What is the vagus nerve, and how can learning about improving our vagal tone lead to improvements in our wellbeing?
Hi. I’m Jules. Each month, I explore and share simple Therapeutic and Wellbeing tools that you may want to use to support you and your wellbeing and bring into your everyday life!
This month, we are looking at The Vagus Nerve. This remarkable nerve is the longest in the human body. This nerve plays a pivotal role in connecting our brain to various vital organs, which influence everything from our heart rate to our digestive processes. Understanding and nurturing the vagus nerve can be transformative, offering a pathway to enhanced physical and mental health.
What is the vagus nerve?
It’s named after the Latin word for "wandering," which aptly describes its extensive reach throughout the body. Originating in the brainstem, it travels down through the neck and into the chest and abdomen, innervating major organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. As a critical component of the parasympathetic nervous system, the vagus nerve is essential for the "rest and digest" functions that counterbalance the "fight or flight" responses of the sympathetic nervous system.
What is vagal tone?
Vagal tone refers to the activity of the vagus nerve. Higher vagal tone indicates a more resilient and responsive parasympathetic nervous system, which is crucial for maintaining a state of balance and calm.
*Good vagal tone is associated with numerous health benefits including...
Heart Health: Regulation of heart rate and blood pressure, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Enhanced Digestion: Stimulation of digestive enzymes and bile production, which leads to more efficient digestion and reduced inflammation in the gut.
Mental Health: Support in lowering levels of anxiety and depression, improving mood regulation, and enhancing emotional resilience.
Immune Function: Support in managing inflammation and developing a more robust immune response.
Stress Resilience: Increased ability to cope with stress by promoting relaxation and faster recovery from stressful events.
Abnormal Vagal Tone:
When the Vagus Nerve isn’t functioning well — also known as “abnormal vagal tone” — your health can suffer in many ways.
Symptoms can arise after a period of illness or extreme physical stress or trauma. Extreme or prolonged emotional stress can also cause an imbalance.
Simple Ways to Improve Vagal Tone:
Going for a massage or self-massage,
singing and chanting,
engaging in…
breathwork,
yoga,
Qigong,
mindfulness and meditation,
cold water swimming,
cold showers,
gently splashing cold water on your face, and even
gargling water!
How can improving your vagal tone change your life?
By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can have significant improvements in your overall wellbeing.
When you nurture your vagus nerve, you are not only enhancing your physical health but also supporting your mental and emotional resilience.
Embracing the power of the vagus nerve is a natural way to support your health and wellbeing!
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