What Is the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve (pronounced VAY-gus) is the longest cranial nerve in your body. It connects your brain to major organs — including your heart, lungs, digestive system, and more. Think of it as a vital communication superhighway between your mind and your body.
Most importantly, the vagus nerve is a key part of your parasympathetic nervous system — also known as your rest and digest state. It helps calm the body after stress, slow the heart rate, aid digestion, and promote deep relaxation.
Why Is the Vagus Nerve So Important?
When your vagus nerve is toned and functioning well, you’re more likely to feel:
Calm and relaxed
Connected to your body and emotions
Able to manage stress
Energised and clear-headed
When it’s underactive or dysregulated, you may experience:
Anxiety or a constant sense of tension
Digestive issues like bloating or sluggishness
Poor sleep or chronic fatigue
Feeling emotionally “flat” or disconnected
It’s deeply tied to both physical and emotional wellbeing — which is why supporting it can be such a game-changer.
Signs Your Vagus Nerve May Need Support
Your body gives clues when your vagus nerve isn’t as regulated as it could be. Some signs include:
Shallow, chest-based breathing
Trouble winding down or sleeping
Digestive discomfort (like bloating or irregular bowel movements)
Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally numb
A general sense of being "on edge"
Sound familiar? You’re not alone — many people are living in a near-constant “fight or flight” mode.
Simple Ways to Stimulate and Support the Vagus Nerve
The good news? You can gently tone the vagus nerve through small, calming practices like:
Deep belly breathing – Slow, diaphragmatic breaths signal to the body that it’s safe to relax.
Humming, chanting, or singing – These stimulate the vagus nerve through vibration near the vocal cords.
Gargling water – An easy and surprisingly effective vagal nerve activator.
Cold water on the face – Splashing or using a cold cloth can help shift your nervous system into calm mode.
Gentle movement – Yoga, stretching, and mindful walking help regulate the body.
Meditation or mindfulness – These practices teach the body to settle and re-centre.
How Reflexology Supports the Vagus Nerve
Reflexology is a deeply grounding, holistic therapy that can gently activate the parasympathetic nervous system — making it an amazing support for vagus nerve health.
During a session, I use specific techniques to:
Calm the nervous system
Support digestive and hormonal balance
Reduce stress stored in the body (especially in the gut, chest, and jaw reflexes)
Encourage deep, healing rest
Clients often leave a session feeling lighter, more centred, and deeply relaxed — that’s the vagus nerve at work.
Final Thoughts
Your body is incredibly wise — and the vagus nerve is one of its most powerful regulators of calm, connection, and healing. By supporting this gentle pathway, you create space for more ease, balance, and restoration in your everyday life.
You don’t have to do it all at once. Start with one small practice — like breathwork or a cold splash of water — and notice how your body begins to respond.
Ready to deeply support your nervous system?
Book a reflexology session focused on nervous system regulation and give your vagus nerve the care it deserves. 💛