The body is one of the main centers of interest in the study of the human being. Over the years, the advancement of medicine has produced increasingly sophisticated methods to address the complex and detailed functioning of each organ that is part of the human body.
We know that each body area has a specific function to ensure that people can perform various actions effectively. Specifically, the vagus nerve is connected to various organs in the body and allows humans to perform vital functions such as breathing or eating, among others. If this part of the body does not function correctly, this can affect the development of the person’s daily life. In this PsychologyFor article, we will provide you with information about how to stimulate the vagus nerve naturally
What is the vagus nerve and what is its function?
The vagus nerve longest bodily nerve in the body , connects the brain with various organs and its operation is key to relaxing the body. Specifically, the vagus nerve is located within the parasympathetic nervous system, which extends from the brain stem, located at the level of the ears, to the areas that include the chest and abdomen.
So, on the one hand, the vagus nerve connects the brain with the lungs, heart, liver , the spleen, stomach, kidneys, pancreas and intestines. Due to these circumstances, this nerve influences the functioning of the aforementioned organs.
On the other hand, the vagus nerve is activated by electrical signals that are sent to the brain. These signals allow so that the body can prepare to rest The parasympathetic nervous system, to which the vagus nerve belongs, is responsible for relaxing muscles and organs.
Symptoms of vagus nerve dysfunction
The functioning of the vagus nerve can be affected and suffer alterations , which leads to the appearance of physical and psychological discomfort. In this section, we will show you the main symptoms of vagus nerve dysfunction:
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Neurological diseases.
- Respiratory difficulties.
- Severe headaches.
- Self-aggressive behaviors.
- Constant fatigue.
- Weight gain.
- Gastrointestinal diseases.
- Difficulty to swallow.
- Variations in tone of voice.
- Incrise of cardiac frecuency.
- Constipation.
The presence of any of these symptoms does not necessarily imply that we are facing vagus nerve dysfunction. Given this, it is essential that the diagnosis be carried out by a health professional who develops an appropriate treatment based on the characteristics of each person. In the presence of any of these symptoms, it is important go to a specialized health center to evaluate persistent clinical conditions.
How to stimulate the vagus nerve naturally
When stimulating the vagus nerve, it is important to know where to do it and what stimulates this nerve. The significance of this section lies in highlighting the benefits of stimulating the vagus nerve naturally for the body and how to do it. We’ll tell you then:
- Laugh : Mood has a great influence on the functioning of the vagus nerve. In some circumstances, this can be affected due to certain social situations. In this sense, laughing produces relaxation in the nervous system that positively affects the activation of the vagus nerve. In this article you will see what laughter therapy is and its benefits.
- Meditation : Relaxation techniques, both for the body and the mind, enable the vagus nerve to function correctly. Therefore, activities such as meditation or mindfulness cause positive effects on the person’s health.
- Recreational activities : Beyond personal tastes, engaging in recreational activities outside of the daily routine allows the nervous system to relax. Due to these circumstances, an appropriate selection of recreational activities allows you to stimulate the vagus nerve naturally. As an example, we can mention singing or theater, among others.
- Healthy nutrition : As we have seen in the previous section, the symptoms of vagus nerve dysfunction become visible in the body because its lack of stimulation causes serious consequences in the body. Therefore, maintaining a balanced and balanced diet stimulates the vagus nerve so that it functions properly.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to stimulate the vagus nerve naturally we recommend that you enter our Neurosciences category.
Bibliography
- Piñeiro, D. (2012). Vagus nerve stimulation increases myocardial size in an experimental model: paradox or opportunity? Argentine Journal of Cardiology, 80 (1), 1-3.
- Torres-Carranza, E., Infante-Cossio, P., GarcÃa-Perla, A., Belmonte, R., Menéndez, J., Gutiérrez-Pérez, JL (2006). Neurosurgery Magazine, 17 (6), 255-260.