The Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve
How to access the healing power of the Vagus Nerve. Learn to self soothe & calm your autonomic nervous system.
The Vagus Nerve originates in the brain stem and supplies nerves to the visceral organs below the diaphragm, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, urinary bladder, small intestine, pancreas and parts of the colon.
By stimulating the Vagus Nerve on a continuous base you not only strengthen it but also tell your nervous system to relax over and over again putting yourself in a more restful state of being.
One appears to be asleep however the consciousness is functioning on a deeper level of awareness whilst being aware of your surroundings. Yoga Nidra is considered a Body Scan practice that helps you achieve very deep states of relaxation by gradually moving your awareness throughout your body.
You are noticing all sensations within your body. Exploring tightness, tension, discomfort, pain, heat, etc. helps you to stay present in the now. It also allows you to connect your emotions to the physical sensations you're experiencing during Yoga Nidra. By accessing different states of Brainwaves Yoga Nidra also instills a feeling of inner peace and balance, leaving you refreshed and whole. Yoga can be translated as union and Nidra as sleep.
The following 8 Tips support you in strengthening the Vagus Nerve:
Yoga
Meditation
Cold Water Immersion e.g. Ice Baths, Cold Showers
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Somatic Movement Practices
Singing and Humming
Massages
Positive Social Interactions
How can Yoga Nidra help?
Yoga supports the vagus nerve to function properly. This healing modality strengthens your vagus nerve through breathing and movement to restore the body's equilibrium. Fortunately, this calming effect remains within the body long after the yoga session ends, taking it off the mat into everyday life.
Studies have found out that the practice of Yoga Nidra reflects an integrated response by the hypothalamus, resulting in decreased sympathetic nervous activity & increased parasympathetic function (responsible for relaxation).
Looking at all the wonderful Benefits that come with the pratice of Yoga Nidra, it especially helps with the following:
Treats post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Reduces symptoms of anxiety & depression
Reduces chronic pain
Reduces inflammation in the body
Creates a sense of wholeness
Supports better and deeper sleep
Increases dopamine levels
Improves thought patterns & reduces stress
Enhances cognitive performance & memory
Improves self-esteem & confidence
Improves immune system functions
Improves overall mental & physical health
It is good to know that Yoga as a physical practice calms the the nervous system and supports an overall well-being for the body and mind.