Vagus Nerve

Brief daily vagal practices are claimed to meaningfully change function even when active diagnoses are present. The article cautions that these practices shift brainstem regulation through vagal pathways rather than acting on an intelligent nerve itself. Breath work that activates the parasympathetic system is distinguished from sympathetic-activating breath work. taVNS has been reported to have efficacy comparable to invasive vagus nerve stimulation. The vagus nerve is a major parasympathetic nervous system component. CO2 buildup stimulates the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system and produces bodily and mental relaxation. The vagus nerve is presented as a direct lever for changing nervous-system state. The vagus nerve regulates mood, immunity, digestion, and heart rate. The vagus nerve runs from the brainstem to many organs and has major influence over the heart. The vagus nerve can slow the heart by sending inhibitory signals to the sinoatrial node. Slow exhalation increases vagal inhibition and slows heart rate. Most vagus nerve communication described in the article is bottom-up communication to the brain. Vagal regulation is defined as influencing…