Why your vagus nerve is the key to your vaginismus recovery

The vagus nerve has been gaining attention in recent years as researchers continue to uncover its importance in regulating bodily functions and maintaining overall health. This nerve, also known as the wandering nerve, is the longest nerve in the body and is responsible for a wide range of functions, including communication between the brain and different organs, sensory input, motor control, and immune system regulation.

The vagus nerve is a key cranial nerve in regulating your parasympathetic nervous system (your calming system). When the vagus nerve is healthy and active, it can help our body’s maintain an overall state of calm and relaxation, which is paramount for your vaginismus recovery!

Let’s delve deeper into how the vagus nerve operates and why it is crucial to perform vagal toning and vagus hygiene.

The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that emerges from the brainstem and extends down to the abdomen, passing through various organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, and intestines. The nerve is composed of both sensory and motor fibers, making it a two-way communicator.

The vagus nerve is divided into two branches, the dorsal and ventral vagus nerves. The dorsal vagus nerve controls the stomach, pancreas, and small intestines, while the ventral vagus nerve is responsible for the heart, lungs, and large intestines.

The vagus nerve is primarily responsible for maintaining a balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest and digest” response, while the sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. The vagus nerve acts as a mediator between these two systems, keeping them in balance and functioning properly.

The vagus nerve regulates heart rate, breathing, digestion, and immune function. It also plays a role in inflammation control, mood regulation, and stress response. The vagus nerve sends signals to the brain that help regulate these functions, and in turn, the brain sends signals back to the vagus nerve to adjust the body’s response.

A regulated nervous system is important for overall health and well-being. When the sympathetic nervous system is overly activated, it can lead to chronic stress, inflammation, and a variety of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and vaginismus!

On the other hand, when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, the body enters a state of relaxation and healing. The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in this process by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and dopamine, which promote feelings of calm and well-being. When our body is relaxed and calm, it better supports our pelvic floor muscles and reinforces these pesky muscles to remain calm and relaxed even in the face of fearful penetration.

So how can we promote vagal tone and improve our overall nervous system regulation? One way is through practicing vagus nerve toning & hygiene. This involves engaging in activities that stimulate the vagus nerve, such as deep breathing, vocalizations, and laughter. It also involves avoiding behaviors that can impair vagal tone, such as excessive alcohol consumption and poor sleep habits.

Vagal toning refers to techniques that stimulate the vagus nerve and improve its functioning. Vagus hygiene is a set of lifestyle practices that promote vagus nerve health and functioning. Both are essential to maintaining a healthy vagus nerve and a regulated nervous system.

Here are some examples of vagal toning techniques:

1. Deep breathing: Slow, deep breathing stimulates the vagus nerve and triggers the relaxation response.
2. Meditation: Meditation has been shown to increase vagal tone and reduce stress. I personally love breath prayer meditation!
3. Singing: Singing has been shown to increase heart rate variability and vagal tone.
4. Massage: Massage and bodywork can stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation.
5. Exercise: Exercise has been shown to increase vagal tone and reduce stress.

Vagus hygiene practices include:

1. A healthy diet: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, can support vagus nerve health.
2. Good sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for vagus nerve health and overall well-being.
3. Stress reduction: Reducing stress through meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques can promote vagus nerve health.
4. Social connections: Social connections have been shown to increase vagal tone and promote overall health.
5. Gratitude and positivity: Focusing on positive emotions and expressing gratitude can promote vagus nerve health and overall well-being.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can support your vagus nerve’s health and enhance your overall well-being. However, it’s important to note that these practices are not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms or have an underlying medical condition, be sure to consult with a healthcare provider.

The vagus nerve is an essential part of our nervous system that plays a critical role in regulating our bodily functions and maintaining our overall health. By practicing vagal toning and vagus hygiene, we can support our vagus nerve’s health and enhance our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Incorporating these practices into our daily routines can help us manage stress, reduce anxiety, and improve our overall quality of life.

Our Mind-Body-Sex Reset 12-week vaginismus recovery program is focused on vagal toning and vagus hygiene, as well as many other neuro-regulation techniques, to optimize your body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic harmonization to fully support your pelvis so you can heal from vaginismus once and for all! For more information on how to get your nervous system to work for you instead of against you, schedule a free consultation call!

References:

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4. McEwen, B. S. (2017). Neurobiological and systemic effects of chronic stress. Chronic stress, 1, 2470547017692328.
5. Tracey, K. J. (2007). Physiology and immunology of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Journal of clinical investigation, 117(2), 289-296.