The vagal nerves or the vagus nerve is the major nerve in your body that carries signals between your heart, nervous system, and digestive system. It is responsible for controlling specific body functions including digestion, immune system, and heart rate.
What Is The Vagus Or Vagal Nerves?
The vagal nerves or the vagus nerve is your body’s most complex and longest nerve. It starts from your brain and spreads throughout your body. This nerve is responsible for certain important functions in your body such as digestion, heart rate, and immune system. All these functions are involuntary and you can’t control them consciously.
What Is The Function Of The Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve is responsible for various organ functions such as:
- Heart rate
- Respiration
- Digestion
- Cardiovascular activities
- Unconscious actions include sneezing, vomiting, sneezing, saliva production, swallowing
- Mood control
- Urination
Read More: Vagus Nerve Exercises To Get Rid Of Anxiety
What Are The Symptoms Of Vagus Nerve Disorders?
Vagus nerve disorders are getting common these days. Disorders and issues of the vagus nerve can affect the other parts and organs of the body because it is connected to each important organ.
Here are some common symptoms of vagus nerve disorders:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Anxiety, stress, and depression
- Body tension
- Loss of appetite
- Slow heart rate or low blood pressure
- Nausea
- Balance or coordination issues
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Poor memory
- Neurotransmitter imbalances
- Poor digestion
Read More: Vagus Nerve Issues: Symptoms And Disorders
What Are Ways To Stimulate Vagus Nerve?
Generally, there are various ways through which you can stimulate your vagus nerve. You can either stimulate it in natural ways or use an electrical stimulator. However, experts suggest using natural methods of stimulation.
Here are the methods and techniques for vagus nerve stimulation:
Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS)
A Vagus nerve stimulator is a device that stimulates your vagal nerve with electrical impulses. These electrical impulses travel to your brain and disperse to the different organs of the body to change the way of brain cells. VNS is also known as the peacemaker for the brain because it treats depression, anxiety, and epilepsy.
Natural Ways
- Breathing and meditation
- Yoga and exercise
- Mindful eating
- Singing, laughing, and gargling
- Acupuncture and massages
Read More: 5 Proven Ways To Stimulate Vagus Nerve Naturally
How to protect the vagus nerve?
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is not only good for your physical health but is also beneficial for your mental well-being. Here are some healthy lifestyle changes that can help you protect your vagal nerve system:
- Eat healthy diet
- Involve yourself in healthy activities like yoga, meditation, and hypnotherapy
- Be physically active
- Try various vagus nerve massages
Also Read: Vagus Nerve Massages: Improve Your Well Being
FAQs
What is the major function of the vagus nerve?
The Vagus nerve is a major nerve of the body that connects your brain to the other organs of the body. These nerves play a key role in reflex actions and involuntary functions such as digestion, heart rate, urination, and mucus production, controlling unconscious actions including sneezing, vomiting, sneezing, and respiration.
How do I calm my vagus nerve?
We can calm down our vagus nerve to get rid of anxiety and stress with the help of the following techniques:
- Deep breathing
- Singing
- Massage
- Cold water immersion
- Yoga, meditation, or exercise
Conclusion
The vagal nerves play a key role in controlling your nervous system. It is the longest nerve in your body that connects your brain with other organs. This nerve also plays an important role in mental and physical health functions.