Considering the course of the vagal nerve in the cervical region, it is thought that conditions such as stiffness, tightness and decreased elasticity in this region may compress the vagal nerve andmay affect vagal function.
It then continues through the carotid sheath in the cervical region. The carotid sheath is in contact with the SCM muscle. For this reason, it can be thought that SCM muscle tension or thickness may affect the carotid sheath and thus the function of the vagus nerve passing through it.
Several pressure points are shown to help stimulate the vagus nerve when massaged. These include the stomach, ear, neck, and feet. This can be achieved by applying light to moderate pressure in certain areas to stimulate and activate a parasympathetic nervous response.
The left vagal nerve runs down the left side of your neck, and the right vagal nerve runs down your right side. This nerve extends all the way from your brain to the large intestines: down your neck, through your chest, around your heart, around your lungs, and through your abdomen and intestines.
Massage: Stimulate the vagus nerve by massaging your ears and scalp or give yourself a foot massage. One general way of massaging the ear, most efficient to do both sides at once. Place your index finger behind the bottom back of your ear.
Research shows that stimulating the vagus nerve acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and tranquilizer since it reduces the production of proinflammatory cytokines and calms the nervous system. An emerging technique for reducing inflammation and toning the vagus nerve is a type of self-abdominal massage.
There are two main causes of vagus nerve dysfunction: previous infection or inflammation and physical or psychological stress.
(See Figure). These five vagus nerve components can be summarized: Special visceral afferent (SVA, motor) – these motors are special because they supply motor innervation to skeletal muscles of branchial arch origin which include all the muscles of the pharynx, larynx, and soft palate.
The vagus nerve can become damaged for various reasons, including stomach or oesophagal surgery and type-2 diabetes. Symptoms of damage include hoarseness of voice, a deficient gag reflex and difficulty swallowing. Besides these symptoms, vagal damage can manifest itself through digestive issues.
When you slouch, inevitably your head goes forward. As this occurs you will affect a nerve called the Vagus Nerve, and it will not work effectively. The Vagus nerve acts to help counteract your adrenal system – your fight or flight system of the body.
Chiropractors help vagus nerve health by realigning the spine and correcting misalignments.
“The mammalian vagus nerve regenerates poorly after injury, which can result in loss of speech, difficulty swallowing, abnormal heart rate, and gastroparesis [improper stomach emptying],” the authors explain. In zebrafish, on the other hand, nerve regeneration is generally very successful.
Massage. Research shows that reflexology (a kind of massage) can increase vagal tone and even decrease blood pressure. “Massage can reduce some of the heightened activity in the vagus nerve,” says Dr. Estemalik.
Vagal stretching and breathing movements could bring calm. The vagus nerve, the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system, may hold a key to instilling calmness.
One way to try stimulating the vagus nerve is by placing an ice pack on your neck or chest. The research on this sleep hack is still very limited, but a small study from 2018 found that applying something cold to the outside of the neck can slow down the heart rate and increase vagal nerve activation.
Vagal tone refers to the strength of the signal sent from the brain to the body through the vagus nerve. If the vagus nerve is weak, the signal will not reach its destination as efficiently. People who suffer from chronic stress and anxiety tend to have lower vagal tone.