What Happens in the Vagus, Doesn’t Stay in the Vagus


What Happens in the Vagus, Doesn’t Stay in the Vagus

Simply put, the brain and gut directly influence each other. If you are nervous about something, this can directly impact the amount of stomach acid and gastric juices that are produced by your stomach, which can cause an upset stomach. If you eat poorly, this can directly impact the neurotransmitters that affect your brain chemistry and mood. The enteric nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system that lies within the gastrointestinal lining of the gut. It is often referred to as the second brain because of its impact on the brain and can operate independently of the brain and spinal cord. The Vagus Nerve connects the enteric nervous system to the brain and is a key player in the gut/brain connection.

The Vagus Nerve, which is also referred to as Cranial Nerve X (10), is the longest cranial nerve in the body and runs from the brainstem to the intestines, innervating the throat, facial muscles, heart, and lungs. The Vagus Nerve directly impacts the immune system and inflammation in the body. Vagal tone is the measurement of how well your Vagus Nerve is functioning.  When the body has good vagal tone, a person will have less anxiety, proper immune function, better mood, less inflammation, and better health. Higher Vagal tone increases the hormone oxytocin, which is a feel-good hormone, and is linked to higher levels of compassion and altruism. 

Heart rate variability is a good measure of your vagal tone. The greater your heart rate variability the greater the vagal tone. There are at-home devices that measure your heart rate variability using a sensor and your smartphone. It can be a good tool to determine where you are in your health and goals for health improvement.

Medical implants have been approved by the FDA to stimulate the Vagus Nerve and are indicated to help reduce seizures in epileptics, migraines, anxiety, and depression.

Here are some important ways to improve your vagal tone naturally:

1. End your shower with a blast of cold water. You can stick with just the face or spray the whole body, stay under the cold water for 30 seconds to one minute.

2. Clean up your gut from microorganisms and toxicity, support a leaky gut, take supplementation. Get muscle tested for dysbiosis, microorganism imbalance, toxicity, and make sure that you are taking the proper supplement protocol that has been tested for your individual requirements. Certain omega oils, theanine, gabba, vitamins, minerals, and herbs can all help with increasing vagal tone.

3. Stimulate two bilateral points in the middle portion of your subclavius muscle, which is located directly above the clavicle. The pressure is applied very firmly for about 10 seconds and can be quite uncomfortable. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, asked a trained chiropractor or Chinese medicine doctor/acupuncturist who is versed in vagus nerve stimulation.

4. Chiropractic, craniosacral, acupuncture, massage, reflexology, and yoga all stimulate the vagus nerve. Most people notice after a chiropractic adjustment, acupuncture, or massage that they feel more calm and centered. The Vagus nerve is stimulated, and many neurotransmitters and endorphins are released providing increased vagal tone.

5. Bitter foods can stimulate the vagus nerve. Watercress and arugula are such foods.

6. Being in nature increases vagal tone while being around EMFs (cell phone radiation, wifi, computers, etc.) decrease vagal tone. Go for a walk in nature, get to the beach, and get out of the city. It will help you be healthier.

7. Deep breathing. Slow and prolonged exhalations increase vagal tone. A favorite breathing technique of mine is  4-7-8 breathing. Breathe in through the nose for a count of 4, hold the breath for a count of 7, and exhale through the mouth for a count of 8.

8. Progressive muscle stimulation. Lying down start by bringing awareness to your feet, lift them off the floor and tense them tightly for 5 to 10 seconds, then release them to the floor. Move to your thighs and legs and tense them tightly, lift them for 5 to 10 seconds and then release. Move up to the arms, tense them tightly for 5 to 10 seconds, lift them off the floor and release them. Do this for the entire body doing bilateral body parts at a time. End off with lifting the legs, torso, head, and arms together off the floor, holding tight and then releasing into stillness for 5 minutes.

9. Sing, hum, or whistle. They all stimulate the vagus nerve.  So belt one out for your health!


About the Author

Dr. Louis Granirer is a leading NY Chiropractor who specializing in finding holistic remedies for severe and chronic illnesses. Learn more by visiting his website at HolisticChirioprascticCenter.com


Location: Kingston, NY, USA

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