The vagus nerve

At the base of your brain is your brain stem, essentially between your ears, containing a group of 12 nerves called the Cranial Nerves. Collectively they are responsible for your main senses, and many vital body functions. This includes sight, smell, hearing, taste, swallowing, tongue movement, your vocal cords, sensation of your face and lips, & neck movement. The Vagus nerve is numbered 10, is part of the autonomic nervous system, and plays a primary role in controlling essentially all of your organs from your heart and lungs, right down to the end part of your large intestine. Its activity is called parasympathetic, (blue below) and brings these organs into a relaxed, functional state. It is more pronounced when you sleep, when regeneration is most active, and is turned down when you get a fright, or are under stress.   

The opposing nerve activity is called sympathetic, and is the information carried over your spinal nerves, primarily in your thoracic and upper lumbar spine (red above). The balance of parasympathetic and sympathetic activity will reflect then if you are in danger, stressed, exercising, or if you are relaxed & sleeping. The balance will also reflect your overall state of health. 

IGNORED NO MORE  

In Chiropractic we have seen the affect that an adjustment can have on your nervous system, specifically your Vagus nerve, mainly as so many patients report improvement in organ function. This can range from improved heart health, reduced lung problems including asthma, settling of digestive issues, and perhaps surprisingly improvement in fertility. We’ve argued that paying particular attention to Atlas, the first vertebra in your neck, plays a significant role here since your brain stem sits partially within it. Medicine has never really questioned Vagus’ function, but in recent times has finally realised its significance. Firstly because a balanced state of activity appears to play a significant role in your quality of life. Secondly because about 80% of the nerve fibres are actually sensory, the so-called gut-brain is now receiving a huge amount of attention.  

VAGAL TONE  

In a relaxed state it is possible to monitor your heart rate, and note small variations in speed as you breathe in and out. Researchers have concluded that if the difference is small then your Vagal Tone is low, and is a negative indicator for mental and physical health. Conversely, if the difference is large / high, then your body has a much better chance of functioning well.  

While we do not have the equipment to perform this exam, its availability is improving. Be aware though that a proper relaxed preparation is essential for the test to have any value.

THE GUT-BRAIN  

Different parts of your body have their own network of nerves, called ‘Plexus’. You have one in your pelvis, the Solar plexus, for your heart and lungs, in your throat, and head. Some of these also represent the Chakras and play an important role in the stress management / meditation information that we provide for our patients.  

The Vagus along with the plexus surrounding your gut is now the focus of research in multiple fields, since medicine has realised that your body is not a collection of different parts, rather an interconnected 'whole' that interacts with itself. 

An example is how your body reacts if you eat something that is ‘off’. The nerves in your stomach and gut react to the infection, and coordinate with your brain a range of responses to eliminate the toxin as quickly as possible. This is your autonomic nervous system in action. What you notice is your symptoms might include the need either to vomit, &/or rush to the toilet, sweating, & increased heart rate / breathing.When you realise this, it´s clear how distorted our health system has become when we take medication to try and stop these symptoms.  

The overall state of your digestive system is monitored by your Vagus nerve, and is fed to your brain for integration into your behaviour. If your diet is not great, perhaps too many carbohydrates, the wrong fats, too little fibre, your gut can become inflamed. Parkinson’s researchers are now speculating that this inflammation is transmitted to the brain via the Vagus, and starts the inflammation there which can lead to this debilitating neurological disorder.  

In children, the same state of the gut appears to play a significant role in behavioural & learning disorders like ADHD and autism.   

Inflammation is now identified as the primary first step in nearly 90% of all illnesses, and a poor diet starts it off. If this starts in your gut, then the Vagus is likely involved in the process somehow.

STRESS / DEPRESSION  

It seems that many psychological conditions are also linked to your gut, and therefore with your Vagus. For example you’ve probably experienced how high stress can cause you to go the toilet, or that knot / butterflies sensation in your stomach. The hormones released by these conditions often then adversely affect normal digestion and your immune system. In a vicious cycle this then feeds back to your brain to reinforce the condition. 

WATCH THIS SPACE  

We’re likely to see many more researchers delve into this part of your body. You can wait to see what is discovered as the years roll by, or trust us that there is no time to wait. Take action to make sure your nervous system is functioning as well as possible, and in balance. We’re convinced that chiropractic will help you achieve this.