07/28/2025
The vagus nerve is one of the most essential parts of the nervous system. It affects many functions in the body, from digestion to heart rate. In this post, we’ll explain the vagus nerve, where it’s located, and how it impacts the body. We’ll also look at what happens when the vagus nerve is not functioning correctly, known as vagal dysregulation, and how chiropractic care can help.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body. It originates in the brainstem and travels down through the neck, chest, and abdomen. It is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the “rest and digest” system. This system helps the body relax, recover, and perform vital functions at a regular, steady rate.
The vagus nerve is unique because it has a broad range of functions that influence several systems in the body, including the digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. It also helps regulate emotional responses.
What Does the Vagus Nerve Do?
The vagus nerve has many vital roles in the body. Some of its key functions include:
Regulating Heart Rate: The vagus nerve helps slow down the heart rate. It plays a key role in maintaining a balanced heart rhythm and ensuring the heart doesn’t beat too fast.
Controlling Digestion: The vagus nerve is involved in the regulation of digestive processes. It helps the stomach secrete digestive enzymes and promotes food movement through the intestines.
Breathing Control: The vagus nerve helps control the muscles that regulate breathing. It also influences the respiratory rate and depth.
Inflammatory Response: The vagus nerve helps to regulate inflammation in the body. It can send signals that reduce inflammation, helping to maintain immune function.
Mood and Stress Regulation: The vagus nerve regulates emotional responses, helping reduce stress and anxiety. It also supports mood stability by balancing certain neurotransmitters.
Where is the Vagus Nerve Located?
The vagus nerve starts at the brainstem, located at the base of the skull. From there, it travels down the neck, passing through the jugular foramen, a small opening in the skull. The nerve then branches out into various organs and systems throughout the body, including the heart, lungs, and digestive organs.
Because of its broad reach, the vagus nerve impacts many bodily functions, from breathing and heart rate to digestion and emotional health.
What Systems Does the Vagus Nerve Affect?
The vagus nerve is essential for maintaining balance within several body systems. Here are the central systems it affects:
Cardiovascular System: The vagus nerve regulates the heart, helping to control heart rate and blood pressure. It can slow the heart rate and improve circulation when needed.
Digestive System: The vagus nerve influences gut motility, which helps move food through the stomach and intestines. It also supports the secretion of digestive enzymes necessary for proper digestion.
Respiratory System: The vagus nerve helps control the muscles that allow breathing, ensuring that air moves in and out of the lungs at the right pace.
Endocrine System: The vagus nerve plays a role in the secretion of hormones and other chemicals that affect bodily functions like digestion and stress responses.
Immune System: It regulates inflammation and immune responses in the body, helping to maintain a healthy immune system balance.
How Do You Know If You Have Vagal Dysregulation?
When the vagus nerve isn’t working correctly, it can lead to vagal dysregulation. This condition occurs when the parasympathetic nervous system isn’t functioning optimally, which affects the body’s ability to relax and recover.
Some common symptoms of vagal dysregulation include:
Digestive Issues: Feeling bloated, constipation, or indigestion can all be signs that the vagus nerve is not correctly regulating digestive functions.
Heart Palpitations or Irregular Heart Rate: The vagus nerve helps regulate heart rate, so issues with your heart rate (such as palpitations or dizziness) may indicate vagal dysfunction.
Breathing Issues: If you find it hard to breathe deeply or experience shortness of breath without an apparent cause, vagal dysregulation may be involved.
Chronic Stress or Anxiety: Since the vagus nerve is involved in regulating the body’s stress response, poor vagal function can lead to heightened feelings of stress, anxiety, or even depression.
Fatigue: The vagus nerve helps with recovery and rest. If you’re constantly tired or don’t feel refreshed after sleep, vagal dysregulation may be a contributing factor.
Low Immune Function: It could be linked to improper vagus nerve function if you’re frequently getting sick or struggling to recover from illness.
What Can You Do About Vagal Dysregulation?
If you think you have vagal dysregulation, there are several steps you can take to improve the function of your vagus nerve. These include lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and, of course, chiropractic care.
Breathing Exercises: Slow, deep breathing techniques can stimulate the vagus nerve and help improve its function. Try diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing to promote relaxation.
Prayer and relaxation: Both prayer and relaxation help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and improving vagus nerve function.
Cold Exposure: Brief exposure to cold, such as splashing cold water on your face or taking a cold shower, can stimulate the vagus nerve and help it function better.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially activities that focus on deep breathing, can support healthy vagus nerve function.
How Chiropractic Adjustments May Help with Vagal Dysregulation
Chiropractic care is another effective way to address vagal dysregulation. Misalignments in the spine, especially in the upper cervical region, can disrupt the communication between the brain and the vagus nerve. Chiropractic adjustments work to realign the spine, restoring proper function to the nervous system and improving the vagus nerve’s effectiveness.
Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct spinal misalignments, which can relieve pressure on the nervous system. This may help improve the function of the vagus nerve, reduce symptoms of vagal dysregulation, and restore balance to the body’s systems.
By improving spinal health, chiropractic care can profoundly impact your overall well-being. It may help with everything from better digestion and heart rate regulation to improved emotional health and reduced stress.
Written by Dr. Caroline von Fluegge-Chen
