The Vagus Nerve - Your Key to Reset

The vagus nerve is the longest of the cranial nerves and plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, and more. It has both sensory and motor functions and is involved in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and relaxation responses.

Mounting research has suggested that stimulating the vagus nerve through various exercises can have a therapeutic effect by helping reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The vagus nerve is sensitive to changes in the body's state - relaxation techniques like box breathing, as well as CranioSacral Therapy, can trigger a parasympathetic response, leading to vagal stimulation.

Box Breathing

When your fight or flight response kicks in, your body will respond by quickening your heart rate and breathing. The idea behind box breathing is to take longer, deeper, and more intentional breaths, which signals your brain that you're safe.

In fact, a small 2021 study found that just one 5-minute session of deep, slow breathing with an equal inhalation and exhalation helped promote a balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity, ultimately reducing anxiety.

CranioSacral Therapy

The manipulating the cranial bones and spine during a CranioSacral Therapy session can influence the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and release tension in the body. This indirect stimulation of the vagus nerve promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

Through deep listening of your body’s rhythms, Craniosacral Therapy targets the body's natural self-corrective mechanisms to help stimulate an internal change. Given that the craniosacral system includes structures of the central nervous system — the skull, cerebrospinal fluid, the membranes of the brain and the spinal cord — CST can have a positive impact on mood regulation, pain tolerance, stress response and relaxation.

If you haven’t experienced the myriad of healing benefits of CranioSacral, we invite to feel the stress and tension relief in your mind, body and spirit with a session.

Book with Palma on Tuesdays + Wednesdays.