Let’s Get To Know The Vagus Nerve
A healthy vagus nerve leads to good temper, better sleep and increased immunity. Conversely if you have a hot temper, trouble relaxing or digestion problems it may be time to get to know your vagus nerve better.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve is one of 12 cranial nerves that relay information to or from the brain. Technically a pair of nerves (which will be relevant later when discussing stimulation) it is labelled as the 10th or X in roman numerals.
It connects the brainstem to many organs in the body. Because it has both sensory and motor functions it is transmitting information in both directions. So when the brain is communicating with the organs they are answering back.
What does the Vagus Nerve Affect?
If you had never given your vagus nerve much thought that's probably because it controls all the functions you don't need to thnk about
- Heartrate
- Breathing
- Digestion
- Coughing, Sneezing & Swallowing
These autonomic functions are controlled by two sides of the nervous system. The sympathetic can be thought of as the gas pedal that accelerates them. The vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic - the brake pedal to slow things down.
Anatomy of the Vagus Nerve
twelve cranial nerves and the vagus is labelled as the 10th, or X in roman numbeals. Technically a pair of nevres which will be relevant later when discussing stimulation.
Organs connected to the Vagus Nerve
Vagus is the latin word for "wandering" and is an approrpiate for the CN X nerve because of it's wandering path through the human body.
Brain
Heart
Lungs
Kidneys
Intestines
Vagus Nerve Conditions
The full healing possibilities of the vagus nerve are only starting to be understood. Conditions that are currently being investigated from a vagus nerve perspective include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart failure
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson's disease