Viva Loss Vagus
Jackie Hillegers talks us through the most important body part you’ve never heard of, and what you can do to help stimulate it – say hello to the vagus nerve!
Okay, let’s talk about the unsung hero in our bodies – the vagus nerve. No, it’s not a new trendy yoga pose, or something you would find in a sci-fi movie. The vagus nerve is, in fact, one of the most important and underrated players in your body. Like Demi Moore, it does a whole lot of work without asking for applause, but deserves to be finally recognised as the unsung hero.
SO WHAT IS THE VAGUS NERVE?
The vagus nerve is the body’s own superhighway for calm and control. It stretches from your brain all the way down to your large intestine. In simple terms, it’s a crucial part of your autonomic nervous system, which controls all those functions you don’t consciously think about – like breathing, heartbeat, digestion and sweating.
If your body was a fancy car, the vagus nerve would be the control centre that makes sure the engine (your organs) runs smoothly. It’s also referred to as the ‘wandering nerve’ because it travels from the brain to multiple organs, passing through the neck, chest and abdomen. It’s like that friend who shows up at every party, except instead of bringing chips and dip, it helps regulate the environment.
WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY DO?
The vagus nerve is a big player in the ‘rest and digest’ system. It sends signals to slow your heart rate, lower blood pressure and help you relax. When you’re feeling super stressed or anxious, it’s the vagus nerve that works behind the scenes to bring you back to a calm state, like a soothing voice saying, ‘Hey, take a deep breath. You’ve got this.’
DIGESTION HELP
When you’re feeling bloated after a big meal, the vagus nerve is part of the reason your body knows exactly when to switch gears from ‘I’m hungry!’ to ‘Okay, let’s digest this!’ It stimulates the muscles of your digestive tract and helps break down food. So, every time you’re indulging in your favourite pizza or taco, remember that your vagus nerve is there to handle the aftermath.
MOOD REGULATION
Your vagus nerve is also a little bit like your own personal therapist (and we all need one of those), helping to regulate your mood. Studies show that stimulating the vagus nerve can have a positive effect on mental health, helping with conditions like depression and anxiety. The vagus nerve is like your internal emotional coach whispering ‘Don’t worry, you’ll feel better soon.’
I recently attended a workshop on Stimulating the Vagus Nerve, and prior to that I wasn’t aware of its full purpose. Why is it that we have all the internal tools to run our bodies to full capacity, yet there is no handbook or education about how each section actually works?
HELPING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Did you know the vagus nerve has a hand in your immune system too? It helps reduce inflammation by sending signals to calm your immune response. If you’re fighting off a cold, your vagus nerve is there to help turn down the alarm system of your body, reducing unnecessary inflammation and keeping you from feeling miserable.
IT CAN BE STIMULATED BY SINGING!
Here’s a weird but fun fact: singing (or humming) can stimulate your vagus nerve. So, next time you’re feeling stressed, just belt out your favourite tune or hum along to that catchy song. It’s like a mini therapy session, and the best part is that you don’t even need to pay a therapist.
Someone I know well is a hummer and, as they hum out loud, I can tell when they’re thinking; they hum before making their next move, and also before saying something they may regret. This is a healthy habit to have as you’re practicing the pause and taking your time.
Just remember that your vagus nerve is your body’s chill pill, so the next time you’re feeling stressed or need a little mood boost, the vagus nerve is on your side! It’s your internal calmness guru, stress-buster and digestive helper all rolled into one. If your vagus nerve were a person, it would be that laid-back friend who’s always there to remind you to chill out, take a breath and enjoy the moment.
And that, my friends, is a nerve worth knowing.
Ways to stimulate your vagus nerve:
LAUGHTER – When you laugh, your diaphragm moves, which stimulates the vagus nerve.
DEEP BREATHING – Slow, deep breaths activate the vagus nerve and send signals to your body to relax. Think of it like a reset button for your nervous system.
COLD EXPOSURE – Splashing your face with cold water or taking a cold shower can stimulate the vagus nerve and help you feel more alert and grounded.
MEDITATION & YOGA – These practices help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is powered by the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
MASSAGE – A gentle neck or foot massage can also help stimulate the vagus nerve, bringing you that much-needed relaxation. Who doesn’t love a massage?!
