibly valuable to understand how we can regulate our nervous systems in response to current challenges.

On this 2 Day course we will explore ways of deepening our connection to ourselves and our clients through the gateway of our own exquisitely intelligent nervous systems.

This workshop will look at the vagus within the framework of the Polyvagal Theory and the Social Engagement System (Stephen Porges) and provide skills for tracking and working with our own and our client’s responses within a safe and contained environment.

During this course we will explore some very practical ways that we can engage our social nervous system and our ‘ventral vagus’ in order to calm our nervous systems and integrate experiences positively.

John Wilks (MA RCST BTAA) has been practising and teaching Craniosacral Therapy and The Bowen Technique for the last 25 years. In his early 20’s he developed a deep interest in body-centred psychotherapy, yoga and meditation and has since taught throughout the world in every continent.

He is a frequent speaker at international conferences and hosted the recent Human Baby Human Being conference in Bristol.

John is also the author of 6 books – "Choices in Pregnancy and Childbirth" (2015), "An Integrative Approach to Treating Babies and Children" (2017), "Using the Bowen Technique to address common and complex conditions" (2014), "Understanding The Bowen Technique and Understanding Craniosacral Therapy" and "The Bowen Technique - the inside story published in 2007".

For qualified Massage Therapists/Bodyworkers

Course Content

Studies commence at 9.30 a.m. and finish at 5.30 p.m.

Using some practical exercises involving breath, embodiment practices, movement, touch, play and social activities, we will explore a series of ways you can engage the newer vagal circuits to encourage well-being both in ourselves and the people around us. Understanding how our autonomic nervous system works can be hugely empowering for our clients and help them to free themselves of guilt or the sense that we should be able to control areas of our life which are challenging.

The following will be covered:

Many associations accept our courses for CPD, including the IFPA (12 Category A points).

Student Comments

“The tutor was open and safe, organic in nature and in teachings. He was easy-going, and knowledgeable across many fields. Good Theory and Structure to the course and polite, considerate and professional email and telephone contact with T.S.I.” 2025

“The tutor was excellent, brilliant all-round. I didn't get bored even once and he was very easy to understand. Good tutorial visuals, everything was explained if not initially obvious and was not rushed. Will be able to incorporate something so different into my work with clients now.” S.Sedden 2025

“John is a brilliant tutor - extremely knowledgeable with a good sense of humour and very responsive to questions. Lovely atmosphere in the room, a very enjoyable course with a good mixture of theory and practice” 2025

“The tutor was calm, engaging and knowledgeable on his subject and related subjects and therapies. I have learnt a lot of new things that are related to my therapies and in their own context. The practical element was informative and well taught. S.E.E.D. communicates well and informs well.” S Jay 2025