Have you heard people mention the vagus nerve more often these days?
This interesting part of your nervous system has turned into a major discussion point within the spheres of health and holistic wellness, and rightfully so.
This is because most of the time, comfort, health, and overall balance throughout each day are things tied to your vagus nerve.
Let’s see how with the help of acupuncture, we can tap into this great healing potential for reducing stress, better digestion, and overall health.
What Exactly Is the Vagus Nerve?
It is this long cranial nerve running from the brainstem down through to your abdomen. It links communication between your brain to major organs like:
- Heart
- Lungs
- Digestive system
- Liver
- Kidneys
In other words, it operates as the ‘rest and digest’ control on your body. Good performance will earn you:
- Calmness
- Healthy digestion
- Natural healing and recovery
- Stable mood
When it’s not functioning optimally, you might experience issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Digestive disturbances
- Trouble relaxing
- Fatigue
Your Vagus Nerve and Everyday Life
Your vagus nerve does much more than you think, as it plays a vital role in:
- Heart rate regulation
- Breathing patterns
- Digestive processes
- Inflammation levels
- Mood and stress response
- Sleep quality
- Immune function
Why Vagus Nerve Health Has Become So Popular
The wellness world’s attention to vagus nerve health is not without good reason.
Indeed, people having better ‘vagal tone’, meaning how well their vagus nerve is functioning, are more often:
- Better at handling or managing any stress
- Better at recovering from illness
- Consistently balanced emotionally
- Able to sleep better at night
- Less likely to develop chronic conditions
Nowadays, we often stay in a chronic state of “fight or flight.”
This means that sympathetic nervous system is too active, and the calming parasympathetic system, led by the vagus nerve, isn’t doing very much.
And the result can be:
- Chronic stress
- Poor sleep
- Digestive problems
- Weak immune system
- Persistent anxiety
Signs Your Vagus Nerve Needs Attention
You might benefit from vagus nerve support if you experience:
- Trouble unwinding after work
- Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, or irregular bowel movements
- Insomnia or waking often at night
- Persistent anxiety, stress, or overload
- Headache
- Foggy brain
- Slow recovery from an illness or exercise
- Chronic pain
How Acupuncture Supports Vagus Nerve Function
This age-old remedy provides a natural means to kick-start your vagus nerve into action. This way, your nervous system can find its way back to balance.
The Science Behind Acupuncture and Vagal Tone
This is how the vagal tone is enhanced by acupuncture, and it includes:
- Lowering heart rate and blood pressure
- Better digestion with less bloating
- Reduced inflammation markers in the body
- Good sleep quality so you wake up refreshed
- Decreased anxiety
- Balanced stress hormones for a more relaxed state of well-being
If you are interested in post-session care, refer to our article on the dos and don’ts after your acupuncture session.
What Exactly Happens in The Treatment
In this session on vagus nerve health targeted acupuncture, the acupuncturist may:
- Select such acupoints that directly impact the pathways of the vagus nerves
- Show you how to do deep breathing during the session
This can be accompanied by soft music or mild light for relaxation.
It’s completely normal to feel deeply relaxed. Sometimes people even fall asleep during treatment! That’s a sign your nervous system is responding positively.
Building Long-Term Vagus Nerve Health
Acupuncture works well, but the best long-term results occur with regularity along with supporting lifestyle choices.
What You Can Do to Support Your Nervous System at Home
Keeping your vagus nerve in top shape between acupuncture treatments can be done at home! Here’s how:
- Gentle movement such as yoga, stretching, or a leisurely walk outdoors
- 7 to 9 hours of sleep
- Mindful eating
- Cold water splashed on the face or a brisk walk in cool weather
- Singing, humming, and gargling are all gentle vagus nerve stimulations
- Meditation, journaling, or solitary quiet time
After your acupuncture sessions, you should:
- Hydrate
- Avoid super intense exercise for a few hours
- Rest
The Bigger Picture
Taking care of your vagus nerve is a very natural way to create balance throughout the entire body.
Here’s what often happens when the vagus nerve really flourishes:
- Calm reactions to everyday stresses
- Better digestion and immune function
- Smoother sleep and more sustainable energy
- Much more happiness in daily life
At The Sanctuary South Bay, holistic modalities like Acupuncture have become a credible avenue for vagus nerve health and overall wellness.
Book your consultation with us and find out how we may nurture your unique health journey.
FAQs
How does acupuncture affect your vagus nerve?
It increases the vagal tone through excitation of afferent pathways to the vagus nerve.
What exactly are the signs of a damaged vagus nerve?
- Digestive abnormalities
- Irregular heartbeats
- Chronic inflammation
- Chronic anxiety
- Delayed restitution to stress
Can acupuncture really reset the autonomic nervous system?
Acupuncture on a regular basis can reset the autonomic nervous system! The body can more easily and naturally switch to states of relaxation and healing.
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