If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and like you can’t catch a break, resetting your vagus nerve may be the answer for you. The vagus nerve is responsible for keeping us calm and relaxed, so when it’s not working properly, we can feel pretty lousy. In this blog post, we will discuss what the vagus nerve is, what causes it to become imbalanced, and how to reset it using simple steps.
What Is The Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in our body. It starts at the base of the brain and runs down through the neck and chest to the abdomen. This nerve plays a very important role in our overall health, as it is responsible for controlling many of our involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and blood pressure. It also helps to regulate our mood and stress levels by sending signals to the brain that tell us when we are feeling anxious or stressed out.
When the vagus nerve becomes imbalanced, it can lead to a number of problems such as anxiety, depression, chronic inflammation, digestive issues, and even heart disease. There are many factors that can contribute to an imbalanced vagus nerve, such as a poor diet, chronic stress, and certain medications. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to reset your vagus nerve and get it back on track.
How to Reset the Vagus Nerve
There are a few different ways that you can reset the vagus nerve. One way is to stimulate it through massage or acupuncture. Another way is to do some specific exercises that help to strengthen the nerve. And lastly, you can also try using essential oils or herbs that have been shown to be helpful in balancing the vagus nerve.
Try Massage
One of the best ways to reset the vagus nerve is by massaging it. You can do this yourself by gently massaging the area around your jaw, neck, and chest. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you with this. If you’re not comfortable with someone massaging you, there are also many professional massage therapists who specialize in vagus nerve stimulation.
Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture is another great way to reset the vagus nerve. This ancient Chinese practice involves insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are believed to stimulate the nervous system and help to balance the body’s energy. There is some scientific evidence to support this claim, and acupuncture has been shown to be helpful in treating a variety of health conditions including anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
Try Specific Exercises to Help With The Vagus Nerve
If you’re looking for a more hands-on approach, there are also some specific exercises you can do to help reset the vagus nerve. One exercise is called the “vagal tone” and it involves lightly pressing your fingers on either side of your neck while taking deep breaths. Another exercise is called the “sternocleidomastoid stretch” and it involves gently pulling your head to one side while keeping your chin level. These exercises are designed to help stimulate and strengthen the vagus nerve.
Try Essential Oils and Herbs
Lastly, you can also try using essential oils or herbs that have been shown to be helpful in balancing the vagus nerve. Some of the best essential oils for this purpose include lavender, chamomile, and rosemary. You can add a few drops of these oils to a diffuser or apply them topically to the areas around your neck and jaw. There are also many herbs that can be helpful in balancing the vagus nerve, such as ashwagandha, holy basil, and lemon balm. You can take these herbs in capsule form or make a tea using dried herb leaves.
If you’re struggling with an imbalanced vagus nerve, don’t despair! There are many things you can do to reset it and get back on track. Try one (or all!) of the methods listed above and see what works best for you. With a little time and effort, you’ll bein no time!