Vagus Nerve Breath

Vagus Nerve Breathing

The Vagus Nerve System acts to counterbalance the fight or flight system and can trigger a relaxation response in our body. It is one of the cranial nerves that connect the brain to the body. The vagus nerve is a major part of how our bodies and brains function; without it, our bodies wouldn’t be able to do basic tasks, and by stimulating it we can receive powerful health benefits. The moment we anticipate stress in any form, most of us tend to stop breathing and hold our breath. Breath holding activates the fight/flight/freeze response; it tends to increase the sensation of pain, stiffness, anxiety, or fear. One of the main ways that you can stimulate the healthy function of the vagus nerve is through deep, slow belly breathing. To do the deep slow belly breathing, inhale into your belly for a count of 4 seconds, your shoulders should not rise or fall with your breath. Next, hold that breath in your belly for 2 seconds. Last, exhale that breath from your belly for 6 seconds. Repeat as necessary!