The Vagus Nerve also known as the “wanderer” goes from the brainstem at the base of the head (medulla) then travels down through the lungs, heart, diaphragm, and stomach. It also travels upward connecting with nerves in the neck, throat, eyes and ears. The vagus nerve allows us to deal with more emotions and/or difficult experiences without shutting down or feelings extremely anxious. It is a major player in the autonomic nervous system. We are all going to be triggered most likely daily but the problem is getting stuck in that trigger. Instead of moving out of it and back to the “in between’ or “place of balance” we stay stuck in either hyper or hypo arousal. This place of balance is your window of tolerance. When you are functioning within that place of balance you can effectively manage and cope with your emotions. The vagus nerve helps you when your stress response is activated.
The vagal “brake” is the autonomic pathway in humans. It reduces sympathetic nervous system activation and keeps your heart rate at a slower and calmer pace. So, when your vagal brake is activated, you will feel your heart rate slow, and you may begin to feel your body calm and become less tense. You can start to breath deep again. You have returned to your window of tolerance. Your window of tolerance is the place where you can respond effectively to your emotions and sensations. When your vagus nerve is not working properly you can experience an array of "DIS-ease" in your body. Join me in my Vagus Nerve Healing Course and take your life back!!!!!