The Key to Healing: The Vagus Nerve

Since the 1800s, the presence of the vagus nerve in our bodies has been known, and in recent years, its value has been recognized. What is this vagus nerve, and what is its significance in our bodies? What are the consequences if it doesn't function properly, and what are the methods to ensure its proper functioning? When you find the answers to these questions, you realize that the vagus nerve plays a crucial role as a key to our healing journey and a healthy, happy life.

The term "vagus" originates from Latin, meaning 'wandering.' The vagus nerve acts like a communication channel starting from our brain and spreading throughout our entire body. It is the longest nerve in our body. We refer to it as a communication channel because, as you'll see later in the text, it shares signals between our body and brain.

Briefly, our nervous system divides into two:

• Central Nervous System: Comprising the brain and spinal cord, it processes information and generates responses.

• Peripheral Nervous System: Including all nerves outside the central nervous system, it divides into: a. Somatic Nervous System: Responsible for voluntary movements. For instance, when you decide to exercise and do so. b. Autonomic Nervous System: Governing involuntary body functions such as heart rate, breathing, digestion, and blood pressure, among others. It further divides into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The vagus nerve, which we'll focus on today, is a vital part of the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in the 'fight or flight' mode, while the vagus nerve represents the 'rest and digest' mode. The parasympathetic nervous system is crucial for our healthy and happy life.

At Vitalica Wellness, through our research and experiences, we've seen the significant role of the vagus nerve in our physical and mental well-being. As we described it as a 'communication channel' earlier, the vagus nerve travels through our entire body, sharing signals from our internal organs with our brain, essentially facilitating a dialogue between them. For example, during emotional states like depression or anxiety, when our nervous system operates in the sympathetic mode, the vagus nerve cannot function effectively. Consequently, the dialogue between the brain and the intestines, mediated by the vagus nerve, disrupts, affecting the digestive system's functioning.

Based on our experiences, we, at Vitalica Wellness, decided to prioritize not only physical but also mental health in our detox programs. In one of our previous articles, we emphasized the importance of gut health and gut cleansing. A happy gut leads to a happy body, and a healthy gut ensures a healthy body.

In all Vitalica Wellness detox programs, the intestinal cleansing procedure conducted with Angel Of Water is included free of charge. This procedure not only cleanses your intestines but also ensures the healthy functioning of your vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve also plays a significant role in mental health. When the vagus nerve functions properly, the cortisol levels in our body decrease, reducing stress levels. Therefore, the healthy functioning of the vagus nerve is also addressed in depression treatments.

We can identify if our vagus nerve isn't functioning properly through the following symptoms:

• Digestive Disorders

• Anxiety

• Migraines

• Obesity

• Immune System Disorders

• Epilepsy

• Chronic Hoarseness

• Low Blood Pressure

• Irregular Heartbeat

We know there are multiple methods to ensure the healthy functioning of the vagus nerve. In fact, our latest program, Mindfulness Yoga and Breath, is specifically designed to provide a break from your stressful and busy life and activate your parasympathetic nervous system.

So, what are the methods to activate the vagus nerve?

• Yoga: Yoga sessions, integrated with gentle, breath-controlled asanas (poses), are one of the most important methods to stimulate the vagus nerve. The calm and deep breaths during the sessions play a significant role in activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Join our daily yoga class at 09:30 at Vitalica Wellness; don't miss it.

• Meditation: Meditation sessions focusing on breath also promote the healthy functioning of the vagus nerve. As discussed in our article on Mindfulness, meditation helps reduce the activation of the amygdala, the center of anxiety and worry, facilitating the transition to the parasympathetic nervous system.

• Massage: Massages that relax the body and stimulate the nervous system greatly aid in activating the vagus nerve and are essential for overall health. At Vitalica Wellness, our expert team has prepared various massage treatments and rituals for your well-being.

• Acupuncture: Acupuncture not only promotes relaxation in the treated areas but also assists in the healthy functioning of the vagus nerve. Its benefits extend beyond this, and you can contact Istanbul Vitalica Wellness for more information on the various advantages of acupuncture.

• Reflexology: Massaging specific points on the soles of the feet stimulates the vagus nerve significantly, promoting its activation.

While experiencing all these applications at Vitalica Wellness in Bodrum, our entire team will be delighted to accompany you.

Let's say hello together to a happy and healing life with a healthy and properly functioning vagus nerve.