Stimulating Your Vagus Nerve: Techniques for Calming Anxiety and Stress

🧘Your vagus nerve plays a vital role in your parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and relaxation.

🌬️Deep breathing exercises, such as triangle breathing, stimulate your vagus nerve and promote relaxation.

🐝The Bhramari technique, also known as humming bee breathing, can help activate your vagus nerve and induce calmness.

🤯High vagal tone indicates a strong ability to self-soothe and respond to stress, while low vagal tone may lead to anxiety and reactivity.

👂Gentle ear massages can stimulate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve and promote relaxation.

What is the vagus nerve?

—The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve in your body, responsible for regulating essential functions like breathing, heart rate, and digestion.

How can stimulating the vagus nerve help with anxiety and stress?

—By stimulating the vagus nerve, you can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the fight-or-flight response and promotes relaxation.

Are these techniques suitable for everyone?

—While these techniques are generally safe and beneficial, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

How often should I practice these techniques?

—Consistency is key. Aim to incorporate these techniques into your daily routine to experience the best results.

Can these techniques be done anywhere?

—Yes. The techniques demonstrated in the video can be easily practiced at home, at work, or even while traveling.

00:00In this video, you'll learn techniques for stimulating your vagus nerve to help alleviate anxiety and stress.

01:14Your vagus nerve, also known as the wandering nerve, is responsible for regulating various important functions in your body.

05:01The nasal cycle test and tongue check can provide insights into the state of your vagal tone.

07:48The video demonstrates three techniques for stimulating the vagus nerve: Bhramari, triangle breathing, and ear massage.

09:25Bhramari, or humming bee breathing, involves making a low resonant humming sound to massage the back of your throat.

09:57Triangle breathing combines diaphragmatic breathing and the chin lock to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation.

11:51Ear massage involves gently massaging the outer part of your ears to stimulate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.

13:39The video concludes with a summary of the techniques and recommendations for further exploration of the vagus nerve's role in your well-being.