The Vagus Nerve's Effect is System Wide

Clinical trials show vagal nerve stimulation is key to improving the balance of the Autonomic nervous system [1]. In the past, elective stimulation was used by implanting devices. Those were known to be effective for epilepsy and depression [4]. Now, non-invasive devices and methods are being considered [4].

Stimulating the vagus nerve has been beneficial for a wide range of complaints: from chronic inflammatory disorders, sepsis, lung injury, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, migraines, fibromyalgia, depression, autoimmune disease [4] and increasing gut function (producing digestive juices).

Factors Known to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve

• • Cold therapy [5]

• • Deep breathing[6], slow breathing: 5-6 breaths per minute

• • Singing, chanting, humming [6]

• • Sleep on right side: increases heart rate variability and vagal activity [12]

• • Meditation [8]

• • Tai Chi - increases heart rate variability and therefore vagus activation [13]

• • Gargling [8]

• • Tongue depressors (gag reflux stimulates the vagus nerve)

• • Exercise [11]

• • Laughter [9]

• • Coughing, tensing the somach, bearing down: this stimulates the vagus nerve

• • Chewing gum (CCK) activates vagal impulses in the brain [18]

• • Massage[7]

• • Yoga[7]

• • Probiotics: stimulate GABA changes mediated by vagus nerve[10]

• • Sea food (EPA and DHA)[14]

• • Zinc [15]

• • Acupuncture [16], ear acupuncture [17]

• • 5-HTP (serotonin): various receptors, can stimulate vagus nerve

• • Fiber (GLP-1): GLP-1 is a satiating hormone, stimulates vagus impulses to the brain. Slows stomach emptying of your stomach and makes you feel fuller.

Stimulating the Vagus Nerve is Free

If you look at the list above, most of those things are completely free. And the rest of the things are inexpensive.

Incorporate as many of these things into your daily routine, with the guidance of a naturpath or counsellor.

Summary

Autonomic dysregulation is when balance is lost between sympathetic drive and parasympathetic drive. To stimulate the Parasympathetic nervous system, we want to activate the vagus nerve - one of the major nerves feeding this system.

Try these techniques and supplements (with guidance from your doctor) and please let me know how they work!