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Your cheeky guide to harnessing the Power of Your Vagus Nerve!
Updated: 7 days ago
Ladies, it’s time for a chat and to practise what we preach! Yes, it’s about that vagus nerve. So what is it exactly? Well, "vagus" in Latin translates to "wandering." Like many Wonder Women, it's been around the block a few times, winding its way through our bodies, from brain to gut, heart, lungs, you name it. And before you ask, no, it's not too old to go clubbing, but it sure does know how to chill.
Your vagus Nerve is, without a doubt, a VIP in our bodies. It is responsible for calming our body after a stress-induced event, kind of like that best friend who brings you chocolate and wine after a hard day. It’s a built-in masseuse, yoga teacher, and life coach all rolled into one.
But sometimes, just like our wardrobes, our nerves need a little stimulating. So how can we show this prime nerve some love?
How do I activate my vagus nerve?
Here are 3 simple ways to do a DIY vagus nerve massage:
Neck-rub: Channel your inner boxer. Using the back of your knuckles, gently rub both sides of your neck in a circular motion. This isn't the time for an uppercut – we’re aiming for calm, remember? Brush downwards 7-10 times, and enjoy the Zen.
Ear-tug: Here's where having short nails is advantageous (another win against those impossible-to-maintain talons!). Pinch the outer edges of your ears and then gently press the center. It’s like hitting the “refresh” button on a glitchy computer.
The yawning lion's breath: Ever wonder why a good exhale feels so good? You're actually stimulating your vagus nerve. Two techniques rolled into one: take a deep breath in and allow your body to release a wide, long yawn, just like a lion. Once you've achieved a good yawn, deep inhale in and push out your exhale with your mouth wide open and tongue stuck out, making that noise of a lion! You might feel totally stupid, but my family are used to me walking around the house doing it now and it encourages them to do it too! WIN WIN! This combination is like sending your body on a mini-vacation.
It's truly not about knowing a list of exercises, but how you combine and put together certain ones that makes all the difference! Just like your favourite cooking recipes.
The benefits of giving your vagus nerve some TLC extend beyond a moment of calm. It can improve conditions such as anxiety, heart disease, migraines, and even mood disorders. It's like the multi-tool of your nervous system.
What happens when the vagus nerve is stimulated?
Here are 10 potential benefits from stimulating your vagus nerve:
Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Vagus nerve stimulation can help your body to relax and reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Improved Mood: It has been found that stimulation of the vagus nerve can boost mood and potentially alleviate symptoms of depression.
Better Digestion: The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in the digestive process. By stimulating it, we can help our bodies to digest food more effectively.
Improved Heart Health: Vagus nerve stimulation can help to lower heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Reduced Inflammation: The vagus nerve can help to control inflammation in the body, which can aid in preventing various diseases and conditions.
Better Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that vagus nerve stimulation can help in controlling blood sugar levels, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes.
Reduced Frequency of Migraines: There is evidence that stimulating the vagus nerve can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Improved Memory: Research has shown that vagus nerve stimulation can enhance memory recall.
Support for Addiction Recovery: There are indications that vagus nerve stimulation could aid in recovery from addictions, such as alcoholism.
Better Sleep: By promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, stimulating the vagus nerve can contribute to improved sleep quality.
It's important to remember that everyone is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you're interested in vagus nerve stimulation as a form of treatment or therapy, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional, oh like me!
But remember, even the best of us can get a little worn out. Poor diet, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle can put a damper on your vagus nerve. Kind of like how drinking too much wine or overdoing the Botox can really mess with our fabulous selves (FYI, Botox, in rare cases, can shut down the vagus nerve, which, spoiler alert, is not a good thing).
So ladies, let's embrace our wanderer within. Our vagus nerve has been there for us through thick and thin, through heartbreaks, periods and maybe even menopause. It's our reliable friend, our inner voice, our reset button. So, let's give it some well-deserved love. After all, what happens in this vagus, doesn't stay in this vagus! Couldn't resist that one!
Oh, and one last SUPER TIP...
Super Tip: Unleash the Power of the Gua Sha Facial!
Ladies, let's talk about a super-secret weapon that's been hiding in plain sight: The Gua Sha facial tool. This magical little gadget may look like an oddly-shaped piece of jade or rose quartz, but it holds the key to stimulating your vagus nerve like a pro!
