Vagus Baby!

Yeah, this is not that Vegas, but the other one. I mentioned Vagus nerve stimulation on my last post, but in a recent conversation, I realized I wanted to share another personal experience around this wonderous beast, even if it is not directly related to the “C” word.

My first experience with this nerve was when my daughter was an infant. She had the WORST acid reflux. Bedtime was a nightmare, and I had hit my wits end when all the medication and propping up did not work. I stumbled upon a physical therapist I had used previously and was sharing my baby woes. She lit up and said, “I can fix that for you!”   The primary cause of acid reflux in infants is from compression on the Vagus nerve during their movement through the birth canal. A technique called Cranial Sacral Therapy provides a gentle manual manipulation of the area that contains structures closely associated with the Vagus nerve, particularly around the jugular foramen where it exits the skull. This is typically covered under insurance by physical therapists, or many wellness clinics also provide this service.

Below are some other things Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) can do for you.

• Treat Epilepsy: VNS is often used to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in people with drug-resistant epilepsy.

• Treat Depression: VNS is approved for treatment-resistant depression when other therapies have not worked. It may improve mood by influencing neurotransmitter systems like serotonin and norepinephrine.

• Regulate Immune System: The Vagus nerve is a key part of the “inflammatory reflex,” which helps control immune responses. VNS can reduce inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and even long COVID (under investigation).

• Control Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: VNS can help regulate heart rate and promote cardiovascular stability, particularly by enhancing parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) tone.

• Aid in Anxiety and PTSD: Experimental and off-label uses show promise for using VNS to treat anxiety disorders and PTSD by calming overactive stress responses.

• Improve Memory and Cognition: Early research suggests VNS may enhance learning, memory, and neuroplasticity—potentially useful in Alzheimer’s disease, stroke recovery, and traumatic brain injury.

• Support Digestive Health: Because the Vagus nerve also controls aspects of digestion, stimulation may help treat conditions like gastroparesis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Assist in Migraine and Cluster Headaches: VNS devices are approved for treating acute migraine and cluster headaches by modulating pain signaling.

There is a simple breathing technique you can use to activate/stimulate this little miracle worker. Find a place where you can sit with your back straight and upright. Place a hand across your chest, and place your other hand below, across your stomach. Keeping your shoulders relaxed, focus on a deep inhale that pushes your bottom hand (the one on your stomach) out, not the hand on your chest. Sounds easy right? Not so much, but with practice it becomes more natural. Do this for one minute in the morning and for one minute before you hit the bed at night. My Integrative Care doctor said I will see the difference after about thirty days. Two minutes a day is minimal to give up for all the benefits I just shared!