Vagal Tone

Yoga is not just great exercise for the body but also very effective for the mind. The breathing control works the vagus nerve.

When we gargle water the throat muscle activity naturally stimulates both branches of the vagus nerve in the laryngeal branches. Use salty water for an additional anti-bacterial benefit.

Laughter really can be a great medicine. When we laugh - I mean really laugh, we exercise our vagus nerve  from the belly up. 

Cold showers are an excellent way to restore lost vagal tone. It doesn't need to be the whole shower - just hit yourself with cold for at least 1 minute at the start, middle or end.

Slow, deep, belly breathing is an indicator of rest and a great way to activate the vagus nerve. Practice deliberate breathing when you have a few minutes to spare.

Chanting involves activity of the laryngeal muscle which will in turn activate the vagus nerve. The tone of the chant or hum will determine the frequency of stimulation - with the Hindu chant "om" considered godly.

Now that you are accustomed to cold showers it's time for an extreme cold dip. If you can condition your body to breathe through this, your vagus nerve will become very strong.

Gently massaging the tragus and cymba conchae areas of the ear can trigger a mild vagus nerve response.