How the vagus nerve vagus affects us and how we can influence it

Many of us are familiar with the situation when a headache suddenly begins, a heaviness in the stomach is felt, the heartbeat quickens, and it becomes difficult to breathe. And all these symptoms appear for no reason, and then also suddenly disappear. This unpleasant condition is often associated with the vagus, the longest nerve in our body.

The vagus stretches from the intestines to the brain and has many branches. It interacts with internal organs, is responsible for the accumulation and expenditure of energy, our speech and controls reflexes. But it plays a major role in protecting the body in stressful situations and recovering from them. Modern medicine has learned to treat many diseases by acting on this nerve.

The vagus has four sections: head, cervical, thoracic and abdominal. The brain includes fibers that affect the ears and the dura mater of the brain. Problems with this part of the nerve cause headaches and hearing problems. The cervical region is directly connected to the muscles of the larynx and pharynx. In addition, it interacts with the thyroid gland. Disorders in this department lead to problems with swallowing and voice changes.

The thoracic vagus has two branches and plexuses responsible for the functioning of the esophagus and lungs. Problems in this part of the nerve cause irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. The abdominal part of the nerve interacts with the stomach, intestines and liver. Gastrointestinal disorders, vomiting and abdominal pain can be caused by malfunctions of the vagus.

Nerve problems can occur for many reasons. But most often they are associated with injuries, alcohol use and diabetes. Stress also negatively affects the vagus. To solve the problem, you can contact a neurologist, but there are ways to help yourself without resorting to medications and special procedures. The main thing to remember is that blaming everything on the vagus is dangerous - many of the unpleasant sensations we have listed can be caused by dangerous diseases.

The easiest way to tone the vagus is breathing exercises. Deep and slow breathing stimulates the nerve, and in addition helps to calm down, reduces blood pressure and normalizes the pulse. Cold showers also work well. Scientists have found that low temperatures have a beneficial effect on the vagus, normalizing its activity. If your health condition does not allow you to completely douse yourself with cold water, it is enough to immerse your hands and face in it.

Massage of the collar area helps with problems with the cervical vagus, as does laughter. Many people solve the problem of discomfort by sleeping on their right side. Among the unusual methods of therapy, singing is worth mentioning. Active work of the larynx and lungs increases nerve tone. Of course, playing sports saves you from troubles with the vagus - physical activity affects the entire parasympathetic nervous system and also improves immunity.

Using the methods listed above, you can quickly eliminate a problem that has been poisoning your life for many months or even years. Well, if you can’t cope with the vagus on your own, you should consult a doctor. Medicine knows many ways to alleviate an unpleasant condition or completely cure a person.