Vagus Nerve Stimulation

May 2, 2022

We all know what it’s like to have something “get on our nerves” but have you ever stopped to think about what your nerves are actually doing. We all have nerves that connect our brains to our bodies and they control every aspect of keeping our bodies functioning and running properly. Research shows that the vagus nerve can also be used to help with our mental wellness.

What is the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is the longest of your cranial nerves and it controls many different organ functions and reflexes in your body. Just a few examples of functions that the vagus nerve influences are: digestion, heart rate, respiratory rate and it’s also responsible for reflexes like sneezing, coughing, and swallowing.

How can it help with mental wellness?

The vagus nerve can also be helpful in times of high anxiety and stress. Stimulating the vagus nerve can help calm your fight-or-flight response and is also being used in the treatment of depression. Here are a few ideas for stimulating your vagus nerve yourself!

Use your vocal cords. Anything like singing, humming, and gargling will get the vibrations of your vocal cords going and will help stimulate the vagus nerve.
Meditation and deep breathing will help to regulate your heart rate and keep your vagus nerve strong.
Exercise is another key element to getting your vagus nerve working. Helping to control your heart rate gives your vagus nerve a workout too.
A hand or foot massage can stimulate the vagus nerve and even lower your blood pressure.
Laughter and having a good time can get your vagus nerve working and boost your mood. Hang out with some friends or put on your favorite comedy.
Cold-water immersion or holding ice can help decrease heart rate and start vagus nerve reaction. For more ideas on using ice to help calm your fight-or-flight response check out this Ice Cube Hack!