The vagus nerve is actually a pair of cranial nerves (running down both sides of your body). It originates in your brain, and travels down though your neck, chest and abdomen to help your brain communicate with your body. In particular, it influences breathing, heart rate and digestion. Because the vagus nerve is related to your ‘flight or fight’ sympathetic nervous system, the aim is to relax (or ‘reset’) the nerve so that you return your body to a ‘rest and digest’ state instead.
For me, learning how to massage my ears has been instrumental in calming myself down. Before I started learning about this, I could not ‘fold’ the top of my ears all the way down towards my face – the tension in my ears and the side of my face was too strong. It’s only anecdotal evidence, but I know at least one other migraineur who also can’t ‘fold’ her ears. After following the advice in the links below, my ears are now more ‘flexible’, and at the risk of getting strange looks, I regularly massage my ears, even when I’m out and about!
You can read more about the ‘wondering’ nerve in a recent Australian news article here: The vagus nerves help us rest, digest and restore. Can you really reset them to feel better? – ABC News
Videos that have helped me understand the vagus nerve, and utilize its benefits are included below. Remember to always check with your health care professional before making any radical changes to your lifestyle or treatment plan.
(2mins) Vagus Nerve Qigong Exercises for Emotional Regulation – YouTube
(4 mins) Vagus Nerve Exercises for Relaxation (youtube.com)
(12 mins) Vagus Nerve Stimulation | 3 Quick Exercises for Anxiety & Stress (youtube.com)
(15 mins) Vagus Nerve Stimulation – 3 Tricks to Stop Anxiety Fast (youtube.com)
(15 mins) Vagus Nerve Massage For Stress And Anxiety Relief (youtube.com)
Knowledge is power – so stay curious about your Vagus Nerve.
Take care, Linda x
The Mindful Migraine 
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