The Vagus Nerve: The Key to a More healthy Stress Response

Lately everyone seems to be searching for the supply of their stress and looking for a strategy to alleviate rigidity. One usually missed a part of the physique, the vagus nerve, is intrinsically linked to the thoughts and physique’s stress response. Stimulating this nerve and enhancing the vagal tone will help improve the physique’s resiliency.

The vagus nerve

Whereas the vagus nerve isn’t broadly identified, it’s answerable for a handful of important involuntary features. Founding father of OSEA, Jenefer Palmer, says it’s the longest and most complicated cranial nerve within the physique and performs a job in every thing from feelings to high quality of sleep. It’s “the principle nerve of your parasympathetic nervous system and controls physiological features akin to our digestion, coronary heart charge, temper and even our immune system,” explains wellness knowledgeable and holistic nutritionist Jennifer Hanway. A enjoyable reality: “Its identify, derived from Latin, which means ‘wandering,’ and rightly in order the tenth cranial nerve, it extends from the mind stem right down to the intestine,” says Palmer.

The vagus nerve because it pertains to nervousness and stress

As Hanway stated, the vagus nerve is a necessary a part of the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system has an enormous job. Hanway explains that it’s the management heart for the physique’s “relaxation and digest” state. “Our physique is all the time in two states—both ‘Relaxation and Digest’ or ‘Combat or Flight,’” says Hanway. Combat or flight is a part of the associated sympathetic nervous system. “If it’s not functioning optimally (referred to as low vagal tone), you will have heightened ranges of stress and nervousness and discover it exhausting to loosen up after encountering a nerve-racking state of affairs.”

Moreover, the nerve has a particular reflex that helps the physique deal with stress. “When your nervousness is thru the roof, the vagus nerve tells your physique to loosen up by releasing acetylcholine, a soothing neurotransmitter that melts rigidity away,” says Palmer. “The extra toned the nerve is, the more practical this rest response can be.”

Vagus nerve stimulation

Surgical vagus nerve stimulation includes {an electrical} system being implanted beneath the pores and skin, on the affected person’s chest, linked to the left vagus nerve. Hanway explains that the system then sends indicators to the mind to stimulate nerve perform. She provides that it’s presently FDA-approved within the U.S. for the remedy of epilepsy and melancholy.

“Nevertheless, there are non-surgical methods to stimulate the vagus nerve, and these usually contain deep respiration practices. Different choices embody gargling or loud signing, foot therapeutic massage and cold-water face immersion,” says Hanway. Palmer suggests attempting to stimulate the nerve by way of a self-massage to assist improve vagal tone. “It could promote stress administration, blood circulation and optimistic social engagement,” Palmer says.

Vagus nerve oil

OSEA Vagus Nerve Oil ($48) is the gold customary for oil that helps assist rest and soften away indicators of stress through the vagus nerve. “The Vagus Nerve Oil helps to advertise a way of well-being and serenity,” explains Palmer. “It’s a calming mix of important oils, together with juniper, lavender and chamomile in a hydrating base of jojoba oil.”

Dispense the oil into your arms, rub them collectively, cup your arms to your nostril and inhale deeply, instructs Palmer. Then, “flippantly therapeutic massage in a round movement alongside either side of your neck. Gently rub behind your earlobes.” She suggests additionally utilizing the oil “earlier than any emotionally balancing or calming exercise for an enhanced expertise,” akin to meditation, deep respiration, yoga or stretching. It’s “a form strategy to present some like to your self and to stimulate the nerve,” says Palmer.