LAS VEGAS OR VAGUS?
It is unlikely that you have recently had the pleasure of wandering through the bustling streets of Las Vegas. So instead, join us on a walking journey through a different kind of Vagus, to seek the relaxation benefits that you deserve from a long overdue holiday.
Vegas= The 26th most populous city of the US
Vagus= A large nerve in the body. (Vagus is a Latin word meaning “Wandering”)
We are going to follow the Vagus nerve along its course throughout the body, starting at the head and ending in the stomach.
Brainstem: This is where the nerve begins. It connects and relays information to the brain about other areas in the body such as some of our internal organs.
Neck: Allows muscles of the neck that are responsible for swallowing or speaking to function
Heart: Decreases heart rate and blood pressure
Diaphragm: Decreases breathing rate
Stomach: Improves digestion
BUT HOW DOES THIS MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I’VE HAD A HOLIDAY?
By stimulating the Vagus nerve we are able to counteract our bodies stress response (Or flight or fight system) through decreasing breathing rate and heart rate. This can in turn help reduce the risk of other conditions that may arise from an increase in chronic stress such as…
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Gut inflammation
- Chronically tight muscles.
HOW CAN I STIMULATE MY VAGUS NERVE
The easiest way is through deep belly breathing because this stimulates the diaphragm (Which we saw before on our journey- the Vagus nerve runs through the diaphragm.)
HOMEWORK:
Each time you find yourself washing or sanitizing your hands….
- Breathe IN for 4 counts
- Hold for 4 counts
- Breath OUT for 4 counts
- Hold for 4 counts
- Repeat for the time it takes to wash and dry your hands