The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating bodily processes, from heart rate to digestion. It’s also thought to have an impact on the body’s inflammatory response. Some people are using exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve, claiming it offers potential calming benefits.
According to Dr. Janna Gordon-Elliott, a psychiatrist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, the vagus nerve is the primary nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system, which initiates the body’s “rest and digest” response. This system supports cardiovascular relaxation and digestion during restful periods.
Vagus nerve stimulation therapy uses a small device that sends electric impulses to the brain, approved by the FDA for treating conditions like depression, cluster headaches, and epilepsy. While it has shown promise, current research on naturally stimulating the vagus nerve through exercises is limited.
A 2020 study published in Scientific Reports found head and neck massages targeting the vagus nerve lowered participants’ stress levels and helped them enter a state of relaxation. However, other factors like deep breathing may also contribute to feeling relaxed after massage.
Dr. Gordon-Elliott recommends trying slow, diaphragmatic breathing, cold water exposure, and humming to kick-start the body’s relaxation response. These techniques have been shown to enhance parasympathetic activity in the body.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/05/18/how-to-stimulate-the-vagus-nerve/83584221007