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"We suffer more often in imagination than in reality." - Seneca
The road to Vagus can get congested...unless you clear it out.
You may have heard of the vagus nerve and the vagus nervous system, which is the main part of the parasympathetic nervous system. Vagus is the Latin word for "wandering," which is exactly what this system does through your body, controlling several body functions like digestion, heart rate and the immune system; all involuntary functions.
Your vagus nerves run from your brain to your large intestine, one on each side of your body, communicating between your brain, heart, and gut. Occasionally it gets overwhelmed by emotional stress and anxiety, which can block its efficacy, creating a traffic jam and "road rage," in the worst case. If not attributable to a medical condition or unresolved trauma, vagus nerve dysfunction may present as:
- Brain fog, confusion, memory lapses, or feeling mentally slower than normal.
- Rapid heart rate, fainting, or dizziness
- Fatigue and/or stuck in "slo mo."
- Anxiety, irritability, or difficulty managing stress.
- Stomach aches, nausea, bloating, constipation, or slow digestion.
We live in a highly stressful culture now, with increasing isolation, shortened attention spans, financial anxiety, violence, constant "doomscrolling" which singlehandedly spikes cortisol levels, higher rates of mental issues, and numerous other stressors. Trauma resolution is key for long-term vagus function, but there are some quick ways to unblock this traffic jam in the short-term:
- Quick, gentle splash of cold water to the face.
- Gently tapping on the base of the neck while breathing deeply for a few minutes.
- Physical movement, such as a brisk walk outdoors in fresh air.
- Healthy nutritional intake.
- Stopping smoking/vaping and moderating alcohol consumption.
- Following MD's protocol for any conditions like diabetes and high or low blood pressure.
- Calming practices like meditation, mindfulness, hypnosis or yoga.
- Avoiding over-exposure to negativity.
- Sufficient down time with fun and laughter.
Keep your road to Vagus free and clear!
I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to anyone who wishes to make a positive change in their life.
“Relax. No one else knows what they’re doing either.” – Ricky Gervais
Best of Health,
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