Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan 12/17/24 Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan 12/17/24

Engage Your Vagus Nerve: Breathing And Restorative Techniques For Relaxation, Insomnia, Chronic Illness, Pain And Limbic System Dysfunction

It seems like everyone is talking about vagal nerve theory these days, and stress and chronic illness may be at an all-time high. Many individuals are seeking alternatives to traditional "talk" therapy to address their mental, physical, and spiritual needs. Worries about the long-term impact of chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and insomnia are a topic of concern for many of my somatic psychotherapy and coaching clients.

A Brief Explanation Of Vagal Theory

The Vagus Nerve, which means "wandering nerve" in Latin, is a cranial nerve that extends from the brainstem (the lower part of the human brain) to the ears, travels down the front of the neck, and reaches all the way to the gut and intestines. the way into th The vagal nerve theory suggests that the vagus nerve, which is the longest cranial nerve in the body, plays a central role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, immune response, and stress management. It acts as a key pathway for communication between the brain and the body's organs.

In particular, the theory emphasizes the role of the vagus nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and recovery after stress. Stimulation of the vagus nerve has been linked to improved emotional regulation, reduced inflammation, and even therapeutic effects for conditions like depression and anxiety.

The vagus nerve is thought to help mediate the body's "rest and digest" responses, counteracting the "fight or flight" reactions driven by the sympathetic nervous system.

On Well-Being

Human well-being and the ability to flourish is only possible when we feel safe and secure in the world. When this basic need to feel safe is not met, our sympathetic nervous system is activated, and we default to and inhabit a “fight or flight” stress response. In flight-fight, anything not essential for immediate survival is turned off—this includes the immune system, the digestive system, the human growth and reproductive systems. When these systems are turned off for too long, or are turned on and off too frequently, they break down, leading to the illnesses of modernity: diabetes, heart disease, infertility, obesity, anxiety, depression, autoimmune diseases, sleep disorders, and on.

This activated stress response can lead to detrimental changes in the structure of the brain and negatively impact emotional regulation, attention, concentration, and memory. Psychologically, when in the stress response, we pre-consciously sense our very survival is at stake, and in this activated state, the natural state of being open, relaxed, and receptive is not available to us. Instead, we are vigilant and tense, psychologically defensive and contracted. In

Engage Your Vagus Nerve To Experience Enhanced Relaxation And Restorative Sleep

Concerns about the long-term impact of chronic stress, depression, anxiety and sleep deprivation is a topic of concern for many of my coaching and therapy clients. A few stressful, sleepless nights can easily spiral into a regular problem as clients begin to develop a negative relationship with bedtime and sleep. In the field of medicine and psychology we call this psychophysiologic insomnia or learned insomnia. Many will seek the help of a psychiatrist to obtain prescription medications in an effort to break the cycle. Not a bad option in the short-term, but less than ideal as a long-term solution.

Most mental health professionals who work with insomnia will always recommend lifestyle modifications and attempts at simple changes in the environment first. Before we move to information about engaging your vagus nerve and the relaxation response, let's clear the path to create an optimal environment for sleep.