Vagus Nerve

The Vagus Nerve is a part of the body that I find really incredible. The word Vagus is derived from the Latin word wandering; because the Vagus Nerve originates in the brain stem (in the Medulla Oblongata, to be exact). From there it travels through the base of the skull, and down the neck, branching off to various organs in the torso, including all of the digestive organs. This connection is made because the Vagus Nerve is responsible for relaying messages from your brain, to your digestive organs.

Kickstarting Digestion

Our brain registers that food is coming through various sensual cues like: the sight and smell of food, through the act of preparing a meal or even participating in a blessing said before meal times. Our Hypothalamus gland signals the Medulla Oblongata (that’s fun to say! You should try to say it…. it’s fun!) which sends communications along the Vagus Nerve to kick start digestion. The Vagus Nerve is part of the Parasympathetic Nervous System, the system we refer to as the “rest and digest” nervous system. The Parasympathetic Nervous System is responsible for the actions that happen without our prompting, like breathing, heart rate and digestion.

Let’s review some of the Vagus Nerve pathways to gain some insight into the roles of the Wandering Nerve. The Vagus Nerve wanders to the Salivary Glands, Heart, Lungs, Liver, Gallbladder, Stomach, Spleen, Pancreas, Small & Large Intestines, Rectum, Kidneys, Bladder, and the reproductive organs. WOW!

When I think about all of the organs that the Vagus Nerve is communicating with, I find myself impressed. I begin to fathom all the communications it must be facilitating and I realize how incredibly important the Vagal Nerve Pathways really are!

Now let’s focus in on thinking in terms of digestion: The vagus nerve signals salivary and enzyme response in the mouth, triggers peristalsis and motility in the esophagus and the intestines, as well as ramping up production and secretions of gastric juices (HCL) and pancreatic enzymes, and last but not least, communicating about our need to pass a bowel movement.

The Gut-Brain Axis

In recent years, scientists have gained a deeper understanding of something that is referred to as the “Gut-Brain Axis.” This axis refers to the connection between the gut and the brain, or the emotional and cognitive centers. The gut is considered the emotional center, and this connection is why you may hear someone say “listen to your gut”. Early on in embryogenesis the brain and the gut originate from the same cluster of cells. Eventually, they split apart yet remain connected by a nerve, the Vagus nerve; I think that is SO cool! The Vagus Nerve is what facilitates the bi-directional means of communication between gut and brain.

The Gut-Brain Axis is something that is still being studied extensively to help us gain a better understanding of it. However, research is suggesting that our gut microbiome (the make up and balance of the bacteria in your gut) can travel through Vagal Nerve pathways, influencing the microbiome in the brain. When we consider that much of our serotonin and dopamine (our feel good neurotransmitters) are produced in our gut, we are forced to consider our gut health in a whole new light. Researchers are exploring the use Vagal Nerve Stimulation for individual with mental health conditions like depression and PTSD. We are starting to make connections about gut health and its impact on mental health. The gut-brain axis, which is maintained through the Vagus Nerve is how we explain this connection.

Vagal Nerve Tone

The vagus nerve can sometimes become weak, or loose it’s “tone.” Some of the instigating factors that deplete Vagal tone are physical or physiological stress, diabetes, previous or current viral infections, chronic inflammation, abdominal surgeries that may inadvertently inflict damage to the nerve or scleroderma (an autoimmune condition that causes tightening of the skins and tissues.) There is even something that is referred to as the Vagal Response which can be triggered by stress, pain or fear with symptoms that include dizziness, nausea, ringing in the ears, sweating, and in some causes the individual may pass out. When Vagal function is severely compromised it can result in a condition called Gastroparesis.
Gastroparesis is defined as partial paralysis of the stomach and can result in an inability to process, digest and move food out of the stomach and into the small intestine. Often times Gastroparesis is accompanied by symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, belching (as food is rotting and fermenting in the stomach and promoting the growth of bad bacteria), feeling full very quickly, nausea & vomiting (as the food can not move out its normal “exit”), bloating and abdominal pain, poor appetite, weight loss, fatigue, weakness (from mal-nutrition), and anemia. In extreme cases, individuals may be unable to eat or ingest food comfortably, while simultaneously starving to death. A peaked Vagus Nerve is the culprit here.

Vagal Nerve Support

The Vagus Nerve can be supported in some ways that I think are rather clever. Let’s consider where the Vagus Nerve is located: beginning at the back of the head/neck, traveling through the neck and down in the abdomen. We can stimulate the Vagus nerve by gently rubbing the back of the head and along the neck, mediation with an emphasis on calm deep breaths, endurance or interval training, reflexology massage and cold therapy, like a cold shower or an ice pack on the head or neck. Additionally, getting the vocal cords and throat to vibrate can stimulate the Vagus Nerve so try gargling or my favorite: singing! It’s also worth noting that compassion is a big stimulator of the Vagus Nerve.

Posted: April 19th 2022