The word “vagus” means wandering in Latin. This is a very appropriate name, as the vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve. It runs from the brain stem to the colon. The vagus nerve is the body’s superpower and it’s used to counteract your fight/flight system. It’s how you develop a healthy stress response and become resilient. When stimulated, you feel calmer, more compassionate, and clearer. Stimulating the vagus nerve benefits your autonomic nervous system and mental health. Healthy vagal tone means emotional regulation, greater connection, and better physical health as well. You are more resilient and able to pull yourself through trauma and troubles.
Now, more than ever, is it essential to find ways to rest our nervous systems, not only to manage traumatic stress and core soul-exhaustion, but to deepen our relationship with the earth, our hearts, and to reconnect with the essence of what it mean to be a human being alone on the planet at this time.
I invite you to experience your nervous system not as some “thing” that exists inside you – some abstract idea or scientific theory – but as a friend, a companion, an ally that walks with and accompanies you on your journey.
The vagus nerve plays an important role in:
- Digestion
- Breathing
- Mood
- Immune system response
- Speech
- Taste
- Mucus and saliva production
- Urine output
You can stimulate the vagus nerve include:
- Cold immersion/exposure (cold showers, go outside in cold temperatures with minimal clothing)
- Humming and singing
- Meditation/mindfulness
- Deep and slow breathing
- Exercise
- Foot massage (gentle or firm touch can assign in the stimulation of the nerve)
