What Happens in Vagus...Beating the Odds Against Stress

Stress is an inevitable factor in everyone’s life.  While occasional stress may not be harmful, when we are continually exposed to stress, we are gambling with our health. Luckily, the odds are in our favor thanks to the Vagus nerve.

Where is Vagus you ask?

The Vagus nerve is a neural highway that travels from the base of our brain to our gastrointestinal (gut) system.  It sends and receives signals to our brain and our gut in response to stress and then tries to restore balance to the body.

In other words, Viva the Vagus!

We can help the Vagus do its job with one simple task: Breathing!  Try this: while in a relaxed position breathe in deeply through your nose as you count slowly to five. Then exhale slowly through your mouth as if you are trying to clean your glasses.  Make this a daily practice.  In addition to counseling and good nutrition, yoga and meditation are also beneficial for keeping your Vagus nerve healthy.

Renee Leach

Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. ~Thích Nhất Hạnh