Tips for Improving Vagal Tone and Why You Should Care - Legacy Physical Therapy

Tips for Improving Vagal Tone and Why You Should Care

The Importance of the Vagus Nerve Blog Thumbnail Graphic

The Vagus nerve is one of the longest running nerves in the body. The vagus nerve is a part of the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems. The parasympathetic nervous system is particularly regulated by the vagus nerve, which is involved in controlling heart rate, digestion and even your immune response. 

The activity of the vagus nerve is referred to as your vagal tone, the better your vagal tone, the better your body’s response to “stress” can be. In this case, “stress” can be pain, fear, or true stress. One of the most common places people hold their “stress” is their pelvic floor, so addressing the vagal tone can make a big impact on how the whole body runs, especially the pelvic floor. 

Here are techniques to stimulate the vagus nerve and improve vagal tone:

  • Deep breathing – breathe IN through your nose, OUT through your mouth. Breathing OUT is what stimulates the vagus nerve. Try to exhale longer than you inhale. Try to slow your breathing down, aim for 6 breaths in 1 minute. 
  • Loud gargling with water or loud humming or chewing gum- since the vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords you can stimulate the nerve with activities like this. 
  • Cold Exposure – acute cold exposure can stimulate your vagus nerve, during your next shower lower the water temperature down for at least 30 seconds and work your way up to longer periods of time.
  • Laughing stimulates the diaphragm which stimulates the vagus nerve. 
  • Meditation – shown to stimulate the vagus nerve, by promoting relaxation and reducing sympathetic nerve overactivity. 
  • Vagus nerve massage 
  • Carotid sinus  – gentle massaging along the right side of your throat can stimulate the vagus nerve 
  • Hand Massage – place pressure on the inside of your pinky, apply pressure for 30-60 seconds followed by making small circles maintaining pressure  
  • Ear massage – Place your finger directly behind your ear. Apply pressure for 30-60 seconds

Try these techniques out and lets get to improving our vagal tone! 

References: https://sass.uottawa.ca/sites/sass.uottawa.ca/files/how_to_stimulate_your_vagus_nerve_for_better_mental_health_1.pdf

brookekalisiakowner square
AUTHOR

Brooke Kalisiak

Legacy Physical Therapy

"We help women who are tired of leaking, dealing with pelvic pain, and wanting to get their body back in shape after baby (even if it’s been 30 years) all without relying on medications or surgery."
pelvic physical therapy
easing pelvic pain
Archives
pelvic physical therapy
"Everything You Need To Know About Pelvic Physical Therapy. The 32 Most Frequently Asked Questions. Helpful Whether You Are New To Pelvic PT Or A Seasoned Pro"

We guarantee 100% privacy. Your information will not be shared.

easing pelvic pain
15W6fkpE 2
FREE Guide Stopping Post Prostate Surgery Bladder Leakage

We guarantee 100% privacy. Your information will not be shared.