07/30/2025
The vagus nerve — often called the “wandering nerve” — connects the brain to nearly every major organ, helping regulate stress, support digestion, and promote deep relaxation throughout the body.
🌀 The Polyvagal Theory (Stephen Porges) suggests there are two branches of the vagus nerve:
😵💫Dorsal vagal complex – primitive; activates “freeze” or shutdown under extreme stress.
😌Ventral vagal complex – more evolved; promotes social engagement, calm, and connection.
This explains why:
🧠 Feeling safe → vagus activates → heart rate slows, digestion improves, you feel relaxed.
🏃🏼♀️ Feeling threatened → vagus can shut down the system → dissociation, fainting, emotional numbness
Adjustments may increase parasympathetic tone, which the vagus nerve primarily governs.
📚 Early research suggests chiropractic care may also improve mood, immune function, and gut issues, all tied to vagus nerve health.
A more balanced nervous system allows the vagus nerve to activate more effectively 👍🏼
