IS VAGUS THE MOST IMPORTANT NERVE IN THE BODY?
Have you heard the phrase “wired and tired”? It is over-stimulation that compromises sleep, and focus, and wreaks havoc on calm. It can cause inflammation throughout the body. Perhaps the greatest factor in this is the vagus nerve that is found on each side of the body. It starts in the brain stem at the base of the skull, then runs down the neck to the heart and digestive tract and spleen. There is even a branch on the outer ear that contributes to brain functioning and social communication.
The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body. Working properly, it is known as the “rest and digest” nerve. Vagal function affects wellness with its anti-inflammatory capabilities and immune modulation. It regulates the immune system 3 ways:
1. via the microbiome-brain-gut axis,
2. inborn immune response,
3. and by making some of our T-cells which are used to determine the body’s immune response to pathogens.
Vagus also innervates the heart, primarily to slow down heart rate. It helps innervate the spleen where protective blood cells are made. It has branches to the small intestine where it helps control pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, it has sensory fibers that help our taste buds function.
When you add up all of that, vagus is involved in stress reduction, digestive system health, blood-sugar regulation, heart health, lower blood pressure, reduction of inflammation, and overall better immune function.
When the vagus nerve is stressed, its poor function contributes to cardiovascular disease and stroke, diabetes, upsets in the gut, chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and depression. Simply put, an unhealthy vagus nerve causes chronic inflammation and the host of signs, symptoms and named diseases associated with chronic inflammation. Vagus can shift from calm parasympathetic healthy mode into sympathetic danger fight or flight mode. In an extreme case, sympathetic dominance leads to shut down within some bodily systems
Fight or flight can start at 9 weeks in the womb. The first reflex to develop is the withdrawal reflex intended to protect the body from damaging stimuli. Rapid contractions of flexor muscles and the relaxations of extensor muscles cause a sudden withdrawal from potential danger. The reflex is associated with fear and paralysis. Mothers can pull cortisol from the baby and cause adrenal insufficiency, which is related to this reflex, and to the sympathetic side of vagal function.
In other words, one of the first things a human learns is potential health damaging vagal effects. This can be helpful in dangerous situations, but debilitating when necessary rational decision-making is overridden.
Luckily there are some methods to help get the sympathetic dominant vagus back on track. Lifestyle modifications can help manage stress. These might include slow rhythmic diaphragm breathing and meditation. Vagus largely controls swallowing and speaking. This allows sympathetic reflexes of humming, singing and sipping water through a straw to help reactivate the parasympathetic branch of vagus. All of these things rehabilitate the challenged nervous system.
Supplements may also help. In the gut Vagus initiates inflammatory responses when necessary. A neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, drives vagal function. When acetylcholine is lacking the following supplements can help restore function; choline, B vitamins, magnesium, manganese, vitamin E, and zinc. Those nutrients combined with adrenal glandular supplements can play a big part in restoring the parasympathetic vagus function. Again, the goal here is to rehabilitate the challenged nervous system.
The role of chiropractic in gaining and maintaining healthy vagus function can be huge, especially if there is an underlying physiological or structural issue. In the office I use muscle testing to identify dysfunction in the vagus nerve. Without this knowledge, the results from corrective exercises in the two previous paragraphs will be temporary. Upper neck chiropractic subluxations are common with vagus nerve dysfunction. An often-overlooked factor with vagus dysfunction is the thoracic spine. Vagus gets cues of danger from the thoracic spine which is the sympathetic area of the spine. The spine receives needed cues of safety from chiropractic adjustments. A lack of subtle motion in the cranial bones, particularly the temporal lobe, is commonly associated with vagus nerve dysfunction. The acupuncture points GB1 located where the sphenoid bone is accessible at the temple are associated to acetylcholine function. They can be stimulated manually, and/or with lasers.
I can check for the above factors, and for associated connections in the gut including the ileocecal valve, spleen, heart, ears, face, and jaw. Once corrections are made, we can assess chemical faults or nutrition. In addition to spinal adjustments the rib cage must be opened for breathing. This may include soft tissue work on associated respiratory muscles like the pectorals, diaphragm, serrati. I use lasers to enhance the work I do.
The vagus nerve will affect your health. Its effect can be positive, or it can be negative. Fortunately, your decisions are usually the main determinant of how this incredibly important nerve affects your wellness. As usual, you have a huge amount of control over how helthy your nervous system is. Lifestyle choices, including chiropractic nervous rehabilitation work cna play a enormous role in maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Are you ready to feel better? Dr. Pat Dougherty is a holistic chiropractor in Spokane, Washington. He uses muscle testing to evaluate the health of every bodily system as well as food intolerances. Located at 2110 N Washington St. He can be reached by phone at the office, 509-327-4373; or on his business cell phone at 509-844-4206. It is $95 for an initial exam and insurance is not accepted.
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