The Important Vagus Nerve and How to Stimulate it to Better Health
The Important Vagus Nerve and How to Stimulate it to Better Health
I had never heard of the vagus nerve before my daughter fainted on a trip to see her Grandma. She had taken a swallow of a soft drink then tried to laugh. The liquid went down hard and she fainted. Grandma had the doctor check her out and they said she had fainted because her vagus nerve was jolted causing her to pass out. Apparently, this is common and no reason to be concerned. During that same week, the president did almost the same thing while watching football and fainted. When they explained it on the news just like the doctor explained it to me, I relaxed and let it go.
The Vagus Nerve
This week, I came across a blog post about the vagus nerve and how important it is to our overall health. As I began reading, an image showing the nerve as it ran through the human face jumped out at me. The ends of the nerves were right where we tap when using Emotional Freedom Technique or Tapping! No wonder tapping is so effective and so fast acting! We are stimulating the vagus nerve.
Now, that’s exciting to me because even though there are some medical tests out there, there isn’t a lot published on how Tapping really works. Now, I made the connection.
Ok, call me a nerd but I love it when science and medicine back up the alternative stuff I’ve learned. It brings it all together, full circle, tied it up with a neat little bow!
How and Why to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve
There are many ways to stimulate the vagus nerve and good reasons to do so. Many physical conditions and emotional conditions are tied into low vagus nerve activity. Like depression, auto immune diseases and high blood pressure.
Here are some ways to improve your vagus nerve response:
- The vagus nerve is connected to the vocal cords so humming is an excellent way to get it going.
- Again we’re making that connection to the vocal cords. When you have a drink of water, gargle a little bit. It’s ok, you can do it at home where no one can see you.
- Deep breathing. We already know that deep breathing calms you, well, this is why.
- Self Hypnosis, Meditation, Mindfulness and Yoga all use deep breathing so you are kicking in that vagus nerve response when you practice this.
- As I have explained, tapping on the acupuncture points really stimulates the vagus nerve and when that nerve is brought into harmony, calmness and healing can occur.
Now, that you know what the vagus nerve does and how to stimulate it, I challenge you to take time each day creating a healthful flow of energy in your body with vagus nerve stimulation.
Let me know the ways you feel better by stimulating the vagus nerve. For me, I like laughter, humming, deep breathing, Tapping and Self-Hypnosis. Any of those makes me feel centered, calm and content. How about you?
About the Author Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht.
A graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute, Angie J. Hernandez, C.Ht., has her private practice in Milford, Indiana. She is certified in hypnotherapy by the Hypnotherapist's Union Local 472. Angie is the author of "Weight Loss Epiphany: The Workbook", "Charlie's Cuddly Animals for Little Geniuses" and "Weight Loss Hypnosis: Lose Weight with Hypnosis Scripts & Recordings". You can find out more about Angie and how to schedule private sessions by calling (574) 658-4686.