If you're new to the game, Gua Sha is a traditional Chinese technique that uses a specially designed tool to scrape or massage your skin. Not only does it have a whole host of skin-loving benefits, like boosting circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage, and helping your skincare products sink in better, but it can also work wonders on your vagus nerve.
If you have one already, this is your reminder to use it or lose it!
Here's how:
Your vagus nerve has a branch that runs through your neck and face. And guess what? That path is the motorway for your Gua Sha tool. By using your Gua Sha tool on your neck and face, you can directly stimulate this wandering nerve.
But before you go all Picasso on your face, it's important to use the right technique. The best way to stimulate the vagus nerve using a Gua Sha tool is to start at the base of your neck, on the side where your pulse points are, and gently scrape upwards towards your jawline. Use light to medium pressure, and always scrape upwards, never down.
Repeat this gentle scraping action up to the middle of your face, being sure to cover your jawline, cheeks, and forehead. Remember, the key is gentle upward strokes, no need to apply force.
This therapeutic treatment not only has calming effects on your body, reducing stress, and enhancing mood, but also adds a healthy glow to your skin. It’s like a two-in-one deal that takes your skincare game to the next level while also hitting that neurological jackpot.
So ladies, if you have a Gua Sha tool gathering dust in your bathroom drawer, now is the time to give it the love it deserves. Because who knew? Your ultimate secret to harnessing the power of your vagus nerve was sitting right there next to your night cream all along!
Remember, it's not just about scraping; it's about providing self-care, stimulating your nervous system, and empowering your well-being & self-love. So here's to you, your vagus nerve, and a whole new world of Gua Sha glory!
Ladies, it's time to get acquainted with the ultimate wellness experience! Did you know that at SJ Therapies, I deliver the UK award winning Zone Face-lift Gua Sha Facial Therapy Treatment? Book yourself in because it's a spiritually literally lifting facial experience you will not have had before! Not only will you be pampering your skin, getting a natural face-lift, but you'll also be tuning into the power of your vagus nerve – talk about a holistic treat!
With each stroke you'll feel your stress melt away as you unlock a healthier, more radiant complexion. After all, who said that self-care can't be skin-deep?
And for the days when you can't make it to Aberfeldy, I've got you covered. Meet our bespoke, 100% natural Aromatherapy Facial Balm. It's tailor-made to order for your skin's needs and is the perfect companion to your home Gua Sha routine. Unleash the power of essential oils and elbow grease to keep that vagus nerve stimulated and your skin glowing.
Now that we've discovered the wonders of the vagus nerve and how to stimulate it, you might be wondering:
What are the symptoms of vagus nerve problems?
If your vagus nerve isn't functioning as it should, you could experience a variety of symptoms. These may include:
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
A loss of your gag reflex
Persistent abdominal pain or bloating
Unexplained weight loss
Regular episodes of heart palpitations or a rapid heartbeat
Frequent shortness of breath with little or no exertion
Persistent feelings of anxiety or mood swings
But fear not, our Zone Face-lift Gua Sha Facial Therapy Treatment and our bespoke, 100% natural Aromatherapy Facial Balm aren't just for beauty. They can be part of your wellness routine to support the optimal function of your vagus nerve and help keep these troublesome symptoms at bay.
So, what are you waiting for?
The power to transform your health and beauty routine is at your fingertips. Book your appointment or order your personalized Aromatherapy Facial Balm today. Embrace the ancient wisdom of Gua Sha and take a step towards a more radiant you!
Book Your Face-lift Facial / Order Your Bespoke Facial Balm
SUMMARY
The vagus nerve is a crucial part of your body that helps regulate various functions, from mood to digestion.
Stimulating your vagus nerve can provide a variety of health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving digestion, and boosting mood.
Three simple techniques to stimulate your vagus nerve at home include a gentle neck rub, a little ear tugging, and deep, controlled breathing.
Apart from these, the traditional Chinese technique of Gua Sha facial massage can also be an effective way to stimulate the vagus nerve.
Using a Gua Sha tool, start from the base of your neck and gently scrape upwards towards your jawline, covering the jawline, cheeks, and forehead with gentle upward strokes.
This Gua Sha treatment not only stimulates your vagus nerve but also promotes skin health, giving you a two-in-one wellness and beauty routine.
So here's to us, the fabulous Women that we are, and to the wanderer within us all – the vagus nerve. We see you, we appreciate you, and we're going to take better care of you, starting now.
Next Event: Join our next Somatic Circle within our community group where we put these great exercises into practise together, plus that all important connection we need with other amazing Women around us.
Sam x