The Vagus Nerve is the body’s largest nerve, traveling like a “superhighway” through the torso, connecting and influencing most major organs and body systems. It plays a central role in both emotional and physical well-being, acting as the main parasympathetic nerve, which means it can trigger deep relaxation and restoration from within.
This remarkable nerve carries essential signals throughout the body, supporting a balanced state of calm and resilience. The Vagus Nerve is a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and even chronic pain. Engaging this nerve through these, and other, practices below, can lower heart rate and blood pressure, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation. By regularly activating the Vagus Nerve, you support your body’s natural ability to shift from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest,” allowing you to respond to life’s challenges from a place of steadiness and resilience. In essence, nurturing the Vagus Nerve helps build a foundation of peace and vitality, supporting emotional balance and physical health.
Activating the Vagus Nerve is easy. Try these simple techniques to strengthen and balance your Vagus Nerve!
1. SUNLIGHT and FRESH AIR
Nature can heal, balance and relax everything within the body, including the nervous system and the Vagus Nerve. Get outside and breathe, take in the sunshine and light everyday for 20 minutes or more if you can.
2. HUG
You can do this all by yourself! Wrap your arms around yourself, and give yourself a hug! When it feels safe, also hug your animal friends, friends and family. This activates the Vagus Nerve by increasing oxytocin – the feel good hormone – and helps to stimulate the spiritual heart fostering connection.
3. LAUGH!
Laughter is a breathing and energy practice: there is actually no need to have something ‘funny’ to laugh at. Just start laughing for laughter’s sake! Really get your belly really going! My fav is to start laughing in a yoga pose. Look out the window and laugh. Watch something funny. Laugh with friends. This activates the Vagus Nerve in the throat, chest and abdomen, and makes you feel darn good.
4. SING, CHANT & HUM
And Sing or Chant Loudly. Try it in a yoga pose; as you do your household activities like cooking, laundry, gardening, cleaning, and of course – in the shower! Sing to your pets – they love it! Sing with the radio. Activates Vagus Nerve in the throat, vocal chords, and abdomen.
5. SIGH
This is a favorite in our household! It feels so good. Make it a looooonnnng Sigh: “Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh”. It activates a sense of release, and helps to soothe the liver. The Vagus Nerve is activated in the throat, vocal chords, abdomen and liver.
