Vagus Nerve Affects Healing

Vagus Nerve Control

I read an article recently that describes the experience of a woman who suffered from severe, debilitating rheumatoid arthritis and her eventual treatment with a device which minimized inflammation by simply stimulating the vagus nerve. Since the vagus nerve affects healing and function and works through the parasympathetic nervous system, we can greatly influence inflammation and the immune system. The role of the brain on body inflammation can be profound.  We are regularly told that our patients have improvement in their digestion, immune function, energy levels and of course, decreased levels of pain.  The vagus nerve affects healing, and the theory for now, at least until more research is done, is that chiropractic adjustments have a positive influence on the vagus nerve.

What is the vagus nerve?

First of all, the vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body which originates in the brain as cranial nerve 10 (there are 12 cranial nerves), travels down from the neck and then passes around the digestive system, liver, spleen, pancreas, heart and lungs.  This nerve is a major player in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the ‘rest, digest and heal’ part (opposite to the sympathetic nervous system which is ‘fight or flight’).

Vagal tone

The ‘tone’ of the vagus nerve is key to activating the parasympathetic nervous system.  Vagal tone is measured by tracking your heart-rate alongside your breathing rate.  Your heart-rate speeds up a little when you breathe in, and slows down a little when you breathe out.  The bigger the difference between your inhalation heart-rate and your exhalation heart-rate, the higher your vagal tone.  Higher vagal tone means that your body can relax faster after stress.

The Vagus Nerve Affects Healing

We know the vagus nerve affects healing and high vagal tone improves the function of many body systems, causing better blood sugar regulation, reduced risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, improved digestion via better production of stomach basic and digestive enzymes, and reduced migraines.  Higher vagal tone is also associated with better mood, less anxiety and more stress resilience. One of the most interesting roles of the vagus nerve is that it essentially reads the gut microbiome (collection of healthy bacteria) and initiates a response to control inflammation based on whether or not it detects good or bad organisms.  In this way, the gut microbiome can have an affect on your mood, stress levels and overall inflammation.
…..over

What is low vagal tone associated with?

Low vagal tone is associated with cardiovascular conditions and strokes, depression, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, cognitive impairment, and much higher rates of inflammatory conditions.  Inflammatory conditions include all autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, endometriosis, autoimmune thyroid conditions, lupus and more).

How do we increase vagal tone?

In the article, vagal tone was increased through a device that stimulated the vagus nerve.  The good news is that you have access to this on your own, but it does require regular practice.  To some degree, you are genetically predisposed to varying levels of vagal tone, but this still doesn’t mean that you can’t change it. Here are some ways to tone the vagus nerve:
1.  Get adjusted!  It’s not well understood what impact a chiropractic adjustment has on the vagus nerve, but for now we have to scientifically extrapolate.  There appears to be fairly consistent improvement in its function through chiropractic adjustments, which is why we see so many areas of improved function that are not directly related to the musculoskeletal system.
2.  Slow, rhythmic, diaphragmatic breathing –  Breathing from your diaphragm (belly breathing), rather than shallowly from the top of the lungs stimulates and tones the vagus nerve.
3.  Humming – Since the vagus nerve is connected to the vocal cords, humming mechanically stimulates it.  You can hum a song, or repeat the sound ‘OM’.
4.  Speaking – Similarly speaking is helpful for vagal tone, due to the connection to the vocal cords.
5.  Washing your face with cold water – The mechanism here is not known, but cold water on your face stimulates the vagus nerve.vagus nerve affects healing
6.  Meditation – Especially loving kindness meditation which promotes feelings of goodwill towards yourself and others.  A 2010 study by Barbara Fredrickson and Bethany Kik found that increasing positive emotions led to increased social closeness, and an improvement in vagal tone.
7.  Balancing your gut microbiome – The presence of healthy bacteria in the gut creates a positive feedback loop through the vagus nerve, increasing its tone.
Click here to watch a video Dr. Neil made about vagus nerve stimulation.

Appointments

We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Request an appointment today!

Request An Appointment

  • Dr. Neil is one of best chiropractors, very thorough and professional, he uses the natural authentic techniques in treatment. Once you start the treatment you will start feeling the difference from a day one as your pain will start fading away, All aspects of the services are top notch and I appreciate the care and customer service I received.

    Mohamed S. Avatar
    Mohamed S.
    2/03/2023
  • Knowledgeable, listens to me and very approachable

    Denise H. Avatar
    Denise H.
    12/14/2022
  • Dr. Neil has provided outstanding and efficient care for my whole family. From our very first visit we noticed better quality of sleep, increased comfort, resolved headaches, and improved mobility. I am especially grateful for the way Dr. Neil has welcomed us on short notice when urgent needs have arisen and for his follow up care. Our quality of life is much better because of Dr. Neil.

    T K. Avatar
    T K.
    11/29/2022
  • Neil is a kind, super efficient and caring Chiropractor as is his staff

    Angie L. Avatar
    Angie L.
    11/22/2022
  • EXCELLENT CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY(not sure about family pets lol) When I came to Dr. Neil I was having problems with a very tight left hip flexor, pain in my left knee, sciatica and some back issues. I’ve been a patient for about two years and recommend this practice to all my family and friends. Since then all areas of concern are much better; some of the symptoms are completely gone. I feel part of the family! Dr.Neil is a true professional who makes himself accessible to his patients even outside of office hours. He and his team take wholistic approach and have created an atmosphere health and healing that is tangible when you walk in the door and Deb greets you. They are very accommodating with scheduling and always manage to find the time to squeeze me in, in an emergency. I never have to wait long. They’ve adjusted me through some really challenging seasons in my life. He and his team love what they do and they love helping their patients, giving back to the community and also abroad. My sister who was visiting from California and she loves Dr Neil because he was able to provide some care until she returned home. Turns out Dr Neil knows her chiropractor...go figure. Go you won’t be disappointed!

