The Vagus Nerve is all over the health news lately and for good reason. Perhaps every chronic departure from health is accompanied and possibly caused by lowered activity and function of the vagus nerve.
A healthy Vagus Nerve is the ultimate solution to reducing stress, reducing pain, reducing stress, improving sleep and maintaining a healthy gut!
Even the infamous Charles Darwin proposed that the vagus nerve was key in one’s ability to recognize another’s emotions.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
The Vagus Nerve is the 10th Cranial Nerve that emerges from the very top of the neck and regulates many vital body functions such as heart rate, digestion, breathing, and much more.
Stress is the Culprit!
Modern life is full of stimuli that our nervous system interprets as a possible threat. This activates the sympathetic “fight or flight” system and causes a consequent suppression of the vagus nerve. Over time with repeated sympathetic activation the vagus nerve becomes greatly inhibited.
This leaves us living in a state of survival. The body will always prioritize survival and when the nervous system is in a state of survival it causes a lowering of the body functions that support long term health and well being like:
- Sleep
- Digestion
- Immune function
- Heart rate
- Healing
Vagus Nerve Stimulators are a Crutch
There has been a growing number of electric vagus nerve stimulators marketed to the public. And, while any increase in vagus nerve activity is a good thing, these stimulators encourage a dependence on them. Yes, this is certainly better than a dependence on medication but it is a dependence.
A better long term approach would be to raise the activity of the vagus nerve and teach people the skill of self-regulation so that they have the ability to increase vagus nerve activity whenever they desire.
Good Health Depends on a Healthy Vagus Nerve
When you raise the activity or tone of the Vagus Nerve and bring better balance back to the autonomic nervous system some of the many reported benefits are:
- Reduced stress
- Lowered anxiety
- Improved sleep
- ADHD relief
- Enhanced heart rate variability (HRV)
- Enhanced gut health
- Relief from migraines & autoimmune disorders
- Reduced chronic pain and tension
Chiropractic and Better Vagus Nerve Function
Corrective Chiropractic Care like that provided at Life Chiropractic in Grass Valley is extremely effective at removing sources of irritation to the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve passes right in front of the top vertebrae of the neck.
If the occiput, C1, or C2 are misaligned it often puts pressure on the vagus nerve and causes a lowering of vagus nerve function.
Corrective chiropractic care pays special attention to the areas of the spine that have a strong connection to the autonomic nervous system. Correcting misalignments in the upper neck and pelvis can help improve vagus nerve function.
Misalignments in the mid and lower back will often increase activity of the sympathetic “fight or flight” system. Adjustments in these areas tend to calm down the sympathetic system.
Vagus Nerve Activation
The vast majority if not all autonomic imbalances are accompanied by and aggravated by dysfunctional breathing patterns.
At Life Chiropractic we teach people how to breathe in ways that activate the Vagus Nerve. Over time this helps restore balance between the Vagus Nerve and the Sympathetic Nervous System.
A Review of the Critical Role of a Healthy Vagus Nerve
- Vagus Nerve regulates heart rate, breathing and digestion
- Vagus Nerve activity improves stress management, sleep, gut health, overall well-being
If you are ready to leave behind the chronic pain and chronic stress with corrective chiropractic care and an activated Vagus Nerve you can schedule your initial visit to Life Chiropractic in Grass Valley here: Schedule Here.
About Dr. Berkowitz
Bringing more than 3 decades of practice experience, Dr. Bill Berkowitz focuses on balancing and corrective care, applying his expertise to provide patients with predictable, repeatable and measurable results.
Dr. Bill consistently strives to enhance the well-being of his patients by addressing the root imbalances of their problems and promoting optimal balance, alignment, and function of the spine and nervous system.
Bill’s wealth of knowledge and experience has allowed him to develop a nuanced understanding of the human body and its intricate connections. With each adjustment, he supports the body in returning to a state of balance that goes beyond mere symptom relief, focusing instead on long-term correction for his patients’ well-being.