12/20/2025
Shared from my very good friend who is also a naturopath. Great information!!
How to Reset your Vagus Nerve.
Sit upright facing forward.
Now turn your head slowly all the way to the right, noting any stiffness or pain. Return the head to the center
Now turn your head all the way to the left, noting any stiffness or pain. Return your head to the centre.
Now keeping your head facing forward, place both hands behind your head, elbows out. Slowly look as far right as you can with your eyes only. Neck and head still facing front. Remain in this position until you yawn or sigh. Now repeat this to the left.
Now lower your arms and slowly turn your head to the right. Pain and stiffness will be greatly improved and you will be able to turn your head more easily. Repeat to the left.
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When you hold your eyes at an extreme right or left gaze without moving your head, you engage the extraocular muscles controlled by cranial nerves III, IV, and VI, sending proprioceptive signals to the vestibular nuclei and reticular formation in the brainstem. These areas are closely connected to the nucleus tractus solitarius and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, which regulate vagus nerve output. The eye positioning activates vestibulo-ocular reflex pathways that spill over into parasympathetic circuits, stimulating the vagus nerve. This shift into parasympathetic slows the heart rate, deepens breathing, and releases muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, improving range of motion almost immediately. The yawn or sigh is a natural sign that the nervous system has shifted into a calmer state.
Information from Anthony Goldsmith
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Info from: Lymphatica - Lymphatic Therapy and Body Detox Facility
“🔄 Step-by-Step: How to Support Your Vagus Nerve (and Calm Your Body from the Inside Out)
The vagus nerve is your body’s built-in reset button. Activating it helps:
• 🧠 Calm your nervous system
• 💧 Improve lymphatic drainage
• ❤️ Regulate your heart rate
• 🌿 Reduce inflammation
• 💩 Improve digestion and gut motility
✨ STEP 1: Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing
What to do:
Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds
Hold for 2 seconds
Exhale through your mouth for 6–8 seconds
Repeat for 3–5 minutes
Why it works:
The vagus nerve runs alongside your diaphragm. Slow, deep breaths stimulate vagal tone and lymph movement.
✨ STEP 2: Cold Exposure
What to do:
Splash your face with cold water or apply an ice pack to your neck for 15–30 seconds
Or finish your shower with 30 seconds of cold water
Why it works:
Cold triggers the diving reflex, which activates the vagus nerve and resets your autonomic nervous system.
✨ STEP 3: Humming or Chanting
What to do:
Hum, sing, or repeat “OM” or “Ahhh” sounds for 3–5 minutes
Why it works:
The vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords. Vibrational sound therapy stimulates the vagus and relaxes the brain.
✨ STEP 4: Gentle Neck Massage
What to do:
Massage down the sides of your neck, just below the ears and jaw (vagus nerve exits the skull here)
Why it works:
Direct stimulation along the vagus nerve’s cervical pathway enhances both nerve activity and lymphatic drainage.
✨ STEP 5: Gut & Liver Support
What to do:
Eat whole foods, drink warm lemon water, and consider castor oil packs
Why it works:
The vagus nerve governs digestion. A sluggish gut = reduced vagal tone. A supported gut = stronger vagus-liver-lymph connection.
✨ STEP 6: Laughter or Social Connection
What to do:
Watch something funny, smile intentionally, call someone you love
Why it works:
The vagus nerve responds to positive emotion and connection—this boosts parasympathetic activity and supports immune and lymph function.
✨ STEP 7: Body Movement
What to do:
Gentle stretching, rebounding, walking, or yoga (especially spinal twists and neck rolls)
Why it works:
Movement stimulates fascia, which houses part of your autonomic nervous system—including the vagus nerve! Plus, it pumps your lymph.
🌿 Bonus Tip:
Consider MLD therapy, RLD (Reflexology Lymph Drainage) or craniosacral therapy—both are powerful for releasing vagal tension and improving nervous-lymphatic communication.”
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Picture reference from Lymphatica - Lymphatic Therapy and Body Detox Facility
