07/07/2025
Infant Massage and the Vagus Nerve. What is it and what role does it play in infant development?
Recently the Infant Massage Information Service (IMIS) released a newsletter that highlighted the importance of the vagus nerve for infants.
"The vagus nerve, also known as cranial nerve X, is the longest and most complex nerve in the body. It plays a vital role in the autonomic nervous system, influencing everything from heart rate and digestion to emotional regulation and social engagement. Various studies highlight the importance of vagal activity in infant growth, development, and overall well-being."
The Vagus Nerve and the Infant Body
The vagus nerve is composed of both efferent fibers (sending signals from the brain to the body) and afferent fibers (carrying sensory information from the body to the brain). It extends from the brainstem down through the neck, chest, and into the abdomen, innervating critical structures such as the heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and pharynx. As a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, the vagus nerve regulates digestion, heart rate, and immune function, making it central to maintaining homeostasis in the body.
One of its most vital functions is the communication between the brain and gut, often referred to as the "brain-gut axis." Through this connection, the vagus nerve influences digestion, metabolism, and even mood regulation. Notably, studies indicate that vagal stimulation promotes anti-inflammatory effects and plays a crucial role in stress response.
Vagal Stimulation and Infant Massage
Infant massage has been shown to be a non-invasive method of stimulating vagal activity. Research indicates that tactile stimulation, such as massage, can enhance vagal tone, leading to increased gastric motility, improved sleep patterns, and better overall growth and development in infants. A study by Lee (2005) found that preterm infants who received massage twice daily for ten days exhibited significantly higher vagal activity compared to those in the control group, correlating with improved weight gain and physiological stability.
The benefits of vagal stimulation through infant massage extend beyond physical health. According to the Social Engagement System model proposed by Dr. Stephen Porges, vagal activity is closely linked to facial expressivity, vocalisation, and social connection. Research has found that infants with higher vagal tone display more interest and joy expressions, while those with lower vagal activity show more distress and disengagement. These findings emphasise the critical role of vagal activity in early emotional and social development.
The Impact of Vagal Activity on Emotional Regulation
The vagus nerve has a direct connection to brain regions responsible for emotional processing. It influences neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which are critical for mood regulation. Studies have shown that infants with higher vagal tone demonstrate greater resilience to stress and are easier to soothe. Conversely, lower vagal tone has been associated with heightened stress responses, as seen in infants of mothers experiencing prenatal depression.
Interestingly, facial expressivity and vocalisation are also influenced by vagal activity. Low vagal tone has been correlated with flat affect, reduced eye contact, and decreased cooing in infants. Infant massage, by increasing vagal activity, may help enhance social engagement behaviours, fostering stronger parent-infant bonding and early communication skills.
Key Takeaways
The vagus nerve plays a foundational role in infant health, influencing everything from digestion and immune function to emotional regulation and social engagement. By teaching parents how to stimulate vagal activity through infant massage, you can offer an evidence-based approach to enhancing physiological and emotional development.
