Vagus Nerve “Your Love Nerve”

What is the vagus nerve and how can we work to tone a strong vagus nerve through our yoga practice and meditation?  

Here’s how working with deep diaphragmatic breathing cultivates a strong vagus nerve. The vagus nerve has big implications for our health. Remember, working with the breath in general is powerful because breath is the deepest movement pattern we have!! Enjoy!

An overview: 

  • VAGUS NERVE = Latin for “wandering”

  • “Love Nerve” in your body

  • Starts at the top of the spinal cord, runs down the torso, inserts through the diaphragm, and drops down into spleen and liver

  • Bundle of nerves that help you to:

    • Vocalize

    • Nod Head

    • Empathize (co-ordinate gaze) - release of oxytocin
      Practicing empathy is a skill.  It is so important to see from another person’s perspective.  To do this means that you will have to allow yourself to be vulnerable.  

    • Coordinate interaction between heart rate and breathing 

    • Mammalian (emotional connections)

Why is working with the vagus nerve important for our health? 

Vagus nerve is connected to a: 

  1. Stronger immune system response

  2. Regulates inflammation response

  3. Controls some liver/digestion response

Cultivate through exercise, meditation, deep diaphragmatic breathing (this style of breathing stimulates the VN and signals the nervous system to relax)

Toning Vagus Nerve: 

  • Breath slowly (diaphragmatic)

  • hum/sing your favorite song

  • Wash your face with cold water

  • Meditate on loving-kindness

  • Maintain a healthy gut

Resource:

Greater Good Science Center video:  Dacher Keltner on the Vagus Nerve