#37 - What you REALLY need to know about the Vagus Nerve
Mar 29, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Tony Fowler, a podcast producer and health enthusiast, delves into the vagus nerve's intricate connections and its vital role in our bodies. He explains the misconception of 'resetting' the nerve and introduces therapeutic techniques like humming and mobility drills to enhance vagal function. The conversation also touches on the importance of body awareness in recovery and inflammation management, alongside innovative therapies to optimize health. Tune in for fascinating insights into the interplay between our nervous system and overall well-being!
The vagus nerve's intricate connections play a vital role in regulating mood, digestion, and recovery from stress and illness.
Engaging in simple lymphatic drainage techniques can improve circulation and aid in recovery, although individual responses may vary.
A comprehensive assessment of vagus nerve tone can reveal underlying health issues and guide therapeutic interventions for better health outcomes.
Deep dives
Experiencing Soreness and Recovery
After recovering from an illness, soreness in the calves emerged, prompting a discussion about lymphatic drainage techniques. The lymphatic system acts like a plumbing system in the body, crucial for removing waste and fighting illness. Engaging in simple lymphatic drills, such as light massages and taps in a specific sequence, was suggested to improve circulation. The effectiveness of these drills can vary for individuals, as some may feel worse before they start to feel better, reflecting the complex nature of recovery.
The Importance of the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve plays a significant role in parasympathetic nervous system activity, influencing crucial bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion. Its intricate connections span several organs, making it vital for mood regulation and recovery from stress. The audience is cautioned against the oversimplification of 'resetting' the vagus nerve, as the body requires a more nuanced approach to maintain balance. Increasing interest in the vagus nerve has led to emerging research highlighting its potential importance in addressing various health concerns.
Symptoms and Dysfunction Assessment
Assessing vagus nerve tone includes evaluating symptoms such as breathing issues and digestive dysfunctions, which can indicate underlying problems. Specific history findings can serve as useful indicators, leading health professionals to consider the health of the vagus nerve. An intriguing assessment technique involves observing the symmetry of the arches in the back of the throat while a patient says 'ah.' A deviation of these arches during the assessment can signify vagal dysfunction, serving as a direct marker for potential issues.
Activating the Vagus Nerve
Activating the vagus nerve can be achieved through various techniques, such as humming, tongue exercises, and cranial mobility drills. These methods can elicit parasympathetic responses, leading to a relaxed state by enhancing vagal tone. The use of tactile stimulation around the abdomen is suggested as an effective way to activate the vagus nerve, offering ongoing stimulus compared to isolated activations. Understanding the anatomical and physiological implications of these methods can help target vagus nerve issues more effectively.
Holistic Approaches to Health
Integrating diverse therapeutic tools, including dietary adjustments, stress management techniques, and physical stimulation, fosters a holistic approach to enhancing vagal health. Emotional well-being is tied to vagal tone, and intervention strategies aim to connect clients with their bodily cues for better health outcomes. Specific applications, such as ab belts or kinesiology tape for proprioceptive feedback, can further enhance vagus nerve activation. A comprehensive understanding of the vagus nerve’s role in the body can empower individuals to take charge of their health journeys.
Have you ever heard someone say your vagus nerve needs a reset? In this episode, I speak with my podcast producer, Tony, all about the Vagus nerve and navigate the line between fact and fiction with regard to this increasingly popular focal point for health and movement professionals. I outline the anatomy of the vagus nerve and discuss why it's often called the "wandering nerve" because it connects to so many different vital organs and higher order systems in the body. By studying the anatomy of the vagus nerve, I show how it can be used therapeutically to target a myriad of different areas and functions of the body, and why its connective power is also why it's often so misunderstood. I discuss some common points of activation that I use to access the vagus nerve and clarify the map, as well as how to assess these interventions to make sure they are actually helping the client. This is a massive episode that covers a ton of ground from the parasympathetic system and vestibular system down to the interoceptive system and digestive system, and touches on inflammation, recovery, anxiety, depression, blood pressure, breathing, diet, balance and more. I also discuss the lymphatic system and some simple drills I use to improve recovery, and why I think it's so important for people to learn to listen to their own bodies.
Thank you to my podcast idea man and coach, Tony Fowler (Instagram: @tone_reverie) for helping me put together this episode!
