Improve your vagal tone to improve your mind-body connection

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The vagus nerve is one of the 12 pairs of cranial nerves with the sensory-somatic nervous system. The 10th cranial nerves called vagus are the primary nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system originating at the brainstem in the medulla oblongata. It travels down the sides of your neck across the chest and down the abdomen.

The nerve is the sensory network that tells the brain what's going on in our organs, most especially the digestive tract (stomach and intestines), lungs and heart, spleen, liver, and kidneys, not to mention a range of other nerves that are involved in everything from talking to eye contact to facial expressions and even your ability to tune in to other people's voices. It is made of thousands upon thousands of fibers. It plays a vital role in sustaining overall wellness.

The vagus nerve is vital in healing from trauma and creating overall well being. The vague nerve is a bundle of nerves that begins at the brain stream and connects all of our organs.

It is the communication pathway between the brain, the nervous system, and the gut, also known as the gut-brain axis.

In short, the vague nerve is the mind-body connection. When we have unresolved trauma, the vagal tone becomes weak. A weak vagal tone is linked to high inflammation (scientifically linked to all psychiatric illnesses), chronic illness, digestive issues, cardiovascular disease, etc.

Having a weak vagal tone means we don't recover from stress quickly and "stuck" in the nervous system fight, freeze, or shutdown.

A strong vagal tone is associated with emotional stability, low inflammation, a feeling of well being, and improved body function.

Vagal tone simulators are now being inserted in hospitals, but the good news is you can heal your vagal tone with daily commitment.

The brain and the body are always communicating back and forth through the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the reason we have a mind-body connection.

The vagus nerve also plays a primary role in our immune system function, digestion, recovery from stress, and how we respond.

When we have unresolved trauma within the body, our vagal tone becomes weak. A weak vagal tone is linked to high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, chronic illness, and digestive issues.

A weak vagal tome keeps us stuck in the sympathetic nervous system fight or flight) or dorsal vagal (freeze), which means the body is in chronic threat. This leaves us unable to feel safe in our bodies or to connect with others.

Signs of low vagal tone

· Inability to regulating your emotions

· Anxiety

· Issues with concentration or focus

· Depression

· Increased inflammation

· Digestion issues

· Chronic fatigue

Signs of high Vagal tone

· Ability to regulate emotions

· Improved bodily functions

· Proper digestion

· Stable mood

· A feeling of overall wellbeing

· Reduced inflammation

· Quick recovery from stress

· Deeper relationship connections

How to strengthen the vagal tone?

1. Cold showers

Cold showers in the morning are not easy. But this is an ancient Chinese remedy that does help stimulate the vagus nerve. Traditionally what's called a "hot and cold plunge" where you sit in hot water than in the cold plunge for 5 minutes each or even putting your face in ice water for 20 seconds and repeat it 5–10 times very useful in vagal stimulation.

2. Sing, laugh, hug

Laughter is the best medicine, and a hug makes you feel better. Besides, laughter increases beta-endorphins, nitric oxide, and benefits the vascular system overall, so hang out with people who fill you up with love, laughter, and kindness. all three also release oxytocin. Serotonin is stress-relieving hormones vital to our well-being.

3. Take care of your gut

The enteric nervous system, or what is described as the gut's nervous system, connects to the brain through the vagus nerve. Eat right, juice, and take probiotics to keep your gut flora stable and healthy.