Ways to stimulate the vagus nerve for chronic pain
Published on Nov 17, 2023 06:00 AM IST
- From gargling to deep breathing, here are a few ways of stimulating the vagus nerve.
1 / 6
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Nov 17, 2023 06:00 AM IST
The vagus nerve is the main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system. When we stimulate the main nerve, the body begins the process of healing itself from chronic pain. "When you focus on stimulating the vagus nerve, you’re sending messages to the body that it is safe to rest and sending messages to the brain to turn down the dial on pain," wrote Therapist Faith Abbott. Here are a few ways to stimulate the nervous system. (Unsplash)
2 / 6
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Nov 17, 2023 06:00 AM IST
When we gargle, we stimulate the vocal cords and create vibrations in the muscle fibres – this helps the stimulation of the vagus nerve. (Unsplash)
3 / 6
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Nov 17, 2023 06:00 AM IST
Right light therapy has been effective in stimulating mitochondrial activity – this further can help in optimising cellular processes. (Unsplash)
4 / 6
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Nov 17, 2023 06:00 AM IST
When we sleep on our right side, the weight of the heart can create pressure on the vagus nerve and activate it. (Unsplash)
5 / 6
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Nov 17, 2023 06:00 AM IST
When we practice deep breathing, it changes the pressure in the chest cavity. This sends a signal to the brain to turn off pain. (Unsplash)
6 / 6
View Photos in a new improved layout
Published on Nov 17, 2023 06:00 AM IST