How to Calm Down by Stimulating Your Vagus Nerve

The vagus nerve, aka wandering nerve, helps us feel happy and relaxed. It works beyond conscious awareness, carrying messages from vital organs to the gut. Stimulating it will not only help you show grace under pressure. You will also reduce blood pressure, slow down breathing, and trigger the release of digestive juices. This longest cranial nerve can relax all the organs it touches! 

The wandering nerve is the key part of the parasympathetic system, which regulates heartbeat, breathing, and other body functions beyond our conscious control. Aside from bringing sensory information from the organs to the brain, it also moves the muscles we use for speaking, swallowing and digestion. This nerve allows you to enjoy the effects of Delta 9 THC or wine. 

How Does the Vagus Nerve Calm Us?

The calming effect is caused by the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine (ACh). It is an anti-anxiety chemical. Aside from contributing to building memories, it makes your heart beat more slowly, dilates arteries, and relaxes the muscles in artery walls.

By stimulating the nerve, you stimulate the release of this chemical indirectly. Originally, this was discovered by psychobiologist Otto Loewi. For example, when you practice meditation, the positive effects it generates are controlled by vagal tone (the level of vagal activity). The higher it is, the better the nerve performs. 

How to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve

Stimulating the nerve is a natural way to calm down. You can shop now for natural remedies or try this to feel less stressed:

1. Diaphragmatic (Belly) Breathing

Practice this type of breathing for at least 10 minutes per day. Lie down on your back and bend your knees. If you feel uncomfortable, support your head and knees with pillows. Then, put one hand on your belly right below the rib cage. Place the other hand on the upper chest.  

While the normal rate is 18-20 breaths per minute, you should try to lower it to 5-7. Let the air in through your nose and feel it move toward the lower belly. Tighten your abs and breathe out through pursed lips. 

1. Carotid Sinus (Vagus Nerve) Massage

There is a group of nerve endings in your neck next to each of the two carotid arteries, which bring blood to your brain. These sinuses are found where all the arteries fork out, approximately below the angle of the jawbone. By pressing on the nerve bundles in longitudinal strokes, you will reduce your heart rate and blood pressure. 

To find either of your sinuses, lie on your back and turn your head to one side (right for left-sided CMS and vice versa). Palpate the neck with your fingertips until you feel a pulse. Turn your hand slightly to the side until you find the sinus (it feels like cord-like tissue). 

Massage the sinus for 5-10 seconds working your fingers up and down this area. Wait for 10 – 22 seconds before moving on to the other side.