A star is born: the vagus nerve.
Let's get to know it.
It is the longest nerve in the body.
It is the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system (part of the ANS).
It begins in the brainstem and then extends throughout the body, connecting to multiple organs: brain, heart, lungs, intestines, liver, spleen etc.
What is its role ?
Its role is essential: to maintain balance – homeostasis – between the organs and different systems of the body, and to ensure their optimal functioning.
For what ?
âï¸ to maintain our physical and mental fitness
âï¸ so that we don't get sick
âï¸ so that we are efficient and happy to live.
We have one or two vagus nerves?
We actually have two vagus nerves: one on the right, the other on the left. Information leaves the brain via one route and returns there via the other route. Hence the importance of it being regulated.
If traffic on these two-lane roads malfunctions, there are symptoms and pathologies such as:
🌟 heart problems
🌟 respiratory disorders
🌟 digestive problems
🌟 difficulties in managing stress
🌟 chronic depression
🌟 sleep is not restorative
🌟 the omnipresent feeling of hunger
... etc
It is therefore the guarantor of our balance and that is no easy feat.
The vagus nerve is a major component of the parasympathetic system.
It plays an important role in stimulating the recovery and rest functions of the body. For example, it slows the heart rate, promotes digestion and relaxes muscles.
The sympathetic system prepares the body for action in response to stress. It increases the heart rate, dilates the pupils and diverts blood flow to the muscles for a rapid response.
Thus the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic system work in tandem to counter the effects of the sympathetic system by ensuring dynamic balance.
You have certainly vaguely heard of vagal tone.
Vagal tone is a measure of vagus nerve activity that helps assess the health of the autonomic nervous system.
A healthy autonomic nervous system has high vagal tone.
This means that the vagus nerve is very active and communicates with the organs of the body.
We can improve our vagal tone by practicing activities that stimulate the vagus nerve:
â˜˜ï¸ slow breathing, known as “cardiac coherence”
â˜˜ï¸ singing, which works the laryngeal muscles innervated by the vagus nerve
â˜˜ï¸ yoga or Pilates
â˜˜ï¸ mindfulness meditation
â˜˜ï¸ laughter and social connection
â˜˜ï¸ daily physical activity etc.
â˜˜ï¸ somatic techniques etc.
In recent years, this vagus nerve has become a rising star in the human body show biz.
This conductor, operating harmoniously between nearly 60 trillion cells, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is the rising star of the latest research in neurobiology.
Understanding its role and its importance is fundamental for our physical and emotional well-being!
And you, have you ever heard of the vagus nerve?
