The Vagus Nerve and Gut Feelings...

I've been fascinated with the vagus nerve this past few years and here's why I am so passionate about sharing more with you:


"The Vagus Nerve connects the brain to the various organs, including the gut. When you have a "gut feeling" about something, the message between your brain and gut is traveling along your vagus nerve. The vagus nerve isn't just conveying gut feelings, it is conveying all aspects of the gut and other organ health. The vagus nerve is also crucial for the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Healing the vagus nerve involves daily healing practices, and there are no easy fixes. However, vagus nerve healing exercises are easy and inexpensive, and the potential benefits are huge. Heal your vagus nerve, and heal your gut, your brain, and everything that is connected to both." Lisa Palmer

Top Ten Ways to Tone Up Your Vagus Nerve

1. Relationships -- Surround yourself with healthy, fun-loving friends and communities

2. Cold (showers or bath)

3. Gargling

4. Singing, chanting and humming

5. Massage

6. Laughter

7. Stretching

8. Breathing deeply and slowly

9. Exercise

10. Chiropractic adjustments

11. FSM (Frequency Specific Microcurrent) for leaky gut or other intestinal issues

12. Check for underlying health conditions with a functional medicine practitioner

Another important thing to note with the gut is understanding leaky gut syndrome:

According to Dr. Leo Galland, director of the Foundation for Integrated Medicine, the following symptoms might be signs of leaky gut:

Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Poor immune system
• Headaches, brain fog, memory loss
• Excessive fatigue
• Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea
• Cravings for sugar or carbs
• Arthritis or joint pain
• Depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, celiac disease or Crohn's

There are many published books available about the vagus nerve if you are interested in learning more about this topic.

Heather Brown, Matriarch Massage and Wellness
Health Coach, Licensed Massage Therapist, and
Frequency Specific Microcurrent Practitioner