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Writer's pictureStudent Wellbeing Service

Vagus Nerve - The Body's Communication Highway


Your Vagus Nerve is an important cranial nerve that extends from your brain stem, down your spine connecting to several important organs and into the pelvis.


It acts as your body's communication highway and works closely with the gut. 80-90% of the communication goes from your stomach and intestine up to your brain providing information on digestion, immune response, mood and also information about the environment (hence gut feeling).


The Vagus Nerve controls and contributes to many things our bodies automatically do, including:

  • Communicating with your lungs to help you breathe

  • Keep your blood pressure levels stable

  • Activating your immune response

  • Decrease inflammation by sending an anti-inflammatory signal

  • Controlling your heart rate

  • Allows your gut and brain to communicate

  • Helps you relax and stay calm making it easier to manage anxiety and stress

It is also responsible for your parasympathetic nervous system which allows you to rest, digest and recover from stressful situations. When the vagus nerve is stimulated it helps the body to move away from the fight or flight response, reducing the physiological symptoms of anxiety and stress. When you have a healthy vagal tone it means that you have better physical and mental wellbeing.


We can actively stimulate our vagus nerve to enhance our wellbeing and promote its health.



Why it is helpful to stimulate the Vagus Nerve:


“By developing an understanding of the workings of your vagus nerve, you may find it possible to work with your nervous system rather than feel trapped when it works against you.” — Dr Arielle Schwartz, Clinical Psychologist



Ways of stimulating your Vagus Nerve:


Cold exposure

Cold exposure has been shown to activate the vagus nerve and can lower your sympathetic response (fight or flight) and increase parasympathetic activity. This has been promoted quite a bit recently. Start small with this one and perhaps try finishing your shower by turning the temperature down bit by bit until you build your tolerance.


Singing, humming, chanting, gargling

The vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords and the muscles at the back of your throat and by doing these things you can activate the nerve. Chanting has been around for centuries as a natural way to calm the body and mind. Singing to yourself or whilst you are driving is also a good option.


Breathing

Deep and slow breathing is another way to activate the vagus nerve and decrease anxiety and stress. Try breathing deeply from your diaphragm, ensuring you expand your whole belly, back and sides.


Laughter, socialising and community

Hang out with, hug and laugh with friends. If you can’t do that, reflect on times when you have been in connection with others, phone a friend or family member, connect online or watch a comedy.


Omega 3 fatty acids

These are primarily found in fish and fish oil supplements. They are essential to the normal functioning of the body, brain and the nervous system and is an essential fatty acid that our bodies don’t naturally produce.


Exercise, Yoga and Meditation

Exercise releases endorphins that help us to feel good. Find an exercise that you enjoy so that it is easier to maintain. Both Yoga and Meditation encourages deep breathing and single-pointed focus promoting relaxation and parasympathetic nervous system. If you have never tried yoga, there are loads of content by Yoga with Adriene on YouTube.


Massage

Self-massage and foot massages have been shown to soothe the body, decreasing our fight or flight response and allowing us to get into our bodies and provide ourselves with some comfort and attention.


Best wishes



Katie Barron

Student Wellbeing Advisor - Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health


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19 則留言


drabdullah assist
drabdullah assist
8月22日

In English, the concept of the pitta organ from Ayurvedic texts is often translated as the organs associated with digestion and metabolism, primarily the liver, gallbladder, and stomach. It highlights their role in processing and transforming food and energy.

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drabdullah assist
drabdullah assist
8月22日

What is pitta called in English? In English terms, the pitta organ refers to the system influenced by the pitta dosha, including the liver, gallbladder, and digestive organs. It is understood as playing a central role in digestion, metabolism, and overall energy transformation in Ayurvedic medicine.

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drabdullah assist
drabdullah assist
8月22日

What do we call Peeta in English? The word or phrase peeta refers to . See pitta meaning in English, peeta definition, translation and meaning of peeta in English. Learn and practice the pronunciation of peeta. Find the answer of what is the meaning of peeta in English.

Other languages: peeta meaning in Hindi


Tags for the entry "peeta"

What is peeta meaning in English, peeta translation in English, peeta definition, pronunciations and examples of peeta in English.

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drabdullah assist
drabdullah assist
8月22日

How do general surgeons in Karachi contribute to community health and preventive care beyond their surgical duties? In Karachi, general surgeons contribute to community health and preventive care by conducting outreach programs and providing education on health practices. A general surgeon in Karachi also participates in screening camps and public awareness campaigns to promote early detection and prevention of surgical conditions.

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drabdullah assist
drabdullah assist
8月22日

What are the most common procedures performed by general surgeons in Karachi, and how have they evolved over time?


In Karachi, general surgeons commonly perform procedures such as appendectomies, hernia repairs, and gallbladder removals. Over time, the practices of a general surgeon in Karachi have evolved with advancements in minimally invasive and laparoscopic techniques, leading to enhanced precision and quicker recovery.


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