Vagus Nerve Resets - Learn Quick Tools to Calm Anxiety in the Body

(like pressing “reset” on your computer or device)

Have you ever had a tight or nervous sensation in your upper belly when you’re rushing to meet a deadline, anticipating a hard conversation with a coworker, or preparing to give a presentation? That’s your sympathetic nervous system--getting keyed up to activate the “fight or flight” response to prepare for stress. 

Given the increased level of modern stressors that humans manage on a daily basis, doctors are looking for healthy ways to help their patients calm overtaxed nervous systems. 

The sympathetic nervous system acts as the body's "gas pedal," activating the fight-or-flight response. In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system functions as the "brakes," promoting rest-and-digest activities. The vagus nerve is the longest and most complex nerve in the body, serving as the primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system. 

If you're looking for quick way to calm the body, the Vagus is the first place to start. 

Acting as a bidirectional information superhighway, it regulates involuntary functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and inflammation control--helping to restore homeostasis after stress.

Knowing how to give yourself a “vagus reset” is so crucial for navigating stress. All the doctors at Park Street Healing Arts (Drs Jill and Scott and Drs Kimberly and JD) as well as our weight loss coach, Eryn, have advanced training in how to assess the health of the vagus nerve and stimulate it to encourage the body to take a nice deep breath and “reset”. 

Ask us how at your next adjustment or weight loss appointment.