The vagus nerve is often referred to as the body’s “superhighway” because it carries vital information from our brain to major organs. With stress levels soaring, some people are turning to techniques like humming, eye movements, and tapping to stimulate this nerve and improve their wellbeing.
While some methods may seem unusual, research suggests that training the vagus nerve can have a positive impact on mental health. A somatics class I attended used gentle moves combining deep breathing, rocking, and swaying to calm the nervous system. Participants reported feeling relaxed and less anxious.
Consultant psychiatrist Prof Hamish McAllister-Williams is sceptical about the effectiveness of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulators, citing a lack of robust scientific evidence. However, some people have found these devices to be helpful in managing stress and anxiety, such as Lucy Lambert, who used them after experiencing burnout.
The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating our nervous system, with two main branches connecting to every major organ. An imbalance can lead to problems like burnout, depression, and digestive issues. While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of vagus nerve training, it’s clear that taking care of this vital part of our body can have a positive impact on our mental wellbeing.
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Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0k9yz5wexo