01/14/2026
Wellness Wednesday ✨
Chill out and bring calmness:
Applying ice under your arm can act like a “reset switch” for the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic nervous system. This system feeds info into your brain from most of your senses to calm the body by slowing heart rate and reducing stress,though applying it to the neck or face is often more direct for vagal stimulation. Cold exposure triggers this nerve, signaling the body to relax, making it a quick hack for anxiety relief, with studies showing heart rate drops when cold is applied to the neck.
Best locations for stimulation:
Neck: Highly effective, as it’s a major pathway for the vagus nerve.
Armpit: Stimulates nerve endings near major vessels and nerves, including vagal pathways.
Face:Triggers the “diving reflex,” strongly activating the vagus nerve.