7 Ways to Support the Vagus Nerve and Improve Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

soothing vagus nerve

The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that activates the parasympathetic nervous system and increases levels of oxytocin and the calming neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Supporting the vagus nerve and thereby improving parasympathetic tone promotes relaxation, sleep, digestion, and healing.

Activating the parasympathetic nervous system dials down the sympathetic nervous system or fight-or-flight response. In that way, the vagus nerve acts as a built-in “stress-reset button.”

Heart rate variability (HRV)

An easy way to assess parasympathetic tone is to measure heart rate variability (HRV), which is the degree to which the intervals between heartbeats vary from heartbeat to heartbeat. You can measure HRV with a Bluetooth heart rate monitor combined with an app for your smartphone.

Higher heart rate variability (i.e. a less regular heartbeat) is associated with better digestion, reduced inflammation, increased emotional resilience, and a longer lifespan. High HRV means your resting heart rate is lower and your parasympathetic nervous system is responding and adapting to your breath and other stimuli In other words, higher heart rate variability is a sign that your nervous system is in a state of resilience.

Lower heart rate variability (reduced vagal tone), on the other hand, is associated with negative mood and inflammation.

Heart rate variability.

Devices that stimulate the vagus nerve stimulation have been approved as a novel treatment for depression and migraines.

👉 Tip: The cervix is innervated by the vagus nerve, which is why the cervix is involved in achieving orgasm and possibly why some women experience anxiety from an IUD. (The statement about IUDs is only my theory at this stage. I welcome your comments.)

Because higher vagal tone boosts oxytocin and feelings of altruism, some researchers refer to the vagus nerve as the love nerve or compassion nerve. According to Dr Dacher Keltner, vagus activation is the source of the warm, expansive feeling in our chests when we experience (or even think about) human kindness.

7 ways to stimulate the vagus nerve and improve heart rate variability

You can calm your vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system by sending signals of calm and safety.

Finally, new research has suggested that oxytocin may be helpful for weight loss and maintaining healthy bones.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

21 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
21
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x