Rebooting your Vagus Nerve can lead to a healthier life both physically and emotionally. So…..what is the Vagus Nerve, anyway? It is the longest cranial nerve and is identified as a two-way communication network starting at the brain and traveling to ALL of our critical organs. Because it travels to all parts of the body, it is known as the vagabond, or wondering nerve.
Dr. Justin Hoffman, a Santa Rosa, California, licensed Naturopathic Medical Physician, says:
“Without the Vagus Nerve, key functions that keep us alive would not be maintained.”
Nationally recognized sports nutritionist, strength, and conditioning coach, Brandon Mentore elaborates:
“The Vagus nerve is extremely critical to your overall health and is intimately tied in with multiple organs and systems of the body.”
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There are two parts to the Vagus Nerve with two different functions:
• Somatic is the Greek word for the body which is associated with the skin and muscles. This part is mainly responsible for the movement of voluntary muscles and reflexes. It carries nerve impulses back and forth between the central nervous system (brain and the spinal cord), the skeletal muscles, skin, and sensory organs.
• Visceral is attributed to the organs of the body. This part provides visceral sensory information from the larynx, esophagus, trachea, and abdominal cavity.
This article provides additional in-depth information on the components and functions of the vagus nerve.
With a healthy and functioning vagus nerve, the brain and body connection will work with ease and you will feel healthy both physically and emotionally.
A healthy Vagus Nerve performs the following tasks:
• Keeps the larynx open for breathing – feeds the lungs and diaphragm
• Slows/regulate the heartbeat
• Stimulates the secretion of saliva, release of bile, and peristalsis (contraction) of the bowels
• Contracts the bladder
• Sends messages to the brain to produce/release Oxytocin (feel-good/bonding hormone)
• Reduces anxiety and depression
• Reduces stress and inflammation
• Increases immunity and longevity
An easy read on the Vagus Nerve: Vagus: The Master Nerve and Our Cosmic Connection
Steps to Reboot
If there are organs not functioning well and contributing to inflammation, anxiety, depression and eating disorders, then the two-way brain and body connection is impaired and can have an effect on your life. Intestinal GI distress can put pressure on the nerve and it will then become irritated. Poor posture, along with muscular imbalances can also cause the vagus nerve to malfunction. Regarding diet, consuming large amounts of alcohol or eating spicy foods can aggravate the nerve. If you live a lifestyle of constant stress and fatigue, this can also inflame the nerve.
By activating the vagus nerve, we can influence and change the inflammation and the disruption in our immune system. This is a big task and a very important one. Stimulation of this nerve helps slow down the heart rate and blood pressure, especially in times of anxiety. When you have higher vagal tones, your body can relax faster, especially if there is stress involved. If you have gastrointestinal concerns, such as constant nausea, stimulating the vagus nerve can alleviate the symptoms.
Psychology Today, Research Findings, Vagus Nerve Stimulation Dramatically Reduces Inflammation
There are many techniques that can help improve the health of your vagus nerve. Optimal Living Dynamics, How to Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve for Better Mental Health’
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Vagus Nerve Stimulation activities to try:
• Yoga: Part of the benefit of learning how to breathe in yoga is the ability to tap into this physiological response to your exhale.
• The Cold: Research found that if you have exposure to cold on a regular basis, it can lower stress and lessen your “fight or flight” response.
• Gargle: Stimulate your gag reflex with your toothbrush by touching the back of your throat so you gag a little. Gargle both morning and night.
• Sing/Hum when you have time. This stimulates your digestion/motility
• Acupuncture: This procedure can increase vagal activity and vagal tone, and can help treat “neurodegenerative diseases.”
Short article on Trauma, Health, and Vagus Nerve Stimulation. Natural Vagus Nerve Stimulation-Dr. Arielle Schwartz
It is imperative to pay tribute to the most important nerve in your body! Make sure to nourish your vagus nerve…by doing so, you are treating your WHOLE body!
Cheers!
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