Some of the most popular ones feature simple hacks to “tone” or “reset” the vagus nerve, in which people plunge their faces into ice water baths or lie on their backs with ice packs on their chests. There are also neck and ear massages, eye exercises and deep-breathing techniques.
“The mammalian vagus nerve regenerates poorly after injury, which can result in loss of speech, difficulty swallowing, abnormal heart rate, and gastroparesis [improper stomach emptying],” the authors explain. In zebrafish, on the other hand, nerve regeneration is generally very successful.
Vagus Nerve Damage
You'll notice issues with your voice, problems with your throat, an increased heart rate, brain fog, excessively high or low blood pressure, and gut problems. Here are some specific conditions to look for: Vocal cord issues that cause a hoarse, wheeze voice or loss of voice entirely.
There are two main causes of vagus nerve dysfunction: previous infection or inflammation and physical or psychological stress.
The vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords and the muscles at the back of your throat. Singing, humming, chanting and gargling can activate these muscles and stimulate your vagus nerve. And this has been shown to increase heart-rate variability and vagal tone (12).
Damage to the vagus nerve
Scientists have long known that chronic conditions such as alcoholism and diabetes can damage nerves, including the vagus nerve. If the vagus nerve is damaged, nausea, bloating, diarrhea and gastroparesis (in which the stomach empties too slowly) may result.
The vagal response is a series of unpleasant symptoms that occur when the vagus nerve is stimulated. Often, this response is triggered by certain things like stress, pain, and fear. Symptoms of the vagal response include dizziness, nausea, ringing ears, and sweating.
Exercise your vocal cords: The vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords and the muscles at the back of your throat. Singing, humming, chanting, and gargling can activate these muscles and stimulate your vagus nerve, increase heart-rate variability and improve vagal tone.
In a vagus nerve massage, moderate pressure is applied to the area between the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles in the neck/shoulder area and at the muscles below the base of the skull, with twisting or stroking motions [1].
A neurosurgeon will perform VNS, either in a hospital or an outpatient clinic. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can take up to 90 minutes.
When we are stuck in sympathetic dominance the vagus nerve is stagnant, so, when addressing the vagus nerve rather than calming it, we need to stimulate it to perform its task. To achieve this a blend of Clove and Lime essential oils diluted in a carrier oil have been identified as being highly effective.
Zinc is crucial to Vagus Nerve function, and many people are unknowingly deficient in this mineral. Serotonin activates the Vagus Nerve through several different receptors in the body. Take a probioticOptimising gut health is ideal for maximizing Vagus Nerve Stimulation.
In Chinese medicine, different parts of our body correlate with different specific reflexology or pressure points. The vagus nerve point for your hand is right inside of the pinky, for example. This is great because it's so accessible during the course of your day.
Chronic stress can worsen symptoms of a dysfunctional vagus nerve. To reduce stress, make lifestyle changes like getting regular exercise, practicing meditation or yoga, and getting enough sleep. You may also want to try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
Another study showed that acupuncture can help stimulate the vagus nerve which in turn has anti-inflammatory effects on the body. “The present study provides evidence that AS (acupuncture stimulation) transmits signals into the vagus nerve and mediates anti-inflammatory responses in the spleen.
Herbs: Herbs and supplements that support your nervous system will indirectly support and stimulate your vagus nerve. Ashwagandha, mucuna, and magnesium are just a few ways to naturally support your nervous system.
Probiotics, in particular, Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus can also stimulate the vagus nerve, leading to better gut health. Probiotics help to support a healthy gut microbiota (the collection of good bacteria that reside in our guts) and gut health.
The vagus nerve is also noted as being the tenth cranial nerve (designated as CN X). The vagus nerve is actually a set of two nerves, a vagus nerve right side of the neck and a vagus nerve left side of the neck.
Vasovagal syncope
The vagus nerve stimulates certain muscles in the heart that help to slow heart rate. When it overreacts, it can cause a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in fainting. This is known as vasovagal syncope.
Breathe Deeply: This works in two ways: first, if you focus on the rhythm of your breathing, you take your attention away from what's stressing you. Second, if you breathe deeply from your belly and exhale longer than you inhale, that physical act triggers the relaxation response from your vagus nerve.