8 Ways to stimulate the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve that runs from the brain to the gut. It sends sensory information to the brain and controls certain motor functions throughout the body. It’s part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which allows the body to “rest and digest.” This is the state which proper digestion happens. In the brain, the vagus nerve affects mood, helps make and store memories. It also slows down the heart rate, allows the lungs to breathe deeper, promotes healthy digestion, reduces inflammation and helps the gut bacteria communicate with the brain along the microbiome-gut-brain axis.
Any dysfunction to the vagus nerve can trigger a variety of symptoms, including changes in heart rate and blood pressure,anxiety, depression and IBS. Most are connected to underactive nerve activity. Vagus nerve stimulation has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of various conditions, including stress, depression,inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity.
You can stimulate the vagus nerve on your own by:
- Exposing yourself to cold temperatures
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Abdominal breathing exercises
- Physical activity
- Laughter
- Massage
- Consuming foods rich in probiotics and omega-3 fats.
References:
Howland, Robert H. “Vagus Nerve Stimulation.” Current Behavioral Neuroscience Reports. June 2014. Accessed July 22, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/artihttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4017164/cles/PMC4017164/.