    Julia H. Avatar
    Julia H.
    11/22/2022
  • Dr. Neil is highly recommanded to anyone who has back pain, neck pain, or etc. I visited him for my lower back pain. I bear with the pain for a while then eventually I was having hard time walking, sitting, standing, even sleeping. Dr. Neil went through assessments and x-ray for the pain then he explains me the result very nice and easy to understand. He also prepared his video on youtube to support his patients. With all of these, I felt the first time that this doctor really cares about his patients and has passion of his job. Even though I am only been with him a month and half, my lower back pain definitely got much better and as well as neck pain. And of course I cannot forget about Deb and Sue. Thank you Deb that you replied me very quick on the first day for booking an assessment. Thank you Sue that you were very friendly for the assessment.

    Jessica L. Avatar
    Jessica L.
    11/15/2022
  • Dr. Neil is very accommodating. The office space is peaceful, and the staff is kind. Thank you Ancaster Family for everything you have done for myself and my family.

    Mary L. Avatar
    Mary L.
    11/15/2022
  • Any resistance I had to chiropractic treatment, due to past experiences, has disappeared thanks to Dr. Neil Brown and his very capable, kind staff. From the detailed initial assessment, the thorough explanation of the treatment plan including online tutorials and weekly newsletters, the extremely efficient self check-in and dual treatment beds resulting in little to no wait time at each appointment, makes for a very positive experience. I would highly recommend Ancaster Family Chiropractic to family and friends!

    Karen P. Avatar
    Karen P.
    11/15/2022
  • Dr. Neil is an amazing chiropractor. He is very personable, professional and knowledgeable. The team is all so warm and welcoming. Also, Dr. Neil goes out of his way to make sure I'm on the right track for my healing. For example, one time when a particular area of my body was causing me some pain. He adjusted me, gave me some exercises to do and asked me to let him know how I was feeling in a couple of days.

    Rich&Alex D. Avatar
    Rich&Alex D.
    11/15/2022
  • Excellent with young children!

    Vanessa R. Avatar
    Vanessa R.
    11/14/2022
  • I have had strong pain in my arm for months and thanks to Dr. Neil Brown and his friendly team they have helped me get back to the things I enjoy in life without as much pain.

    Kay W. Avatar
    Kay W.
    11/14/2022
  • Impressively efficient adjustment system. No wait or short wait. Very friendly staff. Never had an issue rescheduling appointments. You will feel and see the difference with your posture over time. Highly recommend :)

    Sean D. Avatar
    Sean D.
    11/11/2022
  • A huge thanks to Dr. Neil and all the staff at Ancaster Family Chiropractic for the all of the care they have provided for our son. We have noticed a decrease in his complaints of pain as well as an increase in his range of motion. We can already see the benefits and are grateful for their expertise!

    Jpod D. Avatar
    Jpod D.
    11/10/2022
  • It’s very interesting going in for an appointment after having some pain and the doctor notices where the pain is without saying it. Dr. Neil knows his patients and they are very flexible with appointments.

    ARNOLD R. Avatar
    ARNOLD R.
    8/22/2022
  • Sharing from my personal experience- I started a few months ago and I was having an annoying pain in my left shoulder and neck area prior starting, Dr. Neil helped me out a lot with that and I am really feeling relaxed and relieved from that annoying pain. My sleep schedule got improved. I highly recommend this place & Dr. Neil.

    Bhrigu M. Avatar
    Bhrigu M.
    8/09/2022
  • Really impressed with the quality of care my children are receiving. They are comfortable coming here & their sleep issues have improved. I also have issues with my wrist and hands & they kindly looked at my issue and gave me a quick adjustment free of charge.

    n/a w. Avatar
    n/a w.
    5/15/2022
  • The team at Ancaster Family Chiropractic are amazing. I've been seeing Dr. Neil for quite a few years now and am so glad I have. Dr. Neil's treatment plan has not only given me greater mobility I very rarely even get sick. I would highly recommend Dr. Neil if you're looking for a way to improve your health. Give Deb a call and make an appointment, you won't regret it. If you want to feel healthier this is the place to go.

    Kris C. Avatar
    Kris C.
    4/29/2022
  • After a few month treatment, my neck and shoulder feel much better and I can work in front of the computer much longer...Dr Neil is very knowledgeable and the staffs are very very friendly!

    Amanda P. Avatar
    Amanda P.
    4/24/2022
  • All my family (my wife, 3yr daughter and myself) have regularly treatments from Dr. Neil and his awesome team. Definitely a big improvement and highly recommend.

    HK M. Avatar
    HK M.
    4/24/2022
  • Started going too the Ancaster family chiropractic about a month ago with neck and mid to lower back pain. Now I'm having less pain and stiffness through out the week.They also put together a personal plan for the problems I was going through and walk me through how they were going to solve them

    colin p. Avatar
    colin p.
    4/24/2022

Call Us
Find Us
Call Us Text Us
Skip to content