By Leslii Stevens ERTY500, YACEP, Trauma Informed Yoga Teacher, Ayurveda Practitioner
Ever hear of the vagus nerve? No, it’s not some obscure, tiny string of mystery tucked away in the body. Oh no, my friend, the vagus nerve is the rockstar of your nervous system, headlining the "Rest and Digest" tour. This nerve is the longest of the cranial nerves and travels all the way from your brain to your gut, sending VIP signals to your heart, lungs, and digestive tract. Basically, if your body were a band, the vagus nerve would be the lead singer, bassist, and drummer all rolled into one.
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, cool, but what does this nerve do for me?” Well, the vagus nerve is the grand maestro of the parasympathetic nervous system, AKA the system responsible for that blissful "ahhhh" moment after a deep breath. It’s the antidote to stress, the yin to your yang, the "chill out" button your body is constantly hunting for in today’s fast-paced world. So yeah, it's kind of a big deal.
Why Yoga is Your Vagus Nerve's BFF
So, how do you keep this superstar happy and healthy?
Enter: yoga. Yoga isn’t just about bending yourself into pretzel shapes or flexing on Instagram with your best crow pose. It’s about connecting with your body and, more importantly, tapping into that sweet, sweet parasympathetic flow. Different yoga styles cater to your vagus nerve like a five-star spa day for your nervous system. Let’s dive into why your vagus nerve loves yoga so much it practically swoons every time you roll out your mat.
1. Restorative Yoga: The Power Nap You Didn’t Know You Needed
Restorative yoga is like that favorite old movie you watch when you need to unwind, slow, gentle, and oh-so-familiar. With long held, supported poses and an emphasis on deep breathing, this style cradles your vagus nerve in a soft blanket of calm. Picture yourself sinking into a pile of pillows, breathing like you just saw the cutest puppy in the world, and you’ve got restorative yoga in a nutshell. The long, sustained stretches signal your vagus nerve that it’s time to power down the stress machine and kickstart the rest and digest mode.
2. Yin Yoga: Hold It Right There…
Yin yoga is like the wise old grandparent of yoga styles, gently encouraging you to "just sit with it for a while." Poses are held for what feels like an eternity (or 3-10 minutes, whichever comes first), allowing you to really settle in and embrace the discomfort. Sounds like fun, right?
But here’s the deal: holding these poses helps downregulate your nervous system and gives your vagus nerve a little nudge to start
whispering sweet nothings to your heart rate and digestion. It’s all about patience, grasshopper.
3. Vinyasa Flow: The Chill in the Thrill
Sure, Vinyasa Flow gets your heart pumping, but it also emphasizes breath synced movement, which is like giving your vagus nerve a standing ovation. The rhythmic flow of inhaling and exhaling paired with movement creates a beautiful dance of stimulation and relaxation, which helps balance out your nervous system. Think of it as a workout for your vagus nerve, where it gets to flex its "I got this" muscles in the middle of the hustle.
4. Pranayama: The Breath of Life (or, How to Blow Your Own Mind)
Pranayama, the yogic art of breath control, is basically vagus nerve yoga. When you practice techniques like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) or Bhramari (humming bee breath), you’re sending a direct “hey there, relax a bit” message to your vagus nerve. Breathwork is the vagus nerve’s secret handshake, helping you switch from fight-or-flight, freeze, or fawn to rest-and-digest faster than you can say “om.”
Conclusion: Geeking Out on the Vagus Nerve
So, there you have it, folks: the vagus nerve, the unsung hero of chill, and why yoga is basically the BFF every overstressed system needs. Next time you find yourself on the mat, take a moment to give a little nod of gratitude to your vagus nerve. After all, it’s working overtime to keep you cool, calm, and collected. Now, go on and geek out with me, your vagus nerve is listening, and it loves the attention.
Let’s Rock this Planet, chill seekers!
Leslii