The Vagus Nerve is the main nerve that works to calm the nervous system, otherwise known as our parasympathetic nervous system- the one that should be activated when we are eating, sleeping, resting, and relaxing. You have two Vagus Nerves in your body and it carries information from the brain to multiple organs of the thorax and abdomen. Interestingly, Vagus comes from the Latin word meaning “wanderer” and is the soothing force in our bodies, creating a symphony of calm amidst life’s storms. At our women’s health clinic, we recognize the profound impact of this nerve on our well-being and aim to harness its power for healing.
Understanding the Vagus Nerve
The Vagus Nerve is an extensive sensory network that tells the brain what is going on in our organs. The parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system are meant to work together- sometimes one will be more activated than the other, if we have overactivation of the parasympathetic nervous system we would rarely take action while if we have overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system then we have a hard time remaining calm- which often times gives our brain the message that we are in overdrive too much or not safe, which can result in tension and pain. It is important to note that most often, these systems activate automatically in our bodies, and if there is dysregulation, we may need to intervene!
The vagus nerve controls
- Breathing
- Heart rate
- Blood pressure
- Digestion
- Gut motility and reflexes (coughing, swallowing, vomiting)
- Survival behaviors (feeding, drinking, sickness responses)
- Inflammation, mood, and pain regulation
The Brain-Gut Connection
The brain-gut axis enables bi-direction connection between the brain and GI tract. It is responsible for monitoring the gut AND connecting the emotional and cognitive areas of the brain with intestinal functions, such as immune activation, intestinal permeability, and intestinal signaling. The brain, spinal cord, autonomic nervous system, and hormonal system is mediated by the vagus nerve! This is why it is essential to treat and intervene when and if needed. Recognizing this connection is pivotal in guiding our journey towards healing.
The Polyvagal Perspective
Polyvagal Theory is the blending of the social world and the physiological responses of the body defined by Dr. Dan Seigel. It is a framework to understand how our body responds to stress, danger, and safety. Additionally, this theory starts the conversation to understand our outputs as human beings through a biopsychosocial lens.
Healing Through Connecting
With the same automatic response from our body when it responds to stress, we can get hyper aroused (frantic/panic) or underaroused (shut down) states Dr. Pat Ogden. Those two opposing things are mediated by the nervous system and we commonly see this with patients.
Trauma can disrupt this delicate balance, trapping us in states of emotional shutdown or hyperarousal. Our mission is to guide you back to a place of safety, where connection replaces protection and resilience flourishes. By understanding our nervous system, we pave the path towards healing and restoration.
Healing in Action
At our clinic, we embrace a multidimensional approach to healing, collaborating with a diverse team of experts. From mental health therapists to craniosacral therapy, we curate a supportive ecosystem aimed at restoring balance to your nervous system. Through hands-on techniques and tailored interventions, we empower you to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
Benefits we have seen in patients with pelvic health issues:
- Improvement in intercourse
- Improvement as the benefits of pelvic floor interventions last longer
- Decrease in quantity and intensity of pain flare ups
- Improvement in pelvic health symptoms! Less leakage, pain, etc.
Embracing Wellness, Inside and Out
Pelvic health concerns are often intertwined with nervous system dysregulation, making it essential to address both the physical and emotional dimensions of healing. For example, two patients may present with pelvic pain, while one patient’s nervous system may be over active and the other patient’s nervous system may be shutting down and not active enough.
With hands-on physical therapy techniques, we strive to optimize vagal tone and promote holistic well-being for all our patients! This means our patients come out better able to handle and deal with the stressors life throws at us.
We believe the journey towards wellness is one that encompasses the intricate interplay between mind, body, and spirit. With the Vagus Nerve as our guide we begin navigating the ebb and flow of life with resilience, grace, and unwavering compassion.
