30/10/2025
I talk about the vagus nerve a lot, it’s such an integral part of the parasympathetic system. In those of us who are stressed (and let’s face it, most of us are!) our bodies need support to stimulate the vagus nerve, which is why I work it’s reflex in all my reflexology treatments.
Here’s a lovely little read on what the vagus nerve does and how to support it… 💜
🔄 Step-by-Step: How to Support Your Vagus Nerve (and Calm Your Body from the Inside Out)
The vagus nerve is your body’s built-in reset button. Activating it helps:
• 🧠 Calm your nervous system
• 💧 Improve lymphatic drainage
• ❤️ Regulate your heart rate
• 🌿 Reduce inflammation
• 💩 Improve digestion and gut motility
✨ STEP 1: Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing
What to do:
Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds
Hold for 2 seconds
Exhale through your mouth for 6–8 seconds
Repeat for 3–5 minutes
Why it works:
The vagus nerve runs alongside your diaphragm. Slow, deep breaths stimulate vagal tone and lymph movement.
✨ STEP 2: Cold Exposure
What to do:
Splash your face with cold water or apply an ice pack to your neck for 15–30 seconds
Or finish your shower with 30 seconds of cold water
Why it works:
Cold triggers the diving reflex, which activates the vagus nerve and resets your autonomic nervous system.
✨ STEP 3: Humming or Chanting
What to do:
Hum, sing, or repeat “OM” or “Ahhh” sounds for 3–5 minutes
Why it works:
The vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords. Vibrational sound therapy stimulates the vagus and relaxes the brain.
✨ STEP 4: Gentle Neck Massage
What to do:
Massage down the sides of your neck, just below the ears and jaw (vagus nerve exits the skull here)
Why it works:
Direct stimulation along the vagus nerve’s cervical pathway enhances both nerve activity and lymphatic drainage.
✨ STEP 5: Gut & Liver Support
What to do:
Eat whole foods, drink warm lemon water, and consider castor oil packs
Why it works:
The vagus nerve governs digestion. A sluggish gut = reduced vagal tone. A supported gut = stronger vagus-liver-lymph connection.
✨ STEP 6: Laughter or Social Connection
What to do:
Watch something funny, smile intentionally, call someone you love
Why it works:
The vagus nerve responds to positive emotion and connection—this boosts parasympathetic activity and supports immune and lymph function.
✨ STEP 7: Body Movement
What to do:
Gentle stretching, rebounding, walking, or yoga (especially spinal twists and neck rolls)
Why it works:
Movement stimulates fascia, which houses part of your autonomic nervous system—including the vagus nerve! Plus, it pumps your lymph.
🌿 Bonus Tip:
Consider MLD therapy or craniosacral therapy—both are powerful for releasing vagal tension and improving nervous-lymphatic communication.
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