What Is the Vagus Nerve? Functions and Benefits Explained Keyword: Vagus Nerve

Healthy Mind

The vagus nerve is one of the most important nerves in your body. It connects your brain to your heart, lungs, gut, and other organs. This nerve plays a key role in regulating stress, digestion, inflammation, and mood. Understanding the vagus nerve and its functions can help you improve your mental and physical health.

Why the Vagus Nerve Matters

A well-functioning vagus nerve helps your body stay balanced. It supports:

  • Digestion: improves gut function, nutrient absorption, and gut microbiome health

  • Heart: lowers heart rate and balances blood pressure

  • Lungs: regulates breathing for relaxation

  • Brain: supports focus, memory, and emotional stability

  • Immune system: reduces inflammation and enhances immune response

A weak or unbalanced vagus nerve increases the risk of anxiety, depression, digestive problems, fatigue, inflammation, and irregular heart rate.

Signs of Vagus Nerve Dysfunction

Symptoms of vagus nerve dysfunction include:

  • Persistent anxiety or feeling on edge

  • Digestive problems such as bloating, reflux, constipation, or nausea

  • Dizziness or fainting

  • Chronic fatigue and low energy

  • Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness

  • Loss of appetite or unexplained weight changes

 

How to Reset the Vagus Nerve

You can naturally support and reset your vagus nerve with somatic tools. Practicing these daily strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system and restores balance:

  • Deep belly breathing: inhale 4, exhale 6-8, lowers stress and improves digestion

  • Humming, chanting, or singing: stimulates the vagus nerve through throat vibrations

  • Cold exposure: Splash cold water on your face to activate the vagus nerve

  • Yoga twists or cat-cow stretches: support digestion and reduce tension

  • Grounding exercises: press your feet into the floor, shake, or tap your body to reduce stress

 

Addressing Root Causes of Mental Health

Focusing on root causes of mental health issues, including vagus nerve dysfunction, provides longer-lasting results than relying solely on antidepressants. Correcting underlying imbalances improves mood, digestion, stress resilience, and overall wellness.

Work With Functional Mind LLC

Dr. Achina Stein at Functional Mind LLC helps patients identify root causes of health challenges and restore balance using functional medicine. Her personalized approach targets both physical and mental health.

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