What’s the Purpose of the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve, also known as the vagal nerves, serves as the principal component of the parasympathetic nervous system. It oversees multiple bodily functions such as digestion, heart rate, and the immune system, which operate automatically and are beyond conscious control.
Signs of a damaged Vagus Nerve
Emotional stress, unresolved trauma, PTSD, and chronic stress can lead to impairment of the Vagus Nerve. In such cases, the nerve’s regulation may become disrupted or weakened, causing difficulties in accessing your “rest and digest” mode.
- Anxiety and depressive feelings
- Aggressiveness
- Challenges in establishing connections
- Trouble managing emotions
- Uncertainty
- Persistent inflammation
- Issues with focus or cognitive clarity
- Feelings of lightheadedness or faintness
- Frequent experiences of fight, flight, or freeze responses
Given its regulatory role in hormones, fertility, digestion, kidney function, blood sugar, hunger, and other aspects of bodily functioning, the vagus nerve can also be an underlying factor in various physical conditions.
- Rapid or sluggish heart rate
- Elevated or reduced blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Digestive problems such as acid reflux, queasiness, and constipation
- Compromised immune function
- Sustained inflammation
- Autoimmune disorders
- Prolonged fatigue
- Gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying
- Continual headaches and migraines
- Unexplained weight increase
- Rheumatoid arthritis
The human body exhibits remarkable complexity in a state of good health, and this complexity becomes significantly more intricate when an imbalance or disorder is introduced.
Functional medicine employs individualized assessments for every patient, aiming to deliver the most suitable, personalized care necessary for treatment, recovery, and lifelong well-being.
Our objective is to offer patients treatment choices that allow them to circumvent unnecessary surgeries and excessive medication use, thereby enhancing their capacity to advocate for their own optimal health.
We have a functional neurologist available on-site who will assess your condition and develop a customized strategy tailored to your specific requirements, ensuring the most effective solutions for your overall health.
Way’s to help Stimulate your Vagus Nerve
Meditation: We are pleased to offer our dedicated meditation room for your use. Please schedule a meditation appointment with us. Meditation is known to help regulate your autonomic nervous system, resulting in positive effects such as reducing rapid breathing, heart rate, and cortisol levels.
Exercise: Engaging in physical exercise and promoting bodily movement can influence the functioning of your vagus nerve. Engaging in physical activity reduces sympathetic nervous system activity and helps regulate your parasympathetic response, promoting a balanced cardiovascular and respiratory function. At Attuned Vitality and Chiropractic, we have dedicated athletic trainers who are prepared to provide you with tailored workout recommendations designed to help you get back on track and reach your fitness goals.
Massage: Massage therapy has the potential to alleviate heightened vagus nerve activity. Our full staff, comprising both male and female practitioners, is available to assist you with your massage requirements.
Music: The vagus nerve is linked to your vocal cords, the muscles in the back of your throat, and it passes through your inner ear. Experiment with humming, singing, or simply listening to serene, soothing music. These sounds and vibrations could potentially activate your vagus nerve.
Cold-water immersion: Studies suggest that cold-water immersion can be beneficial for stress management, as it can slow down your heart rate and redirect blood flow to your brain. You can experiment with placing an ice pack on your face or neck or taking a cold shower to potentially achieve these effects.
Adjustment: Undergoing an adjustment administered by Dr. Wendy Brackeen can be a significant step toward your well-being. Chiropractors play a crucial role in enhancing vagus nerve health by realigning the spine and rectifying misalignments. When the spine is properly aligned, it alleviates pressure on nerves, including the vagus nerve, which can contribute to the reduction or prevention of symptoms associated with vagus nerve issues, such as heartburn, indigestion, and GERD.
At Attuned Vitality Chiropractic and Wellness, we are fully prepared to assist you in aligning your body and strengthening your vagus nerve. Our dedicated staff is committed to helping you regain your well-being and feel like yourself again. Schedule an appointment with us today, and we will provide a comprehensive evaluation to help you achieve your best self.