Vagus Nerve & Relaxation

A key component of my approach to massage therapy includes vagal stimulation to promote relaxation and ease the body into "rest and digest" mode. This is referred to as a parasympathetic nervous system response, and is crucial for repair, recovery, and resilience.

The vagus nerve, one of the 12 cranial nerves, runs from the brainstem to the gut and plays a major role in the parasympathetic nervous system—the system responsible for rest, digestion, and recovery. Unlike the fight-or-flight response of the sympathetic nervous system, the vagus nerve helps slow the heart rate, regulate breathing, and support digestion. Recent research also shows it helps reduce inflammation, a key factor in many chronic diseases, including those that affect brain health.

What is Vagus Nerve Massage?
These techniques primarily involve lightly massaging around the neck, ears, and jaw. These areas provide access to the vagus nerve and promote relaxation. As a quick exercise to demonstrate the effects, close your eyes and massage your ears in a circle for 30 seconds. Take a deep breath in, and a BIG sigh out, and lightly tug your ears backwards. Experience the calm of tuning into your nervous system and providing stimulation to the most extensive cranial nerve in the body. As a self practice, you may also incorporate humming to stimulate the throat and vagus nerve internally.*

What is Swedish Massage?
Swedish massage is the most common approach to massaging therapy, involving gentle and relaxing touch to promote relaxation, overall circulation, and ease muscle tension. Pressure may range from light to firm, though Swedish massage is a less targeted approach and won't typically resolve knots and trigger points. In my Swedish sessions primarily for stress relief and blood circulation, I incorporate vagus nerve stimulation to enhance the relaxation, encourage diaphragmatic breathing, and support the nervous system.

*This is not medical advice.

Sources:
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/stories-and-insights/healthy-living/stimulating-the-vagus-nerve