Vagus Nerve & Acupuncture
What is the Vagus nerve?
The vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve, extending from the brainstem to the colon. Comprising sensory and motor fibers, it branches out to various organs, influencing essential bodily functions. Critical for regulating digestion, heart rate, breathing, and immune function, the vagus nerve is a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, associated with the body's "rest and digest" response.
Activation of the vagus nerve fosters relaxation, lowers heart rate, enhances digestion, and bolsters immune function. Dysfunction may result in symptoms like digestive issues, heart problems, and compromised immune system function. Research from the Journal of Clinical Medicine links diminished vagus nerve activity to conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Stimulation methods for the vagus nerve include electrical and manual approaches. Electrical Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), a medical procedure using implanted devices, is employed for conditions like epilepsy and depression. Manual stimulation involves techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, and acupuncture, a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice utilizing fine needles to stimulate energy flow.
At-home stimulation methods like deep breathing, gargling, humming, and cold exposure can activate the vagus nerve, promoting relaxation and improved mood. While VNS requires professional administration, manual and at-home techniques are generally safe but warrant consultation with a healthcare provider.
Vagus Nerve Reset with Acupuncture
Acupuncture, involving needle insertion at specific points, can stimulate the vagus nerve. It regulates nerve activity, promotes neurotransmitter release, and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. Studies indicate that auricular acupuncture, targeting the ear, can modulate the vagus nerve, potentially preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Acupuncture Points for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Various acupuncture points influence vagus nerve activity, including Ren 12, Ren 17, Heart 7, Stomach 36, Pericardium 6, Lung 7, Du 20, Stomach 9, and specific auricular points. These points contribute to regulating the autonomic nervous system, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and promoting relaxation.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Research indicates that acupuncture is a safe and effective method for stimulating the vagus nerve, reducing inflammation, improving heart rate variability, and regulating autonomic function. It can complement treatments for conditions related to vagus nerve dysfunction.
Vagus Nerve Exercises
Non-invasive exercises like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and massage therapy can also stimulate the vagus nerve. These techniques, performed at home, should not replace medical treatment.
Vagus Nerve Dysfunction
Dysfunction, caused by factors like chronic stress, inflammation, and nerve damage, results in symptoms such as digestive issues, heart palpitations, anxiety, and autoimmune disorders. Natural treatments like acupuncture, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can improve vagus nerve function.
Vagus Nerve Symptoms & Disorders
Possible symptoms of vagus nerve damage encompass difficulty swallowing, voice changes, heart palpitations, gastrointestinal issues, low blood pressure, chronic cough, anxiety, reduced sweating, taste changes, tinnitus, and reduced heart rate variability. Vagus nerve disorders, affecting its function, include disorders such as Gastroparesis, Neurogenic Bladder, Arrhythmia, Tinnitus, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Migraines, and Anxiety Disorders.
Vagal tone (activity of the vagus nerve) is measured through the movement in heart rate that occurs when we breathe. This is known as heart rate variability, or HRV. A healthy vagal tone can be considered an optimal balance of parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system actions. Generally, people with higher HRV can shift more easily from excitement to relaxation and can recover more quickly from stress. Low vagal tone is related to poor emotional regulation, anxiety, inflammation, and depression and can also be used to measure your sensitivity to stress.
Symptoms like not being able to return back to calm quickly after a stressor, reactions inappropriate for the situational stress, a sense of fear or worry even after things are okay, GI issues after stress, and insomnia during difficult times can signify low vagal tone.
Summary
The vagus nerve's role in regulating bodily functions underscores its importance. Acupuncture, supported by exercises and techniques, proves effective in stimulating the vagus nerve, offering potential health benefits. Maintaining vagus nerve health is pivotal for overall well-being, and integrating acupuncture and stimulation techniques into daily routines can support natural healing processes.
If you are struggling with any of the symptoms above, please book an initial assessment or a free consultation to understand what a treatment plan might look like for you to get you feeling better!
