VNS

Although the body is a miraculous it is also flawed by the mind/body interaction. Every time we are put into a situation in the outside world, this triggers our body to react with a cascade of peptides that stimulate the nervous system. These peptides turn on the cells like a lock and a key. Whatever emotion that you are feeling sends a cascade of information throughout the body. Stress has a profound effect on the nervous system, which in turn affects the whole body.  

The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body, it is also known as the wandering nerve. The vagus nerve stimulates 80% of your bodies relaxation mode. The vagus nerve traverses down the front of the body and is connected all of our vital organs. When our sympathetic nervous system go into overdrive our survival mode kicks in resulting in fight, flight and freeze. It also signals to the HPA axis to release the stress hormone cortisol and adrenaline which courses through the body. When the vagus nerve is stimulated it "brakes" the autonomic nervous system to normalize the elevated HPA axis. This reduces the killer stress hormone cortisol and subsequent inflammation. 

High frequency is the main indicator of parasympathetic vagal nerve activity and vagal tone health. High frequency refers to the activity of the vagal nerve and subsequent vagal tone health. 

Low vagal tone is associated with increase increased stress vulnerability, lowered immune system and increased inflammation. Low vagal tone indicates prolonged stress or physical activity. 

The vagus nerve sends information from the gut to the brain so when you get that "gut feeling" you are dealing with the stress, anxiety or fear of the situation. 

*Enhanced vagal tone decreases inflammation by sending an anti-inflammatory signal to the rest of the body thus decreasing cortisol levels.

*There is a improvement in circulation and lymph flow.  

*Reduction in muscle tension and trigger point tenderness. These signals help the body to recover from stress and traumatizing situations. As stress is reduced pain also is reduced. 

*When vagal tone is increased the body is able to rest, recover and restore more quickly from stress.

*Reduced stress = decreased inflammation = pain reduction.