The vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve that originates in the brainstem and travels down both sides of the neck toward the abdomen and extends throughout the body, signaling major organs along the way. It is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
The vagus nerve has movement and sensory functions to control muscles required for swallowing and speech, sensory input from back of tongue (for taste), throat, heart, lungs, and abdomen. It's primary function is parasympathetic to slow down heart rate, respiration, and digestion.
Important Facts:
- There is a gut-brain connection- the vagus nerve delivers signals between the gut lining and brain for cellular and microbial communication.
- The vagus nerve controls our ability to relax by signaling the diaphragm for deep breathing.
- It helps decrease inflammation throughout the body and signals hunger, thirst, and elimination.
- It is our gut feeling, and helps mediate stress and fear.
What are symptoms of poor vagus nerve functioning?
- Unexplained hot, red ears or flushing
- Symptoms of anxiety and depression
- In constant fight or flight response
- Poor metabolism and glucose regulation
- Chronic complaints of pain and inflammation
- B12 deficiency
How do I tone or strengthen the vagus nerve?
- Cold stimulation (hot-cold plunge)
- Hum to a song, sing, and laugh daily
- Take a good probiotic with L. rhamnosus cultures
- Ear acupuncture points
- Manual techniques (MELT method)
- Neck release
- 50 second face lift
- 3D breath
If interested in more information about any of the above mentioned techniques, please contact me at Jolene@IntegrativeTOT.com. We offer all of these services at our alternative therapy center for children located in Shelton, CT.
Where can I find research on the vagus nerve?
http://drsircus.com/general/function-vagus-nerve/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000632239900308X
http://www.nature.com/news/the-shock-tactics-set-to-shake-up-immunology-1.21918
For more articles, please visit our research page here
